Moving is a pretty big deal. I know I am not the only one that feels that way. I've asked friends to share some tidbits and tips about moving.
Do you like to read? Then you will love today's guest Karey, from Mackin Ink. Karey writes beautifully and is no stranger to moving. Spend the rest of your afternoon reading her blog after you read this, of course.
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Q. Where was your move from and to?
A. We've spent most of our girlies' lives overseas in the Middle East, but had been back in the Washington DC area for a little over two years. We never stay that long...anywhere! So we were itchy. All of us, even though one of us - Grae-Rose, the self-proclaimed queen of her sixth grade and you do NOT leave when you are queen of a place! - did not yet know it. My husband called home one day and said "Jakarta!" and I squealed and said "Yes!" and then I immediately looked on a map to find out where in the world that place was. I swallowed my fear of small islands surrounded by water and probably tsunamis and said "YES!" even louder the second time.
Q. How old were your kids at the time of the move, and how did you tell them you were moving?
A. Lillie Kate is 13, Grae is 12, and Esme is six. But my philosophy has been the same since they were babies on up with our very first move from Texas to Virginia to Oman and to Jordan and now to Indonesia. I'm of the mindset that we're all in this together. What I know, they know. And when I know, they know, too. We've been like that with them from the beginning, and I have to say it makes for resilient kids.They know what's coming, they're never blind-sided, and I think at some point they begin to trust that everything we do and everywhere we move will be a lovely process and place.
Q. What were some of the challenges with the move, and how did you overcome them?
A. I don't acknowledge challenges. It's a problem, but I prefer to look at all the crazy fresh inspiration we are going to be gifted, and have faith that the rest will work itself out. It always does. Although there was one move from Jordan to the States when we were a million pounds overweight on our allowed shipment, which translated to about four thousand dollars. That one hurt. My husband kept looking at me with total incredulity when our shipment finally arrived. "This? This is what we paid to ship? Oh, thank God we packed THIS." ("This" was usually plastic and crappy and promptly donated or pitched.) It wasn't a pretty few weeks. He is still bitter, BUT he now contributes more to the packing process! So there is always a silver lining in this cloud of insanity that seems to follow me around!
Q. How have you embraced your new town?
A. Easily. Everyone smiles here, and it's easy to stay in a good mood when that is happening. Even in traffic. Also, I say yes to everything. Even when it makes me feel whoa-am-I-way-out-of-my-
Q. Do you have and tips for another mom moving her family?
A. Be honest about everything. Your worries, your excitement, and your hopes. And pack pretty things to sprinkle around your new digs as soon as you get there to make it look insta-happy. I brought mosquito netting canopies, a shiny garland, soft pillowcases, sparkly decals, and quality art supplies in my suitcase. Little things like that make the experience feel like a holiday of sorts. Because who doesn't love a life masquerading as a holiday?
Want more moving tips? Read these...
