Major Movers

From Leslie:
here's my question: my new husband and i are embarking on a 3000 mile relocation next month and i'm at a standstill. we want to hire movers to pack our truck, drive it across country ourselves, and hire people to move it out on the other end. so, how do we navigate all the seemingly deceitful moving companies? which route do we take from sf to new freaking hampshire? where do i even start?

From Emily:

Ahhh moving. One of the most exciting and stressful times in one’s life. I know a little about this, as I once moved 3 times within a two year period.

Here is where to start: take an honest inventory of all of your stuff and figure out what you can donate or throw away. Look at this as a fabulous opportunity to cleanse yourself! You and your husband can rid yourself of old t-shirts and bleach stained towels! When you move something you’re paying to move it. Do you really need that pink sequin skirt that you wore as your Gem costume last Halloween? Perhaps. Do you want to put more money towards it? Probably not. Cleansing can be fun, and if you do it in advance, you’ll be able to thoughtfully donate to great charities that might give your treasures a chance to be treasured again. Old magazines? See if a local hospital might want them. Old work clothes? Great for a women’s shelter, or an organization that helps people get back into the job market. Taffeta bridesmaid dress? Could be a prom dress for someone who couldn’t afford one otherwise. You get the idea. First, eliminate as much as you can. Second, invite over your most trusted minimalist friends and have them help you go through EVERYTHING you’re thinking of taking with you. Make it a fun fashion show. Maybe you can trade an item that is “So California” with someone for something that could be “So New Hampshire”. Donate, trade, cleanse….and feel good about it because it’s GREEN and could save you some $$$!!

How do you find a trustworthy moving company to help you? I’d strongly recommend finding a website that rates moving companies. Try www.yelp.com or do a web search and you can find a bunch of different sites that rate companies in your area and around your destination. Sift through the consumer reviews and get at least 3 quotes for each end of your move. Before you call, you should know when you’re going reach your destination, which brings us to the next question….

What route should you take to New Hampshire? You and your husband get to decide this one! You guys are set up to have an incredible adventure, one you’ll laugh about for years to come. Here is what you should do:

1. Discuss what each of you envisions for your journey. Pick the top 3 things you would like to do on your trip. Is it stopping for collectable plates? Seeing the Great Salt Lake? Comparing cornfields in Iowa? You guys decide.

2. Discuss and then agree on how many days you’ll spend on your trip.

3. Make a general plan for where you’d like to stop, and find out which places will have a safe place for you to park your truck. Make some reservations, noting the cancellation policy in case you find a more charming or functional alternative on your way. Then, create a flexible itinerary. Be sure to write out all the contact numbers and addresses on the itinerary (or somewhere you can easily find it).

4. Toast yourselves for all of your hard work and prepare for your fun journey! Enjoy your clean living space before you move, then take tons of pictures and/or video along the way!

Just for kicks, I thought I'd include some things I think would be a VERY BAD idea to do:

*Have a huge going away party the night before you move, BEFORE you've packed up all your stuff. Then, leave everything in your old place, and plan to just get new stuff when you arrive in New Hampshire. This is expensive, and people typically don't look too kindly on arriving in a new home with all of your old stuff in it. Believe me.

*Play the fun and idiodic game of "Let's not use a map and see where the winds take us". This is sure to get you guys fighting.

*Leave all of the following items at home: your cell charger, a map, your AAA card, your debit card, your husband, and your dog. Moving isn't a great time to embrace your inner gambler. Trust me on this one.

*Try and move everything yourself. You will, without a doubt herniate something and probably end up yelling at each other. I don't care how much you love your husband, if he has dropped his end of the 300lb china cabinet and it's crashing down on you, you're bound to say a few expletives.

*Try and move by garbage bag. Kitchen supplies, vases, and high heeled shoes are ALL items that will simply NOT be contained by a flimsy garbage bag. I had a friend who once used garbage bags to move all of her things during our early 20's. It wasn't until she arrived at her new abode that the bags were SCENTED. Her entire room smelled of scented garbage bag (which is similar to the scent of a dryer sheet) until she moved next. With boxes.