Moving Checklist: 3 Weeks To Go

Well, hello everyone!  I feel like it has been ages since I have been able to catch you up on everything, since my focus has been on our upcoming big move… no big deal. <- right.

Shout out to you loyal readers for hanging with me through these crazy weeks ahead until we get settled into our new home.  You guys rock!

As most of you who keep up with the blog know, Scott and I will be officially moving out of our condo October 1st.  My last day teaching at the barre studio is going to be October 5th, and I am excited to have an additional week down in Florida to say goodbye to friends, and spend time with family before we both drive up to Michigan on October 12th.

So what does one do, with just three weeks until a moving date?  Besides keeping up with our daily work responsibilities and schedules, here it is.

In case you missed what to do before this point, see my 4 Weeks To Go Moving Checklist I featured last week.

By the way, now that we have actually begun the packing process, the pets have started to catch on to what might be going on.

Always curious and into things, those crazy cats are.

3 Weeks To Go

We are continuously accepting any and all kinds of boxes, packing supplies and help when it comes to packing.  I am proud of Scott for how much he has accomplished during just a few days at home, and he has really motivated me to “get a move on,” if you will.

Here is a quick list of what we have been up to this week…

Of course my TO-DO list could go on, but I want to stick to the major necessities and stray away from overwhelming anyone.  Believe me, preparing to move to another state can get a little overwhelming.

What is still rolling over from last week’s list:

• Buckling down and hiring a moving company (eek!)

• Finding a company to ship my car

Since I lease my car and it is a small sedan, we decided it would make the most sense to drive Scott’s larger car up to Michigan with the pets on our final trip up on October 12th.  We just took my car in for a final service before we take it out of state, and we will be investing in a set of Winter tires as soon as we get it there.

Yes, – for the Southerners out there – there is such a thing as owning a set of Winter tires, and I am going to invest in whatever will keep me the safest on the road!

Also, because Scott will be back up in Detroit later this month, he can turn in his rental car, save some money, and use my car for the remaining few weeks before flying back down to get me.  Good idea right? We thought so! 😉

Organizing and Labeling Tips

While gathering up supplies we need to pack up our valuables, I made a trip or two to the dollar store to load up on bubble wrap and tissue paper.  Everything you see below cost under $20!

When Scott got here, he added the brown wrapping paper in the mix, also purchased at $1 each.  Before long, we were ready to get-a-packing!

As you know, we have a pretty good collection of second (and in some cases) third-hand boxes.  They all have writing on them, so we wanted to find a way to make our directions for movers stand out.

We have a notepad full of bright “H” sticky notes.  Rather than buying labels, we decided to use a “H” on each box, then label it with the room, followed by a few things of what is inside.  We also made sure to cross through any previous labels or directions.

It will be easy for us to instruct what goes where by saying “look for the H on top!”  When it comes time to unpack, it will be good for me to see what I need to open first and find what we need to use on an everyday basis.

Simply write on the sticky note, place on the top of the box, and secure it down with packing tape.

Once everything is packed, I will go back and number each box, in order to keep track of everything.

Soaking It All In

Scott and I have really been trying to soak Orlando in lately.  Our favorite part about living where we do is the balcony view overlooking Universal Studios just across the lake.

I am thinking we aren’t the only ones who will miss living here, either.

Where we are looking to live in Michigan all have large yards, so I am hoping that will make up for the lack of water view.

On top of packing, Scott and I have been busy making rounds to try and see as many people as possible before he hits the road this weekend.  Friends, family, and some of our favorite places to eat have made the must-see list this week.

On our way home from brunch Sunday, we passed right by where we used to spend the majority of our nights together for three straight years: the old Amway Arena.

The building was known for hosting the Orlando Magic for more than twenty years, and was recently leveled to start construction on the Creative Village Orlando.

The Magic, other sports teams, and concerts all currently take place at a new place in town called the Amway Center.  I spent my last year dancing in the NBA there, but always felt like the original Amway Arena felt more like home.

It is a shame to see it down to rubble, but plans for the Creative Village look pretty neat.

In just a few weeks, Scott and I will find our place at a new arena and be settling into a new, fresh start.

Keep checking back for more updates.  You can still find me actively tweeting, posting on Facebook and Instagramming every day! 🙂