It seriously feels like I just packed up all of my things and moved across the country from Arizona to good old Massachusetts.  The reality is that it has been almost eight months since that move.  And I honestly can’t believe I’m about to move again to the sunny state of Florida. 

Don’t get me wrong – I am SO excited for a number of reasons.  A new role at work, being (somewhat) closer to Atlanta, and most importantly, living only (yes, only) four hours away from Vishnu.  We’ve been in a long distance relationship for the past three years, so these next eight or so months are going to be a breeze.  Woo hoo!  See, I’m excited!

But on the flip side, moving brings with it a number of other emotions.  As excited as I am, I can’t help but feel sad about leaving the Northeast.  For one, I love where I work, especially because of my coworkers.  I keep telling them how much I’m going to miss them come November.  Secondly, I’m going to miss my friend Monica.  Even though we haven’t been able to hang out as much as I had hoped, it is still so nice knowing that she’s in the same state as me.  Friends make all things easier!  And finally, the area I live in is so beautiful and peaceful, especially right now.  The leaves are finally turning color, and the air is a bit crisper.  It just feels like Fall. 

I remember feeling the same exact way when I left Arizona for Massachusetts.  It was very…bittersweet.  You’d think I was used to it all by now!  However, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to good-byes.

Anyway, couple the mixed emotions with the stresses of moving, and you have a very worked up Parita.  There’s so much to do!

This past weekend, I gave myself a pep talk (a great strategy in and of itself) about staying cool and collected.  I basically told myself that it will all get done, and by freaking out, I’m only going to make it harder on myself.  I also put together an action plan for this move.  Sounds kind of dorky, but I think it’s the thing that’s going to get me through the next month.

Operation Moving to Tampa

1. Make lists…lots of lists.  With a move like this one comes a lot of shifting parts.  At the moment, I’m working with a rental agent, the actual movers, the company that is going to transport my car, and my current apartment complex.  In addition to that, I am booking flights, hotels, and rental cars galore.  I find that just by making lists and crossing things off (even the most minor items), I feel like I’m really on top of everything.  Small victories, people!

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2. Be old fashioned, print everything out, and keep it in a folder.  In the post Internet and smart phone world, papers and folders don’t really exist.  That bothers me sometimes because I’m not a huge technology person.  I’m actually pretty old fashioned when it comes to staying organized.  And things are not about to change with this move.  My goal is to print out all invoices, receipts, and files just so I have them at all times while I go from my current apartment to my temporary housing to my apartment in Tampa.  That way I can pull out whatever I need whenever I need it, as I hate being caught off guard and unprepared (Type A much!?).

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3. NO procrastination.  This one is broad, but it mainly applies to the actual move.  Because the movers do most…err…all of the work, it’s easy to put off organizing and cleaning.  My goal is to start cleaning out all of my junk the weekend before the scheduled move.  That way, even if things move slowly, I will still be ahead of schedule.

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4. Stay positive.  Even though moving is emotionally draining in many ways, I’m going to do my best to focus on all of the wonderful things I’m gaining from this move – Vishnu, my family, a lot of my friends, and a new role at work.  Also, I’m staying with the same company, so I know I’ll be in touch with my current coworkers on an almost daily basis.

5. Remember these quotes and others like them…

“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” – Winston Churchill

“I try to take one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.”  — Jennifer Yane

“There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full.”  — Henry Kissinger

What stresses you out?  How do you deal with it?  Please share any other tips or strategies I may have forgotten.