The Move
I prefer the “less is more” approach when it comes to moving… a comfortable and efficient move with the absolute minimum amount of people helping. Too few hands has its obvious flaws but too many can cause an anarchic mess of bumping into each other and constant stopping to answer “where do you want this.” I think we hit the sweet spot with this move: myself, my wife, my parents, and my brother who kindly drove in from Kansas City to pitch in. With a solid team intact, we went to work on Saturday morning.
My cat, Scout, came first. I think the size of the house overwhelmed her a bit. The only space she’s ever known is our compact and cozy apartment so letting her loose in the house kind of paralyzed her. She’s since come around. The furniture and box moving was no big deal. The men lugged and the women unpacked. It worked out pretty well. By the time the last box was moved through the door there was hardly any unpacking to do. Friends came over. Nosy neighbors came over, who were all thankfully very pleasant (we’ve had a string of bad luck when it comes to neighbors). Here are a few tips:
- Avoid hiring movers if you can. My dad has a large truck and a trailer, so we were able to avoid paying for help. I realize some don’t have this benefit, but if you do, take advantage by all means.
- Have everything packed when the help arrives. They aren’t helping you pack… they’re helping you move. Be ready to go. Nobody wants to help you move, so there are few worse things than committing to help and showing up to an untouched house.
- Compensate your help, in some way, to show your appreciation. In our case, pizza and beer did the trick. I’m not sure if cash would be appropriate to thank your friends and family members, but treat them to a meal and a few drinks. Not only does it show your gratitude, it gives you the opportunity to sit back for the first time and enjoy your home with your loved ones. Which brings me to...
- Don’t try and do it all at once because you will fail. Save some unpacking and decorating for the day after… and the day after that. Call it quits at a reasonable time and relax. If it’s nice out, sit on the patio and unwind with a beverage. Soak up the gloriousness of your new house. Everything that needs to be done will get done in due time.
I think everybody dreads the thought of moving but I don’t think it’s all bad. Go in with a game plan and stick to it. Do you have any memorable moving experiences? Tell us below, and be sure to check back next week for another update.
