Meet a new person everyday

My time off from work has helped me realize that I have been so busy with work that I would often get irritated with idle chit chat and strangers who would try and engage me in conversation when I would go shopping.  I just wanted to rush and get what I need and be on my way.  All the while, I would complain about the snow birds, wonder why the store couldn't staff more people, and sometimes just abandon my cart and leave.

Today, I was shopping for moving boxes and supplies at a storage facility.  There was a gentleman behind the counter who pointed to the corner of the store to pick out what I needed.  Not more than 2 minutes later, a lady came up behind me a said, "can I help you?".  I turned around and this older lady with Tammy Faye makeup smiled and said "where are you moving to?"

Under normal circumstances, I would give a short answer and continue with my mission.  But today, I took the time to talk with her further.  She easily could have sold me all of the expensive moving boxes but she shared some inexpensive alternatives and some helpful reminders.

1.  Rather than buy the dish pack set, she told me to buy styrofoam plates to line the inside of the boxes before packing the glassware.  When packing the plates, put them on their sides and use the styrofoam plates in between.  Put the bubble wrap in the bottom and the top of the box.

2.  Rather than buy the glassware kit, stop by the liquor store and get boxes from them.

3.  Only use small and medium boxes.  They are easier to handle and will restrict you from overpacking and making them too heavy.

4.  She recommended the bags to protect the mattresses.

5.  She gave me an inventory list with dimensions for all of the available boxes and encouraged me to measure before purchasing the large boxes.

Bonus- she will let me return boxes that I don't use.

She moved here from New Mexico about 2 years ago and had her mother living with her until she passed away.  We talked about getting organized and I shared my tip about taking clothes to the Clothes Mentor.  She was pretty excited about getting money for her clothes instead of just giving them away.

This chance encounter helped me get jump started on packing up the kitchen dishes.  I am so glad I took the time to meet a new person to keep me motivated.  This packing business is starting to get old but the more we do ourselves, the less money it will cost to move.