Learning to Like Traveling

Growing up, I never got to go on vacation that much with my family, and I think I see that now as happening because my parents were home bodies and enjoyed the house they built and the lives they forged. But I also understand that it may have been the way they viewed the intrinsic value of a vacation and how it just wasn’t worth the money spent on it.

I neither blame them or support them for how they chose to stay home all the time. Of course, I’m not that sort of person and never will be in my future. I’m already planning trips abroad with my family. That’s how stoked I am to finally travel. (And hey, maybe that’s because I never actually got to travel when I was young, so now I’ve caught the bug.)

Still, they did what they did for their lives and their happiness, and I have to respect that they lived how they wanted and ended up enjoying their time home so much. I’m still gung-ho on getting them to go on vacation once they retire in two years, so that’ll be something to look forward to. I even think they enjoy the idea of it now that they’ve gotten older and realize their kids are at the age of being able to afford their own vacations. And the more my brother and I go on vacation, the more I see my parents interested and light up when we talk about it.

So, I think our future holds some great things when travel is considered, and I believe mom will love putting more photos in her family photo albums that are currently buried in cardboard boxes in storage. Heck, we haven’t really done much to warrant having photos developed in the past decade as a family, so I’m excited for her to pull out those cardboard boxes, look through some old stuff, and even add some new things to the collection.

I think that so long as you don’t grow too complacent with your life, things will go swimmingly for you and your family. There’s always going to be some change that needs to happen for you to adapt with the times or adapt to your family’s interests, and I already see my parents looking forward to more time spent with their kids on vacations or little travels around the country.

Make Your Move Easier With These Fabulous Tips

Moving can be difficult. While a move is a wonderful opportunity to start afresh in a new location, it's also a process that can require a great deal of advance planning. If you are going to move in the near future, it's best to get organized right now. You will need to spend time thinking about how best to manage all aspects of the move from start to finish. This way, you can concentrate on your new home and enjoying life once you're there.

Get Done Early

One of the most important things you can do is allow enough time. Time gives you a chance to get in touch with your movers, prepare your items in advance and consider how to move trickier stuff such as the delicate sideboard your favorite great aunt left you in her will.

Remove Your Unwanted Stuff

Now is also the time to think closely about the stuff you want and the things you don't even need. When you rid your home of items you don't have to absorb the costs of moving them. Many places are happy to take donations. Just make sure things are in good working condition. Items that can't be salvaged may be better off simply thrown away.

Begin Packing Soon

After you've made the choice to start the move, make life easier on your movers and yourself by packing right now. You should get your cardboard boxes on hand in the house before the movers arrive. Pack away items you don't use right now. For example, if it's the height of summer, you can take that winter coat and your pairs of winter boats and put them in boxes for at least several months.

Hire Your Movers

Hiring professional movers is essential. You need pros who can move your bulky items quickly and without breaking them. Keep in mind that certain times of the year are busier for many movers. Many people move during the spring because they want to get their kids into school before the new year. College kids may be heading back to the dorms in August. Booking in advance gives you plenty of time to find the right company.

Keep Essentials On Hand

Everyone has items they use all the time. These essentials should be kept around during the entire move. Think about your favorite pairs of shoes, your makeup and items such as that handbag you need. You want to put them in a safe space as the move begins. This way, you'll be instantly prepared the second you arrive in your new home with the essentials you need to get on with your life.

Address Changes

Now is also when you need to get your address changed on everything you own. Tell the post office about your address change. Let your employer know you've moved. Having the correct address on important documents makes it easier to get a head start and hit the ground running once you've arrived.

Be Detailed With Movers

Let your movers know what they're moving. They're great people but remember they can't see through cardboard. You should tell them what they are going to move for you. Such details will make it easier to unpack quickly.