Moving across the country is no small feat, and let me tell you, I’ve learned a lot along the way. From packing hacks to survival tips for transporting a small zoo, here’s a mix of advice, lessons learned, and a heartfelt thank-you to my new community.
Packing Smarter, Not Harder
When it comes to packing, there are things you think will work—and then there’s reality. Here are a few tips I picked up the hard way:
Line Boxes for Liquids: If you’re packing anything liquid (cleaners, shampoos, etc.), line the box or tub with a black trash bag. Trust me, nothing ruins your day like opening a box of your favorite shampoo-turned-disaster.
Bag Your Hanging Clothes: Save time by bagging clothes right on the hanger with black trash bags. Skip the folding, skip the hassle—straight into the closet they go at the new place.
Label Everything: Label not just the tops but also the sides of your boxes. That way, no matter how things are stacked, you’ll know what’s inside.
Downsize Like Crazy: You will need to let go of more than you think—then let go of even more. We had to burn a lot of stuff we couldn’t sell or donate, simply because we ran out of time. Start early, declutter ruthlessly, and thank yourself later.
The Art of Loading the Truck
When loading the U-Haul, it’s all about strategy. Big items first, must-haves upfront, and fill every nook and cranny with smaller items. Think of it as a 3D puzzle, except the stakes are all your worldly possessions.
Prepare for Chaos
One of the biggest lessons I learned: you can’t always count on others, so always have a backup plan for your backup plan. Things will go wrong. Plans will fall apart. But you’ll figure it out—because you have to.
Traveling with a Zoo
Moving from Idaho to Oklahoma with plants, fish, toads, cats, and dogs? A wild ride. Here’s the recap:
The plants: Many didn’t survive. RIP, greenery.
The fish: A few casualties, sadly.
The cats: Pissed off doesn’t even begin to describe their mood.
The dogs: Surprisingly chill. Stars of the trip.
Two flat tires and countless “Are we there yet?” moments later, we made it. Traumatized, tired, but together—and that’s what counts.
Rebuilding and Community Support
Now that I’m here in Antlers, Oklahoma, it’s time to rebuild. This is where you, the community, come in. I can’t do it alone, but with your help, I know this year can be better than ever.
Here’s how you can support me as I plant roots and start fresh:
Follow Me: Like and follow my page on Facebook.
Join My VIP Group: Ladies only, it’s the place to be!
Subscribe: Hop on my email list to stay in the loop.
Download My Guides: Whether it’s photography, makeup trends, or other goodies, there’s something for everyone.
Book a Free Consultation: Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit for your photography needs!
Looking Forward
The move was tough, but I’m here, ready to grow into the farm life and all the opportunities ahead. Thank you to everyone who’s already welcomed me—I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together in 2024.
Here’s to new beginnings, new connections, and a whole lot of growth. Let’s make it an incredible year! 🌟