We’re moving soon!

You know, getting ready for a military move can feel like a mountain! Just like I mentioned about documenting all our household goods, the next big step after that initial organization is tackling the *supplies*. And let me tell you, navigating the 'home depot moving supplies aisle' can be an adventure in itself if you're not prepared! I’ve learned a few things over the years, growing up as a military child and now as a military spouse, about making this part as smooth as possible. When you walk into Home Depot, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of boxes and packing materials. My best advice? Go in with a list! Think about what you're packing: clothes, kitchenware, fragile items, electronics. This helps you narrow down what you actually need. For instance, I always grab a mix of small boxes for heavy items like books (because who wants to lift a giant box of books?), medium boxes for kitchen stuff, and large boxes for lighter, bulkier items like linens. Wardrobe boxes are a lifesaver for clothes – you can just hang them right in! Don't forget the essentials beyond boxes. Good quality packing tape is non-negotiable; you don't want your boxes falling apart mid-move. Bubble wrap, packing paper, and moving blankets are crucial for protecting fragile items. I'm a big fan of those 'everything but the bagel' seasoning containers, but I definitely don't want my actual spices spilling everywhere! So, extra care for kitchen items is a must. Labels and markers are also key. As an organization enthusiast, I love color-coding my boxes for each room. It makes unpacking at the new duty station so much easier! Speaking of organization, remember how I talked about documenting everything? Taking pictures of what goes into each box, especially for electronics or valuable items, is a habit I picked up early on. It’s a great backup, just in case. And amidst all this packing chaos, it's so important to take care of yourself. I try to 'romanticize my life' even during stressful times, and that includes making sure I'm fueled up right. Instead of grabbing fast food, I'll often whip up a quick 'breakfast' of scrambled eggs with spinach and cheese, or a hearty 'lunch' like chicken with broccoli, carrots, and a kick of gochujang chili paste and rice. For a 'snack,' those bell pepper halves with cream cheese are a refreshing treat. Sometimes, a little treat like a Starbucks caramel macchiato is just what I need to power through another couple of hours in the moving supplies aisle or packing session. Making sure you have the energy to tackle these tasks, from selecting the right boxes at Home Depot to carefully wrapping your prized possessions, truly makes a difference. It turns a daunting task into a manageable one, one organized box at a time!