Moving is hard guys. Like really hard. Mentally and physically. Of course everyone TOLD me it was hard but I was like “Nah, I totally got this.” And I did until the week of the move, and then I kinda lost it a little bit.

1. First I took out my storage drawers and separated the things I use often from the things I only use on occasion. I packed my lesser used makeup into empty BirchBoxes that I saved (I knew they would come in handy!) and set them aside. I kept the stuff I use a lot in the drawers.

2. I also picked through my collection and took out things that are good products but they just don’t work for me. They’re either a little off in skin tone, or are meant for a more oily complexion or are a color that just isn’t flattering on me. I split those into little baggies and set them aside so I could give them to people I thought they would work for. It’s good to reorganize and get rid of things, but there’s no need to be wasteful, right? Also, your friends and family members will love you a little extra. People love free stuff.

3. I set an empty Sephora bag next to the bed and used it as a garbage bag. When you’re moving to a new place it’s a great time to start fresh, so why bring along dead weight? I looked at a product and asked myself “Is it worth it to pack this into a truck and bring it 4 hours away and then try to find a place to keep it? Would I even know it was here if I hadn’t been going through my collection with a fine tooth comb?” If the answer to those answers was no, and it wasn’t something I could give away, then in the garbage it went.

Once it got closer to the move date I began putting away Items I use all the time.

Extra Tip: If you know you will be moving, start saving boxes from online shopping and stuff like that. They will come in handy and save you money. Moving boxes get expensive.

4. For my nail polishes I used small boxes that I had saved from Amazon orders. I stacked them inside according to color and separated each row with some bubble wrap to keep them safe. Then I taped the boxes shut and used a marker to write which colors were in them on the outside.

I left out three or four polishes that were in my regular rotation, along with my base and top coat so that I could give myself a manicure if I really needed one before I was really unpacked. This turned out to be a wise decision because loading boxes into and out of a truck really does a number on your manicure.

5. I took the drawers out of my makeup storage units again and made sure they were as clean and organized as possible. You’ll feel better if everything is fresh and clean when you get to your new place. But here is the trick: Instead of packing everything into boxes leave the makeup in the drawers and move them that way. I even took all of the things I packed away into the BirchBoxes and put them into the drawers. It will save you the time of packing it away in boxes, it will take up less space in the truck when you move, and it will be easier to organize when you get there. You just need to make sure that you wrap it up well (See step 7)

6. Find the things you use on an absolute every day basis and put them in your travel cosmetics bags as if you are going on vacation for a week. That way you have the things you really need and you feel more comfortable when you get where you are going. Moving can make you feel like a man without a country, so if you can do anything to make yourself feel more comfortable, it will be helpful. As a matter of fact, you should do this with your clothing as well, so you have things readily available that you feel comfortable in. I just packed it all in an overnight bag and took it in the car with me, and when I got here I was pretty glad I did it.

7. Make sure you fill any large areas in the makeup drawers with bubble wrap, because you don’t want your makeup clanging around in the back of a moving truck and breaking. That would be the worst! One you are reasonably sure that everything is packed tightly and safely, go ahead and put the drawers back in the unit, and tape them shut with packing tape. I recommend putting the tape completely around the entire unit to keep the drawers shut, so you can feel certain that they won’t pop open.

Then you should be ready to go! Just remember to just stay calm and everything will get done. If you feel weird in your new place just ride it out, I’ve been here less than a week and I feel pretty normal already. I don’t plan on picking up and moving again for quite some time but if you have any moving tips leave me a comment anyway, I’m sure there are plenty of people who could use some more tips.