moving day (a how-to picture story)

First... you gather and package all of your "stuff."

It will probably take a lot of boxes.

As you pack boxes, you should also sort out things you no longer want/need.

Try to gather all of the items to be moved into one or two central places.

Then, celebrate the completion of packing(!) and take a moment to recognize the end of an era (i.e. you must say good-byes to this place where you have spent all sorts of life moments. It's okay to be a little sappy).

{In this instance, we walked to Sheetz after dark and "spent" a coupon to acquire a free cup of chocolate ice cream to share.}

After the ice cream, you sleep.

...

The next day, you rent a truck.

As part of your good-byes, you may choose to have one final breakfast together on the patio.

{We did.}

If you choose to do the breakfast, be sure not to pack the toaster too early!

Of course, tea is a necessity as well.

Soon, all of the strong and diligent friends you invited to assist will arrive.

It's optional whether or not you want to invite a foreman.

{We had an adorable three-year-old foreman giving cautionary orders that her daddy "be careful," and offering to help carry small items to be packed.}

The packing may only take less than an hour.

(Make sure the plants and chocolates have a safe place to travel.)

Once you arrive at your new residence, unload items and pile them in their final destination rooms.

Return truck to rental location (don't forget to top off the fuel on the way).

If you're like us, it is early in the day (moving only took 2 hours), so you have plenty of time to clean, organize, and begin unpacking.

After taking inventory of the haves and have-nots at your new place... you may need to make a trip to Target to purchase the necessary have-nots.

{One may have guessed we had never lived on our own previously judging from our cart full of necessary items. However, marrying off a roomie, and having spent a year in a fully furnished house accounts for a lack of certain must-have household items...}

Once necessary supplies are purchased (and you have eaten at a restaurant, because your kitchen is still not set up), go home (to your new home, that is) and clean.clean.clean (the toilet, the tub, the kitchen sink, the counters, all light switches, etc.) before unpacking your "stuff."

That's pretty much it.

Very simple, actually.

And if you're like me, you can get up the next morning and make the ten hour drive home.

{I probably wouldn't recommend you plan to do that part of the story, even if your move is simple!}