Moving Tips From The Smith Family!

Moving Tips from Norman and Susan

After 24 years as missionaries, 4 years of prefield and 20 years in Japan, we have had a lot of experience with moving! Here are a few tips and tricks we have picked up on the way.

Make a list – stuff you need to do before leaving

Set short goals – “I will sort/pack until 4 PM today.” Gives you a sense of accomplishment and focused purpose. After that time, you can relax. 

Wear old clothes you hate the final day before leaving. Throw them away instead of taking dirty clothes! If you have other old stuff, wear that, too, so you can toss it along the way. (2-day drive)

Think through your itinerary. (Leave Grandma’s; visit supporting church; drive half-way to AL; drive rest of the way.) Pack stuff deep that you don’t need.

Clean out your car before packing day.

Pack small bags to fit in the car. Remember spaces under seats.

Vacuum-sealed bags are great, but they get heavy fast. Cause suitcase (cartop) get heavy!

Soft bags pack space easier than hard ones (boxes).

Plan your clothes carefully, to be used multi-purposefully (Sunday pants turned travel)

Make sure everyone has stuff to do on long trips. Kindles, audio books, etc.

Have snacks (granola bars, cereal bars, trail mix, thermos of water). Cheaper!

Stopping every 2 hours is better than going longer during stops. You feel better.

Going overseas, have a library card from overseas to borrow e-books. Especially for kids!

If you are stressed, your family will be stressed. Try to find ways to relax together.

If moving from house, if you can sleep elsewhere for even a week before moving, it’s hugely helpful. Don’t cook, either. Order in, eat out, etc, to save Mom’s nerves!

Other people helping is not always helpful.