Why Moving is the Worst (But Also the Best)
Let me tell you something, folks. I’ve moved nine times in the past 15 years. Nine. That’s not a typo. And each time, I swear I’m gonna lose my mind. But here’s the thing—every single time, it’s also been kinda amazing. Confusing? Yeah. But stick with me.
I’m Sarah, by the way. Senior editor at a major lifestyle mag. I’ve written about everything from relationships to home decor, but today? Today, we’re talking about the chaos of moving. And trust me, I’ve got opinions.
That Time I Moved to Austin and Regretted It (Temporarily)
Okay, so picture this: It’s July 2018. I’m 32, single, and my job sends me to Austin for a conference. I meet this guy, let’s call him Marcus, at a bar downtown. He’s charming, he’s got a dog, and he tells me, “You gotta move here, Sarah. It’s the best.” So, what do I do? I quit my job, pack up my life, and move to Austin.
Big mistake. First of all, it’s hot. Like, “why is the air so thick” hot. Second, Marcus? Turns out he was seeing someone else. Oops.
But here’s the thing—Austin grew on me. The food, the music, the weirdness of it all. By the time I left, I was kinda sad. Point is, moving is messy. It’s emotional. It’s unpredictable. And honestly? That’s what makes it worth it.
How to Move Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Stuff)
Okay, so you’re moving. Great. Here’s what you do: First, you panic. Then, you drink too much coffee. Then, you realize you own way too much junk. And that’s where the real work begins.
I learned this the hard way. Last Tuesday, I helped my friend Lisa move from Brooklyn to Chicago. We spent 36 hours packing, and let me tell you, it was a disaster. We had boxes labeled “Kitchen Stuff” that turned out to be full of old CDs. We had suitcases that weighed 87 pounds each. And we had a moment—around 11:30 PM—where we just sat on the floor and cried.
But here’s the thing: We made it work. And you can too. Start early. Be ruthless with what you keep. And for the love of god, label your boxes correctly. (Which, honestly, nobody does. But still.)
Oh, and if you’re moving internationally? Check out this relocation guide moving tips. It’s a lifesaver.
Look, I’m not saying moving is easy. It’s not. But it’s also an adventure. And adventures, my friends, are what life’s all about.
A Quick Digression: Why I Hate Small Talk About Moving
Ugh. Small talk. The bane of my existence. Especially when it comes to moving. People love to ask, “So, how’s the move going?” And honestly? It’s none of your business. But since you asked, let me tell you—it’s a nightmare.
My colleague Dave once told me, “Moving is just committment to chaos.” And he’s right. It’s a physicaly and emotional rollercoaster. You’re excited, you’re scared, you’re exhausted. And people just wanna chat about it like it’s a casual thing.
Which, by the way, it’s not. Moving is a big deal. It’s a life change. So cut me some slack, okay?
The Best Part of Moving: Starting Over
But here’s the thing—despite all the chaos, moving is also the best. It’s a fresh start. A chance to reinvent yourself. To try new things. To meet new people.
I moved to Portland last year, and honestly? It’s been amazing. I’ve made new friends, discovered new hobbies, and even adopted a cat. (Her name’s Miso. She’s a menace.)
So yeah, moving is hard. It’s scary. It’s completley overwhelming. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. And if you’re thinking about it? Do it. Just do it.
And if you need help? Well, you know where to find me. I’ve got the battle scars to prove it.
Author Bio: Sarah Thompson is a senior editor with 20+ years of experience in the lifestyle niche. She’s moved nine times in 15 years and still hasn’t learned her lesson. When she’s not writing or packing boxes, she’s probably drinking coffee and complaining about small talk.
