Things I COULD Learn From the Move

I am saying COULD learn because I know I am likely to forget at some point. This way, I already have a disclaimer.

1. Stuff gets dinged up.

Every freaking piece of furniture in the new house has some ding, dent or scratch from the move. The only thing that made it unscathed is my red cabinet in the kitchen. The only reason the red cabinet survived without damage is my 'talk' with the driver of the moving van.

When we did the walk through, I informed him that the red cabinet was the most important thing in the whole house and that I was holding him personally responsible for the condition of the red cabinet on arrival at the new house. His entire evaluation with North American Van Lines would be determined by the red cabinet. It worked. But the dryer top was caved in and I gave him good ratings anyway. I keep my word.

2. If an item means something to you, pack it yourself.

Say you have your father's retirement clock. Say it's brass and glass and is a perpetual motion clock. You think you should let the pros pack it. Then if it gets messed up, it's on them. WRONG. If it gets messed up, it cannot be replaced. If you pack it yourself, you will be extra careful, used lots of padding and make sure it doesn't get damaged. Trust me, you don't want to find an heirloom stuffed underneath two Webster's Dictionaries.

3. Some stuff will have to go.

Even stuff you love. Like the RGH's recliner, that is blue and looks horrible in our new great room plan. But even RGH's have to let go sometimes.

4. Even when you measure, something might not fit.

Do I really need to elaborate on that?

5. It takes awhile for a new place to be home.

I remember this lesson. It took months for me to feel like our last house was my home. That part is stressful. But get your life out of the boxes as soon as possible. Once you are out of boxes, put things away. If you aren't sure about where, stuff it in a closet until you do decide. Chaos will not help you relax into home mode. A tidy environment that is free of moving evidence will help.

6. Even when something sucks you can get used to it.

Like a stainless steel sink in a place with water harder than rocks. Eventually you find a way to deal with it. You can deal with almost anything for a little while.

Now, I am going to enjoy the rest of my Sunday. The RGH has just brought me a piece of Apple Pie. Now THAT feels like home.

Blessings,

MaryC