The Moving Aftermath

4-year old mini-me with a birthday dollhouse

We are in our new cottage! We are so happy that we are finally here!

It took two days for the professional movers to get us into our new quarters. The move went well, except for the expected wear and tear on us, LOL. We are almost done with totally clearing out of the rental house. I’ll be doing a light cleaning before I turn in the keys next week. And we have begun the arduous task of unpacking at our new place. Boxes are strewn everywhere! But that’s OK! We are home.

Here are some of my helpful tips and perspectives for successfully surviving a move: 

• Do all your address changes in advance, preferably online.
• You will need more packing tape, paper, and boxes than you think.
• Mark the boxes that need to get opened first.
• Totes and zip-lock bags are lifesavers.
• If possible, set up your kitchen and bath essentials before you move.
• Your back, knees, feet, and shoulders will hurt, usually all at once.
• Tylenol and muscle relaxers are your friends. Keep them handy.
• Don’t assume that the hot water system is on.
• Don’t assume that the garage doors work after the painters leave.
• Thank your builder and subcontractors when they come to your rescue and get things fixed quickly.
• Lots of bottles of cold water and sodas keep the movers (and you) in good spirits.
• Placing a large trash can over an offending sprinkler head will allow your movers and furniture to stay dry.
• Have a little milkbone treat handy when you neighbor's dog walks through your front door during the move.
• If you had your builder include a big storage room in the architectural layout, you will thank yourself a million times.
• The movers will become very familiar with the storage room.
• You will have to flip every electrical switch in your new home before you discover which one controls the outside flood lights.
• You will need to frequently use a flyswatter after leaving your doors wide open for two days.
• Even though you made a significant dent in reducing your “stuff”, you will be tossing things as you unpack.
• Even though you made a significant dent in donating and selling furniture, you will have to part with more of it.
• You will be reading a lot of instruction manuals to figure out how things work.
• It is good to remember which cords go to which computer and associated peripherals.
• You will be grateful for the kindness of new neighbors when they bring you flowers and breakfast.
• Unpacking is not a race.
• Keep your sense of humor through the whole experience.
• Keep tissues handy when you need to have a good cry.
• Depending on the time of day, cold beer and ice cream are great treats to enjoy during work breaks.
• And most of all, take time to enjoy your beautiful new home!