The Packing Saga: Part 1

The packing saga has begun!

This time around, I am determined to be packed, labeled, and organized by the time the moving crew get here in three weeks!  The last time we moved, I did not succeed at preparing our apartment for departure.  This resulted in 'frowny faces' of those who arrived early on a Saturday morning two years ago to help us move. 
Oops.

Let me just add, I was working 40-50 hours a week back then, and worked right up until our move out date.  I had pictures off the wall and little things packed up.  However, I did not have my kitchen cupboards or pantry, or anything else for that matter, packed.
Oops again.  

I highly dislike living out of boxes.  So the idea of placing everything in boxes made me nervous.  I still needed to eat, sleep, shower, dress, etc.  How was I supposed to pack everything when I was still using all those things?  In addition, I had never moved my home before...not to this level anyway.

This time, I am vowing to be on top of things.  I will be organized and I will be packed!

So, in order to motivate myself and encourage others, I have developed 'fool proof' steps for packing.


An OT's Fool Proof Steps for Successful Packing
Part 1: Getting Started


1.  Make coffee first. (...Or insert whatever warm, comfort beverage you prefer here.)

Every tasks seems more achievable when you have a warm cup of happiness. I read once that the color of coffee is a calming color and is said to decrease stress in individuals.  Also, the aroma of coffee is said to do the same thing.  Whenever a daunting tasks awaits me, I get my coffee.  It prepares me for what lies ahead.
2.  I make my "To Do" list.

I love 'To Do' list.  I am the type of person who will write a list and even add the things that I have already completed, just so that I can check it off.  Ahh, the satisfaction of checking things off my 'To Do' list. 


On this list, I have included such things:
Clean out/organize closets, cupboards, desks, drawers, etc.:
         Get rid of everything you don't need.  The less to pack, the better!
         Create two piles: a Goodwill/give away pile and a trash pile. 
Break down a list of what can be packed first --> last.
         Books, Movies, Pictures, Decorations/Knick-Knacks
         Kitchen stuff, Bathroom stuff, Pantry
         Shoes
         Clothes, etc.


Only you know what you can live without for a few weeks and what you have to have for everyday use.

3.  Begin with with the first item on your 'To Do' list - clean out your closets and bookshelves!

Oh the books!! (See 'The Wonderful World of Selling Books")

 

4.  Get Boxes - lots and lots of boxes.

Did I mention lots and lots of boxes??

Once you have your 'To Do' List and you have gone through the first step of cleaning and organizing, begin packing up the items that you do not need for the next couple weeks.  I like to start with books, movies, all of my saved school work and desk items.  Then I will move onto pictures on the walls and decorative items; things that are not necessary for everyday living. 

5.  Get more coffee! - Remember our friend, caffeine? It keeps you going when you feel like quitting!  Don't quit!

This should be enough to keep you occupied for awhile in your daunting packing tasks. (Or at least it is for me).

Occupying Life

Occupying life - that is what we all do.  How each person chooses to do so, is what makes each life unique. 

The definition of 'occupy' means: "to engage or employ the mind, energy or attention of:" all the things that we find meaningful.

I love this definition.  As an occupational therapist, this is what we work so hard at.  Our primary focus is preparing for engagement/participation in functional and meaningful activities in everyday life. 

I have recently finished up coursework in the Occupational Therapy program at Western Michigan University and will begin my journey as a practicing occupational therapist beginning the end of June on my level two fieldwork.  For the last seven years, attending classes and labs has been the main subject of my occupancy.  I am excited to begin this journey of becoming a licensed occupational therapist and sharing it with you. 

For many years, I have dreamt about participating in my favorite hobbies once my schooling was completed.  I am pleased to announce that I am finally at the point where I can do so.    I am also pleased to announce that I am taking you all along with me.  This blog will be about the daily occupations that fill my life and that I find meaningful.  Some crafty things, some delicious, some things practical, and some things that may be only meaningful to me, but that I am going to share anyway. 

Now that you know the focus of this blog, you also know the meaning and purpose of an occupational therapist.

I welcome you all to subscribe, comment, and share. 
Thank you for reading.