The Truth About Moving

I hope I personally never have to move again.  My son, expecting wife, and their tot were transferred to South Carolina to his new military base.  I forgot what a juggling act it is to buy a house and move.

The Truth About Moving:

1.  Professional movers are expensive. 

Move.com can offer estimates costing thousands of dollars.  Rental trucks starting at $19.95 a day are an option but you need some heavy lifters to move a household of freight.  My spouse, his bro, and I were recruited to lend their muscles for my son's family move.  The biggest, baddest Budget truck was rented to drive 100 miles to the new destination.

2.  House settlement dates can change. 

Just when we drove 8 hours to psych ourselves up for a few days of sweating to move our family members, the realtor throws a wrench in the whole project.  Some bologna tallying up to a settlement moved to the following week.  Heck no!

The troops are put to the test and the mountain is finally moved.  After a day of begging, pleading, and understanding the mortgage banking business, my son won the key to the house.  Proceed to the nearest dolly.  Confirm with the lender that the settlement date is etched in stone before you rent that truck.

Master, are we there yet?

3.  Pets think we are nuts. 

The two black lab mix dogs kept looking at us like we were confused human beings.  They were amused at all of the commotion of moving their stuff.  Bottom line:  the new house had a wonderful yard for the guards of the family.  Don't forget to consider your pets perspective when choosing a new home  I hate those "stay away" fortress fences.  Poor dogs look like they are in prison.  This new house with a picket fence offers views of people and nature: an animal paradise.  My son may add an invisible fence for extra fortification.

4.  It is a good time to get rid of junk. 

Moving is the perfect time to remove clutter from your life.  Donate old clothes, toys, and household items to charities that need them.  My grandson picked his favorite toys to move. It appears to be all of them:

4.  Planning and organizing the big day can reduce stress. 

One person should stay in the belly of the truck to organize the approaching loads.  My spouse is a master organizer.  Our truck load was at maximum capacity.  We triumphantly shut the back door and drove 2 hours to the new house.  When we arrived, we realized we forgot to pack the moving dolly.  Thank goodness Budget Truck Rental was only 5 minutes away to rent another one. 

5.  You will need to utilize everyone available. 

Recruit help to watch the kids, the pets, get food and drinks, clean up, and even put beds and furniture together while the movers are doing their job.  One designated errand runner is recommended.  I buzzed down the road to rent the replacement dolly.  On the way back I grabbed coffee, beer and junk food to keep the group  motivated.  

6.  Moving can be exhausting. 

After the moving truck pulls out of the driveway and the house is peaceful; relax.  This is your new house.  Enjoy unpacking your boxes, decorating the rooms, and making it your home because you have plenty of time!