No Need for Two Men and a Truck

Late teens. Early twenties. Mid twenties. Late twenties. All prime times to move. A person’s first move from home to a college dorm. Then from a college dorm to a college apartment. One or two moves in between. Then another once college ends and when a job begins. My friends and I are at the stage of life where we move a lot and after spending 10 hours helping a friend move, I’ve got tidbits for those who are about to embark on moves of their own.

Expect It To Take All Day

Moving takes time. You never really know how much stuff you have until it is time to box it up, load a vehicle, drive to the new place and unload. It is best to mentally prepare for a full day of moving so that you don’t get disheartened as day turns to night and you are still loading up the van. My friends started at 1:30pm. I joined at 2:30 and didn’t get home until nearly 12:30am. We took two trips with a loaded Uhaul and with the back of my Rav4 filled as well. Our last load included the remnants of clothing, kitchen supplies and mirrors, which filled up just a small portion of the Uhaul. We desperately wanted to get it all to fit in the second load but it wasn’t in the cards. Accept defeat, get moving, and keep on trucking. It is necessary. 

Dress Accordingly

Moving is essentially a full day at the gym so dress for a workout. I had on yoga capris, an Aerie sports bra and a tank. I started in flip flops but quickly ditched them for gym shoes because carrying bookcases and kitchen chairs really require steady footing. Plus, it is very common that something falls as you’re carrying it or it falls in the van and if your feet aren’t covered, it will hurt. Dress for success. 

Eat and Hydrate

Start with a full belly and lots of water! I went out to lunch with a friend who had just moved to Pittsburgh before moving time. I had a delicious southwest chicken wrap and kaleslaw to energize. It was necessary because I had lunch at 1pm and dinner wasn’t until about 8:30. Be sure to have water and your caffeinated beverage of choice, too. After we unloaded the Uhaul for the first time, I stopped by Starbucks for a trenta ice water and venti black iced coffee. Incredibly necessary.

Have Fun

Make sure you have a good moving team assembled! Our team included three girls. No men needed (although they would have made it a touch easier). We jammed out to music as we packed boxes and laughed as we nearly dropped cabinets on our toes as we played Tetris with everything in the back of the van. We had a pizza, greek salad, french fries and chicken tenders dinner feast before finishing up the last load. Laugh a lot. Hold a jam session. Have fun.