A buddy of mine is moving from Out East to Chicago. He’s younger than me, but entering a similar field to mine, so I have decided to take him under my wing. I have all the faith in the world that he could cope with both, but why try and tackle that completely alone?
As I’m coming up with a list of things that he should bring (and leave behind) I keep thinking about my move to Beloit and my move to Chicago. I had a blast–and learned a lot–and i keep thinking that the one person that kept me afloat during the rough patches was my brother. Tony was my first and best roommate, but even before that, he would occasionally visit me at Beloit (or pick me up when I needed to go home). My list for this guy will not include Tony, but, a brother like mine would sure as hell make his trip easier.
I’m still thinking–what are the things that you (dear reader) needed to bring with you when you made your big, life changing moves?
I haven’t had a big life changing mood. BUT I do have an apartment for your friend to rent….see my blog….and my email……
When I moved from Florida to Oregon, I brought what could fit into the civic.
2 Tvs
1 Computer
1 box of computer games
2 suitcases of clothes
3 boxes of books
1 Sega Saturn
1 Super Nintendo
1Sony Playstation
1 box of video games.
You see a trend, don’t ya?
Something that reminds you of home. You are going to need it!
Some sort of art for the wall. It makes a house a home and it’s nice to have instead of shopping for that first peice when you get there.
I’m bringing my kid with me when I move to NC next week. Oh yeah, and my husband is coming along, too.
Previous Big, Life Changing Moves were always made easier when I brought my books and my kitchen aide mixer. Other than that, I like to start with a clean slate.
Since I was flying when I moved to Long Island for Grad School (the only big move I’ve ever done), all I could afford to bring were clothes, a few books and my laptop.
I have no clue where I’ll be moving next, so no idea what I’ll be able to bring along. I do know I will try my hardest to bring at least one guitar with me. Even if I don’t get to play it as often as I’d like, I need it to be there.
Things for big moves:
– a small bag filled with basic toiletries. Seriously, it sucks when you have to run out at the end of moving day because you can’t figure out which box your toothbrush ended up in.
– a bigger bag with things you might need the first day or two: a change of clothes or two, your cell phone charger, the phone numbers for any utilities you need to have turned on (ideally, have them set up to be turned on the day you move in, but if something goes wrong…)
– paper towels. Many. For cleaning and for use as plates when you order pizza for the people who helped you move, then realize you can’t find the box of kitchen stuff.
For the record, I did not put that winky-face there. WTF.
As someone who has executed 3 cross-country moves with varying levels of success, I’ll chime in.
If you are hiring movers, make sure they do an in-home estimate (not just over the phone) and then don’t sign a contract unless it specifically says it’s a “Not to Exceed” estimate, which basically means if they guessed wrong on the weight, you still won’t get stuck with a higher bill.
Keep with you anything that’s irreplaceable – photo albums, computers, signed photos of N Sync, etc. If something gets broken or lost (and something will), just remember that it’s just stuff and can be replaced.
And bring your sense of humor and patience – you’ll need both.
Anything that has sentimental value. Bring that. Also, essential toiletries, like deodorant. A roll of toilet paper, in case the person who lived in the place before you wasn’t polite enough to leave you some.
Also, if you’re packing your boxes, but the moving company is moving them for you, DON’T label the boxes with what’s in them. They tend to disappear.
Aside from toiletries and some immediate clothes, I suggest:
–scissors or a razor to cut the boxes open
–a pair of work gloves in case he has to pick up anything that might cut into his hands
–plenty of beer money
An accurate map, a phone number of friends along the way or in the city to which I’m moving, an open mind.
Speed dials to:
A) a girl that always listens
B) a guy that actually cares
C) a den mother
D) a nerd
E) the family – they need to know you’re okay
F) the local pizza place
Directions to:
A) Walmart or a place of cheap stuff
B) A laundromat
C) a gas station
D) a package store
Boxes of:
A) Beverages
B) Food that doesn’t go bad and won’t go bad even through an apocalyptic nuclear war. IE Pop Tarts. They save your ass when the pizza place is cloed
C) Powdered drinks. They make plain water better sometimes.
D) Condoms. Hey, think positive.
Think that’s about it.
<3s
More stuff, from (very, very) recent experience
– a broom; preferably a push-broom, but also a dustpan and brush
– water. LOTS.
– a prybar. I’m not kidding. There’s a reason those are often the first weapon you find in any FPS game: you can do anything with those goddamned things, whether it’s killing zombies or pulling up stubborn nails.
– a towel. Douglas Adams was so right.