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I have to move because of an abusive marriage. I'm sad to leave my home of fifteen years even though I know once I'm back with my family I will be happy I believe. I have to pack up my house by myself and I'm totally overwhelmed. I have not even started, but, I have about three weeks. I pretty much just need to pack my very extensive wardrobe collection, books exc., but, still.......HELP.
Prioritize. Do you need ALL of your very extensive wardrobe? Section things off. When you say you have 3 weeks, does that mean the other spouse will be at the house (so he is aware you are leaving), or that he is out and coming back in 3 weeks?
Regardless, prioritize and section it off. Do you have to split a full household (kitchen, living room, etc) or just your own stuff (clothes, basic necessities)? Go room by room, make a list of what needs to be packed and move to the next room until all is listed. Then prioritize it from most important/can't do without to least/stuff you'd be ok if you forget.
Now would be a good time to purge purge purge some of your stuff, especially if you will be living with somebody else for a few months while you get back on your feet, assuming you wont go straight into getting your own place. You mention that you will have family support... in that case, call them up and ask for advice or assistance packing.
Prioritize. Do you need ALL of your very extensive wardrobe? Section things off. When you say you have 3 weeks, does that mean the other spouse will be at the house (so he is aware you are leaving), or that he is out and coming back in 3 weeks?
Regardless, prioritize and section it off. Do you have to split a full household (kitchen, living room, etc) or just your own stuff (clothes, basic necessities)? Go room by room, make a list of what needs to be packed and move to the next room until all is listed. Then prioritize it from most important/can't do without to least/stuff you'd be ok if you forget.
Now would be a good time to purge purge purge some of your stuff, especially if you will be living with somebody else for a few months while you get back on your feet, assuming you wont go straight into getting your own place. You mention that you will have family support... in that case, call them up and ask for advice or assistance packing.
Thanks....spouse is totally gone as in restraining order gone. My family lives a distance away so they will only be able to make one trip up to bring everything in their trucks although they are giving me phone support. Otherwise I like your ideas! Thanks.
Also, pack a little each day. Start with books and DVDs, stuff you don't need right now. Once you go through your clothes, pack the off season stuff. A little at a time makes it not seem so overwhelming.
Good luck!
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It can be depressing to move sometimes. That is when you switch gears, and treat it like a job.
You have to be to "work" at 0900, so get up, take a shower, put on some decent jeans, do your hair and make up, eat breakfast, crank up the music, and start on one room. The stuff goes in two places, toss or keep. Break at 12, for an hour. Back to work at 1300. No breaks until 1600.
Write a list. Go for a walk, have some fresh air, eat a light dinner, and make a list of tasks for next day...this is a job. One room a day.
It can be depressing to move sometimes. That is when you switch gears, and treat it like a job.
You have to be to "work" at 0900, so get up, take a shower, put on some decent jeans, do your hair and make up, eat breakfast, crank up the music, and start on one room. The stuff goes in two places, toss or keep. Break at 12, for an hour. Back to work at 1300. No breaks until 1600.
Write a list. Go for a walk, have some fresh air, eat a light dinner, and make a list of tasks for next day...this is a job. One room a day.
you're a tough task master,Jasper But I like how you think. I'm about to make a move from one coast to the other.....can you please come help me???
Ha! I have my own move going on...out of here in30 days, and I have no days off from work. Plus, SO thinks that some magical elves will show up and do all the work...
This month is going to be Hell. I already know it.
Saturday, I am cranking up the Led Zepplin, Aerosmith, Queen, and rocking the house. Bring it on! I actually wear gloves, this keeps me on task. I am working. I have leather work gloves to wear. Gloves on, work begins.
I am sorry about your marriage. I hope happier times are ahead and it is nice you are moving near family. I agree with others that this is a good time to get rid of items you will not use so either sell them or give them away to charity.
Do you have a friend near by that can help you or even to just call for support?
Even when all is good moving is stressful so add what you are dealing with it becomes even more. I do feel you will feel better when it is done so possibly if you can start today. Often putting things off just drags out the stress.
When I had to pack up and leave I hired someone to help me. You'd be surprised how little it actually winds up costing. I was moving across the ocean from Hawaii to Arizona, so it was not a trivial move. I found someone who was semi-retired and receiving some pension or social security money already. She loved loved loved to organize, pack and motivate people. She was an absolute Godsend. Having her show up in the morning at 9AM (I had to have my quiet time first) made me get up and get going.
Ask around and see if there are any sprightly retirees who would like a little project and some extra cash. I think all told it was less than $350 spread over a couple of weeks. I just paid her every couple of days and she was a happy camper. When I got to my new home, I was so grateful for her help. Just unpacking her professionally organized boxes made that part of the move a joy. And she left me little notes here and there in the boxes. I think an angel showed up in my life. I'll say a little prayer that one shows up in yours!
I have to move because of an abusive marriage. I'm sad to leave my home of fifteen years even though I know once I'm back with my family I will be happy I believe. I have to pack up my house by myself and I'm totally overwhelmed. I have not even started, but, I have about three weeks. I pretty much just need to pack my very extensive wardrobe collection, books exc., but, still.......HELP.
As if moving wasn't stress full enough you are also dealing with a failed relationship and memories of your home. For now just focus on your immediate needs.
You need to make 2 piles:
#1: Things I need to survive
#2: The "I can deal with this later pile"!
If you start to deal with sentimental things packing up it won't take you 3 weeks but probably 3 years. Use a 30 second time limit to think about what you truly need and not what you want on everything you are packing. Your safety and well being is of the upmost concern and the rest of it will sort itself out later.
Wishing you the best from Miami!
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But I like how you think. I'm about to make a move from one coast to the other.....can you please come help me??? 
