so very done

[kumakami]

Well the move is over but the fun isn't, still need to get alot of things set up (internet is still one of them). this was the most painful move of my life. murphy needs to be castrated for this one!

[Rob Lang]

Congrats, sir. What made the move painful? I am likely to do one this summer - the first time with a family, so am keen to hear any tips. I am not sure if they will translate well over the pond but I'd be interested to hear!

[kumakami]

tips,

start packing 3 months prior to move and be ready to move 1/2 month ahead of time (TRUST ME)

how ever much you have figured the amount of money needed to move is......have triple set aside.

NEVER USE FAMILY TO HELP!

...I don't feel like going into others

[misterecho]

My advice would be to donate all exept your most prize possesions to a charity shop. Then buy new ones for the new house

[Kinslayer]

As someone who has moved about his entire life, and spent years on the move without a home to go back to, I know a little something about the process.

You'll need close to twice as many boxes as it first seems.

You will forget to pack/bring something.

You will forget where you put more than one thing.

Things that fit perfectly in the old residence are awkwardly sized or shaped in the new. The better the original fit, the worse the new.

It is absolutely impossible to pack and move such that you have even the barest essentials in both locations, or even in just the one location where you happen to be standing at the time.

When it seems like you have just one more trip to make, you really have at least three.

Packing things up is the easy half. It's the unpacking and sorting that is the dreadful part.

Now for the good news. Many places have welcoming packets for new arrivals. These are mostly coupons for local businesses, but there are some really good deals sometimes--even free goodies. It's certainly worth the phone call or letter to the chamber of commerce or whatever for your new home. These packets often include useful tidbits like a map of the area, the locations of schools, and the like. I've even gotten a basket of fruit on a couple of occasions. It may be trite, but the free fruit was very much welcome after a long day of lugging furniture, and both of those moves were too far to bring perishables. Whom to contact to get the power turned on, emergency numbers, and similar info is almost always included.

Just don't forget the baby...

[misterecho]

I love it when kinslayer gives family advice

I also moved loads due to my dad's and my own military service. I would say moving gets easier everytime. If you don't intend to move often, prepare as best you can, then just grin and bear it, because in truth it's awful at first.

Stiff upper lip 'n all that.

You're in for a treat