I want to thank you for the kind words and comments from last week's post. I can't start to tell you just how much it implies to me that you take the time to read what I need to say and leave sweet remarks and messages.
I forgot to mention something because post that I think is actually important. Usage your own judgement when it comes to making choices about where you are going to live, send your kids to school, and everything else. It appears like when you discover out where you are going, people love to inform you what to do.
Don't live in that area.
That school is not as great as this one. (I never ever trust the school ranking websites either, however that is for another post.).
That commute is awful.
You understand, there is a better location to do xyz ...
They are coming from a great location, but they are not you. This is your experience. You understand more about what you are looking for when it concerns discovering a place that you wish to reside in and what kind of lifestyle you have than anybody else. We have actually constantly done our own thing and made our own options and have never ever regretted it. As hassle-free as it is to crowdsource, this might be one of those times when you trust your own instincts more. PSA over.
Last week, I spoke with you about how I feel about moving. I like it.
However if I am being completely honest with you, the actual move can be an annoyance.
We are 3 weeks out of moving to Cape Cod (our 9th move?) and deep in the throes of the process. I thought that I would share some ideas that I have actually gotten for many years of military relocations.
1. Purge, purge, and purge some more. I play a strange little game with myself each time we move. I try to ensure that we have less stuff than we did the previous move. I am particulary proud of our last move-- 8,500 lbs.
For me more things suggests more to look after, more to unload, and more to move once again. I am relatively ruthless, if I don't use it or love it, it goes. Chances are good we do not require it if we have boxes with several moving sticker labels on them that have never been opened. (FYI-- A lot of Goodwills will pertain to your house and choose up.).
2. Go through your drawers and put the little things in Ziploc bags. The movers simply can drop the bags into package, and when you are unpacking, you can just dump it back in. Whatever is together. This is particularly valuable for junk drawers, utensils, underclothing drawers.
3. Mentioning utensils, make sure that you examine every closet, drawer, and cabinet to make certain that everything was packed. Once and we unloaded every single box hoping to find the forks, we had our utensil drawer missed out on. We never did. Our realtor was kind enough to return to your house and send us the drawer that we forgot about. We likewise missed a shed once. That time we left a bbq and a lawnmower for the brand-new owners. Once you sign off, it is not the duty of the movers, so make sure to check.
4. About a month out, make consultations to have the utilities turned over or switched on. It is great to have Internet on relocation in day, and not a couple of weeks later. It can be difficult to get cable television visits during moving season. Call your current service providers and let them understand your move out day to turn off what you already have in your present house.
5. If you have school age children, ensure that you understand what you require to register them at their new school (and sports if they are playing in the fall). It is easier to get physicals and their vaccinations before you leave than when you get to your brand-new town. Most school districts have everything you need online or will send you the documents. This has always made the transition a lot simpler for me.
While I am filling out the paperwork, I also find a pediatrician and dental professional and call to ensure that they are taking new patients. I keep a small file folder with all of our essential papers in it and carry it with me.
6. Treat your movers well. This one must go without stating, however after some discussions recently, I am a little turned off by the way some individuals treat the people moving their belongings. I have had really good luck with movers. I keep the refrigerator stocked with drinks, have breakfast and lunch for them each day, and trust them to do their job. The better I am to my movers, the faster and much easier the relocation is. They most likely aren't going to pack your things exactly as you would, but they are professionals. They load and move individuals every day. They know what they are doing.
The night prior to the movers come to load, I move us out of the house and into a hotel. It is too tough to do it while there is a moving crew in the home and I tend to get overwhelmed. And whatever that doesn't require to get packed is currently with you.
8. Don't forget about your family pets. I will be sending my canine to dog day care. I do not want her under everybody's feet in and in the way. Also, ensure that the here hotels or guest homes that you are remaining at take animals. Moving can be traumatic for animals, so attempt to keep them as stress totally free as possible.
9. Same with the kids. I truly highlight the "adventure" element of moving instead of the leaving part. I unpack their spaces first and get them settled into your home prior to I tackle the other spaces. I make certain that the movers put their bikes on the truck last, so that they are the first things off of the truck when we get to our brand-new house. The kids can ride bikes and play while the movers are moving us in.
10. Tape the cables and remotes to the backs of the tvs and electronic devices. And it is a really great concept to hand carry the "parts" box (the screws, bolts, and all of the little pieces to put everything back together). It is funny the number of individuals have told me that is the one box that has actually gotten lost.
11. Pack a box of things that you understand that you will require the opening night. I make sure that there are clean sheets for all of the beds (I put the folded sheets into a garbage bag), shower drape, some towels, and a bottle of white wine. Simply joking about the wine. (Not really. Have great deals of white wine.).
When it comes to unpacking, just get it done. Drawing it out makes me feel less settled, and when everything is unpacked and moved in, you can start to explore and enjoy your new town.
13. I attempt to get there a day prior to the movers come when we get to the brand-new house. I clean as much as I can. Inside of drawers, fridge, shelves, etc. After everything is moved in, unpacked, and put together, I treat myself to a professional cleaning. It is so great to have a tidy home after all of the insaneness of a big move.
14. Be versatile. Stuff happens. Movers are late. Houses aren't ready. Things break. Moving is going to cost more than you believe it does. It isn't the end of the world. Don't sweat the little things. It isn't worth it in the long run.
15. Have fun. Every moving season I believe that my other half and I are going to get separated. (We never do.) Having the ability to laugh and have enjoyable with the move is so much better than being stressed and unhappy. Everyone aims to me to see how I am dealing. My kids, my other half, the movers. Everyone else is going to be too if I am snapping at everybody and unpleasant. Take it in stride.