These past couple months have been both exhilarating and overwhelming. It’s like spring cleaning on steroids! You may be wondering what to do with all of your things to help ease into the traveling lifestyle. Or maybe you just want to finally clean out that closet of yours! Whatever the case, I have some helpful hints that can help you rid your life of those “things” and the best ways to accomplish this. Now, don’t get me wrong, it is a tough process when it comes to items you have a hard time parting with or even just the sheer amount of work that can be involved in the process. Here are 5 things that I have found to be helpful in the process.
1. One thing at a time. This is a motto that you can apply to just about everything to increase productivity. It is best to focus on one thing at a time rather than attempting to multitask in turn doing a mediocre job on everything. For example, I was extremely overwhelmed with the thought of creating this blog but once I focused my attention on one page at a time it became easier. You can begin in one room of your house or even simpler maybe just drawer at a time. Whatever need be, it will all get done so begin a few months out from your assignment so you can take your time and really put some thought into what should stay and what should go.
2. A place for everything, everything in its place. This proverb refers to the notion that everything should have a place to be stored and that it should be tidily returned there when not in use associated with the brilliant Benjamin Franklin. Being organized plays a huge factor on being a successful traveler since one will be moving about every 13 weeks depending on travel assignment. We labeled each box with the room it belongs in and the items that are inside the box. So, when we unpacked it was simpler to place the correct boxes in the correct rooms. Also, you may not need to unpack everything. Just see what you actually use on a daily basis, and as you think of those items you need then unpack the boxes just for the specific items. It well limit what you have to re-pack in a few months.
3. Simple bare necessities. Remember from the Disney film, “The Jungle Book”, when Mogli and Baloo sang about the bare necessities? You are going to want to live by those words when packing for your first travel assignment. It may seem cheesy but those two cartoon characters knew what they were talking about! While deciding what to get rid of and what to keep I would recommend asking yourself, “Have I used this item in the past 6 months? Does it have sentimental value? Do I want to move this item every 3 months?” I feel these questions will help determine if it is something that you need or maybe just want. Either way I hope it helps to minimize your items to a reasonable amount. As for the items you just can’t part with, but also don’t see a point in moving every three months, then it extremely helpful to find a friend or family member who will store these items or if thats not feasible then just rent a storage unit in your home town. And for those of you who own your home then this is as simple as leaving it behind for when you return to it.
“Look for the bare necessities
The simple bare necessities
Forget about your worries and your strife
I mean the bare necessities
That’s why a bear can rest at ease
With just the bare necessities of life”
4. Decluttering 101. There are many effective ways to declutter your home and life of these items you have decided to part ways with. The majority of our things have found loving homes through craigslist, offerup, letgo, and even the good old fashioned neighborhood garage sale. If you are unable to sell any items after 7 days I highly recommend donating to local shelters and write off the items on your taxes at the end of the year. It’s a win win situation.
5. Celebrate little victories. Stopping to celebrate the progress you have made on your goals makes us feel happier and more satisfied with life. So make sure you stop to celebrate when you finally sell that large item that you have been stressing about moving. It will give you motivation to keep going and achieve your goals you have set. Be happy now and celebrate along the way! You are making a step in the right direction so there is no reason not to celebrate!
Joy in the Journey 