Jo Has The Word - Things I have learned while moving

Things I have learned while moving Johanna - Sunday, October 26, 2025, 12:59 pm

Hello,

Moving has been pretty stressful for me. Most likely because I have a lot of things. So here's a list of things I have learned so far.

1. Scan any important documents. This includes taxes, insurance, sentimental letters and school notes.

2. Go through your closet and declutter anything that doesn't fit, is ratty, or doesn't spark joy. I brought too many things that I forgot about, they will be in my car until I take it to the donation center.

3. Use up any and all small toiltree's that you have for traveling. Most of mine are expired and I don't remember how old they are. I have tossed any expired acne products since I haven't had acne since I was 14. I am currently using up my shampoo, conditioner, tooth paste and small floss.

I am pretty sure that because of COVID most hotels stopped leaving free samples since having the bulk bottles is cheaper and easier for staff to replace. I find it more convenient although not all hotels have lotion which can be frusturating.

4. Old hobbys In 2015 I bought myself a Instafilm camera since it was the fad at the time and I don't really use it as much as I was hoping. First off it was because the film keeps getting jammed and I would keep having to go into a dark room to fix it so I could maybe preserve the film. I also just don't carry it with me since it's bulky and my phone is always on me.

side note: My mum was very generous and bought me the Pixel 9 pro, the new phone at the time since my refurbished Pixel 6a had been severely damaged due to my car accident. The camera is awesome, so I use that a ton. Also, no this is my first new phone, every phone I had previously has been either my parents old one or a refurbished/ used one from Swappa, though buying used phones every 2-3 years costs about the same as a brand new phone every six years.

5. You are not going to be able to find a "home" for everything immediately.

During my minimalist phase I was told that everything needs a purpose and that I need to use everything. Though that is often not the case with most things. We own a crockpot and a immersion blender and an abundance of stationary and pens that I most likely will not go through completely until I am fifty. No, I do not plan on decluttering these things. Why? I like all of them, and I am using everything one at a time. Stationary is a disposable thing. I write letters to my grandma, grandma in law and a friend. It makes me and them happy. I also share stickers with my friend in the mail which has been one of my favorite things to do.

6. Managing the overwhelm I am very overstimulated, too many thoughts. Homework, studying, work, decluttering and grocery shopping. I don't often get downtime, but I am learning step by step how to manage my stress.

These are not all the things I have learned. I might update this list as the weeks go on, but I have so much anxiety that it makes me very depressed. I am very frustrated. Maybe this will help someone, but most likely I will reread this on my next eventual move. Thank you.