Moving is such a pain. Because then you have to pack. There’s no way around it. Whether you’re moving across the country or a mere few blocks; even if you’re a minimalist; organizing, packing and moving your belongings from point A to B is just a nuisance.

Same goes for spring cleaning. Because then you have to clean. Although you can almost sniff that fresh new lemon scent that comes with the accomplishment of a freshly scrubbed pad, the action of cleaning or even the thought of getting started can lead to procrastination.

I’ve lived in six different places in the past four years and if there’s one thing I know, a soundtrack that coordinates with all the emotions that may emerge can totally revamp your whole packing and cleaning experience.

Here are some suggested tracks to get you started with making your own playlist:

1. M83 – Midnight City


Everybody takes on tasks differently. Some like to ease into it, and others prefer to jump right in. Regardless of your “starting style”, the uplifting sound of “Midnight City” by M83 (named after a spiral galaxy called Messier 83) is the perfect self-starter. Turn your speakers up, and you’ll suddenly find yourself toe-tapping and head-nodding to the vibrant beat by this French band. Don’t stop. At this point, any movement is good.

2. Bob Marley – Could You Be Loved


Keep the positive songs coming along. Who else knows positivity best, but Mr. Marley himself? Universally, Bob serves as the best soundtrack to… well, anything! Think about it. Actually don’t, just pump this up and sing along. Shimmy those shoulders as you pack those boxes. “Vogue“, while you scrub the inside of your refrigerator. Pretend you’re shooting lasers while side-stepping with your Swiffer WetJet. Bob makes you feel like anything is possible. And it is. You CAN pack your whole house in two days. You WILL clean your house in just one day. Sometimes a shift in attitude is all we need!

3. Track unknown

My hips automatically twist to the melodic beat moderated with random head thrusts. Unfortunately, I don’t know the artist or song title. If anybody knows, please let me know. The mindless lyrics and repetitive beat act as a great background as you continue to dance with your Swiffer or as you play air drum with your scissors and packing tape. Sometimes non-thinking music and instrumentals can help with focus and zoning into specific tasks.

4. Beach House – Silver Soul


You may happen to get sidetracked. You may run into old photographes (i.e. tarnished memories) or you may discover some gunk behind the fridge. Before you know it, you’re crying into your wine glass thinking this process may never end. Listen to this track. The faster you get those tears outta your system, the faster you’ll be done packing and cleaning.

5. Lauryn Hill – Doo Wop (That Thing)


Naturally, you need a pick-me-up kinda song after driving down memory lane. Any track by Ms. Hill can definitely offer words of wisdom and injections of positivity. Sure she went a little crazy after her (only) album, but it doesn’t mean you have to! This track brings great memories for me: from moving awkwardly with fellow junior high students, to dancing solo in front of the mirror, to singing with my girlfriends on top of our lungs at my goodbye party in Edmonton. It definitely has been on repeat during my packing and moving cycles. The empowering lyrics and uptempo beat will remind you of the (wo)man you are and the reasons why you are cleaning/moving in the first place.

Packing and cleaning always seems daunting at first. But if you really can shift your attitude with beautiful and uplifting melodic beats.  Sometimes that’s all you need – a reminder of why you are doing what you’re doing, a stranger crooning lyrics that happen to coincide with what you are going through – a small change in how you perceive things can make the hugest difference. Besides, why not try to make a crappy experience better if you can? Best wishes and luck with your packing and cleaning! I hope it’s more enjoyable than it has been in the past.

“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” -Jimi Hendrix