Last week we learned that I will be moving to Boston, Ma on post doctoral fellowship at Boston University. I have lived in the NW nearly my entire life, so a cross country move has me desperately seeking blogs, websites, books and friends for sage wisdom for 'tips and tricks' to make the move, well, manageable (getting there alive). So far I have learned:
1. Do not pack everything (shocking, but honestly helpful...do these bloggers know me?)
2. Start early and inventory everything (ooh, I love this!)
3. Sort everything you own into the following categories:
a. keep
b. sell or consign
c. goodwill/give away
d. store
e. recycle/garbage
4. Plan ahead (you should see our family calendar!)
Today we will begin the daunting task of home inventory. My partner (the lovely lady-T) will be the driving force in this task and already is giggling with glee at the prospect of spending a day entering our every belonging into a tidy spreadsheet. I think we will be most successful if we are to start with a single, sparsely decorated room. This will allow us to get our 'feet wet' without committing to an inventory of the kitchen (gasp) or my office (fainting).
As we inventory our belongings we will also categorize items according to the above sorting system (understanding that we will need to adjust and be flexible as we delve more deeply into this process). I anticipate we will be unable to keep ourselves from making the first, of what I fear will be more than a hundred trips to the neighborhood goodwill later today. Do you think they have a 'frequent flyer' program?
Do you have tips, ideas or suggestions that could make this 'cross country' move more fun? Do you have stories about your own fabulous coast to coast move? Please share. The more the merrier. I'm currently cataloging ideas for songs to sing in the car and things not to be missed along the way. Also of interest, how to transport feisty cat and sassy dog without losing my hair.
Poppy and I are thrilled about this excellent and happy opportunity for you!! He has moved around the world and often talks about "hold baggage" where the essentials needed upon arrival were at hand with the rest of his belongings could be accessed later. Of course the move was in two stages (military procedures and all that).
ReplyDeleteLet us know if there is anything we can do to help, though you seem to have an excellent grasp on what you want to do to meet this daunting challenge.
Yep, the "hold baggage" was key in all my childhood moves as well. Nothing teaches you how to move better than being a military kid!
ReplyDeleteI am just so excited for your journey!