My Two Biggest Moving Mistakes

I have moved a lot. Over the last several years my family and I have moved upwards of 5 times. I know that’s not a lot when you compare to a military family but, for our non-military family, it’s a lot!

As we started our latest move (check out the design inspiration for our new home here), I realized there are two big moving mistakes I’ve made in the past. Luckily I’ve learned a TON and did not repeat my same mistakes this time around.

Today I’m sharing my two biggest moving mistakes in hopes you don’t have to learn them the hard way like I did!

Here are the two biggest moving mistakes I’ve made in the past:

I didn’t have a plan.
Yes, I sell planners but I am not a naturally organized person. That’s why I create systems like planners and organizational tools! A plan does not mean you have all the answers. It means a structure for the chaos and a little bit of peace of mind. Having a plan means you write things down and don’t try to keep it all in your head. For this move, I used my Week on One Page planner and scheduled everything. Does that mean the move went perfectly? It does not. But I felt more organized than I have ever been during a move!

I didn’t manage my expectations.
I like grand plans and dreaming big. Even with moving, I can easily over-extend my expectations, ultimately leaving me disappointed and frustrated. The plan will change. You may not have every desire met. Sometimes things will take longer than you want them to. This time around, I gave myself a pep-talk nearly every day, allowing myself to feel all the feelings because moving is a process that takes me. That mindset shift kept me present in every moment of the move. Managing your own expectations is a game-changer. 

I haven’t mastered moving, but like life, learning from your mistakes is the only path forward. Whether you’re moving this week or simply tackling a busy day: make a plan and manage your expectations. It won’t be perfect but you will be making forward progress!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have more boxes to unpack!  

I wanted to share these two biggest moving mistakes in case it’s helpful for you! Follow along with our moving journey over on Instagram @whitneyenglish. I’m taking you behind the scenes of our house renovations and occasionally asking for your design opinion too!