Songs for a "Move-Day" Playlist
You don't usually find the words "fun" and "move day" in the same sentence. Moving is stressful, tiring and can make people grouchy. But there's no reason you can't lighten the mood a bit on moving day. One way to emphasize the positives is to do some fun activities that include everyone. Creating a move-day playlist is a great place to start.
Tunes and Moves
With all the various ways to download and play music, making a moving day playlist is easy and fun. If you and/or your family members have an iPod, iPhone or any kind of MP3 player, you can make a playlist. And what would be more appropriate than making a playlist with songs about moving? The playlist can also include songs that get you moving and keep your energy up throughout the long day.
But one person doesn't get to pick all the tunes! For a family with diverse ages, everyone gets to pick some songs. You'll have to do some negotiating with the three-year-old so she doesn't request her songs every five minutes. Even if you are just a couple, you may have different tastes in music, so be nice and defer to the other person's choices, too, when making the moving day playlist.
If you're new to downloading music and making a playlist, the following websites have easy-to-follow instructions.
Get Started Early
Start working on your move day playlist well before move day. After all, you may have the electronic stuff unplugged and packed a couple days before you move out. Working on your playlist selections will take some time while everyone picks out what they'd like to include. Don't have a limit on how many songs everyone can pick. There's no reason why you can't have a couple different playlists.
"Movin' On Up"
Of course one of the first songs to pop into people's heads who were around in the ‘70s and ‘80's is the theme song from the TV show "The Jefferson's." It was written by Ja'net Dubois and Jeff Barry and perfectly describes the excitement about a new beginning and opportunities.
Here are some suggestions to add to your moving day list, not in any particular order or musical style.
- John Denver, "Leaving on a Jet Plane"
- The Animals, "We Gotta Get Out of this Place"
- Custard, "Pack Your Suitcases"
- A Flock of Seagulls, "I Ran"
- Billy Joel, "Movin' Out"
- John Parr, "St Elmo's Fire"
- Tracy Chapman, "Fast Car"
- Stephen Schwartz (sung by cast from "Wicked"), "Defying Gravity"
- Bernie Williams, "Moving Forward"
- Reel 2 Real, "I Like to Move It"
- "Get Moving: Action Songs for Kids" (soundtrack)
Post-Move, Time to Relax
When the move is behind you and it's time to settle in and start unpacking and organizing, it's nice to change gears with music that's more calming and relaxing. Classical music, light jazz or even nature sounds will help bring anxiety and stress down a notch or two.
After the hectic moving day schedule, some quiet time could be a good thing too. Don't be surprised if you or one of your family members finds a comfortable spot to doze off and take a nap.
