OT: Relocating

Hi, Everyone!!! I hope everyone is well and happy! We are relocating to another state. We have hired a moving company to pack us and to move us. (Thank G-d!! I just don't think I could have done that alone (Captain is offshore) while caring for three children!) Anyway, I have been purging the house of good things (donating to Hurricane Katrina survivors and victims) and of bad (trash/junk). I need some guidance here. I have never moved more than 40 miles from home. I have NO idea what I am doing. I'm SURE I SHOULD be doing SOMETHING?!?!?! We will bring all of our art and those precious things so I know I have to pack that but I'm trying to keep the house in order as long as I can but umm..it's time. Anyway, what am I supposed to be doing in preparation for this moving company to come move me? They pack the boxes and take an inventory but should I have my shoes all lined up, my clothes organized by length, my linens folded all nice and tucked? I have no idea what to do and what to expect!!! (other than missing my family-I expect that*sigh*) Any and all suggestions are appreciated! Hugs, ~Vanessa~

I am from Texas. My wife is from Idaho. She did the same thing that you are doing so that she could be with me. She contracted a moving company, but she boxed up all her stuff herself. The company was very professional, and despite thinking that things wouldn't fit, they packed everything tightly. They have their own ticketing system, where they will have a number to each item and each box. That is how they track stuff. Keep items you want with you, like passports, id's etc. My wife and I drove her car all the way down here to Texas. That is 1700 miles and that was an experience. I think that the moving company will come and you tell them what is going on the truck and they will make an inventory list and go from room to room. You get a signed copy of that list. If you want to ask any further questions, email me back. I know this can be an exciting and worryfull time for you. Everything will be ok. Ramon 516/350/250

Well we just moved in Jan from San Diego to CT. We had movers pack us up and move us (thanks to the military). I really didn't have to do anything. They just throw it in a box and make an inventory of what's in the box and give the box a #. I would just organize stuff by room. They have wardrobe boxes so if you have stuff on hangers it can go in those as is. HTH

I would do the following: 1) make a separate box with a hammer, nails, glue gun, picture hangers, etc. in one box along with one set of linens for each bed you're moving. 2) while movers do have a numbering system they don't care what is in the box, so I'd make a list of the boxes with the main items in each box. 3) if you are storing things instead of taking to temporary housing I'd separate those boxes some way to store. 4) make sure your stuff is insured adequately. When we moved from Texas to Minnesota, a recliner never did turn up but it was covered by insurance so we got the money to get another one. 5) remember to send your change of address cards out for your subscriptions, etc. 6) If you can get your medical and dental records ahead of time. 7) And make sure you have any prescriptions to last you until you get there. I'm sure there are many more things but I can't think of any more at this time. Good luck with the move. I've just learned that I am going to be facing the same situation. Alice From Dallas 11/10/04 285/160