Pixies on the Move

[maddy]

I just realized that we sure have a lot of Pixies making big moves in 2005... osuche, sodaklostsoul, IAKG, me, and I think I've heard mention of a few more. The amazing thing is most that I have mentioned have been to be closer to the one they love... well maybe I'll be lucky enough to find one I love when I arrive, time will tell.

Have you ever moved across several states, and what hints and tips, fun anecdotes do you have to share about the move?

[IAKaraokeGirl]

<----sits back and waits anxiously. :D

[Steph]

I've moved provinces more times than I want to count. DB's link to the Murphy's Law of moving is sadly very true! :D

I used to leave the kitchen until last but man, it's amazing how many boxes you end up needing for the dishes, pots, pans, etc.

I suggest packing up almost everything in the kitchen asap. You know you're going to be too busy to cook anyway!

It is stressful but remember - people move across the country every day & you can do it! You'll be damn glad when it's over, though!

[maddy]

I've been fortunate enough to have both of my cross country moves funded by someone other than me... I've watched two sets of professional packers pack all my belongings and I've managed to learn a few things ... lots of small boxes are easier to manage. And if they happen to be standard same sized boxes they fit into a trailer or moving truck much easier. I also learned that they don't believe in bubble wrap but rather LOTS of packing (non printed newspaper in large sheets) paper. They crumple up a few sheets in the bottom of a box and then fill it and put a few more crumpled sheets on the top before sealing it. And they go through a TON of it when packing up a kitchen. It will cost a little, but I found it to be worthwhile when I did a move on my own in the middle of the two professional moves to acquire a large collection of true moving boxes, and packing paper. The little bit of expense is well worth it. Look up "moving boxes" on the web and you might be shocked at how cheaply you can buy boxes.

Being organized and having a plan goes a long way. Because I've had other people packing my things I haven't had the luxury of purging as I packed. Rather I took the time to go through all the closets before hand and "organize" them, throwing things or donating them as I go. Then when you go back to pack it's already organized and you can just fill boxes.

It's damn stressful! I thought this move would be a breeze since I made a similar move three years prior and I had experience on my side. The small things still build up and drive you to the edge of insanity until you reach the calm right before the move and realize that everything is complete.

And Steph is absolutely correct about the kitchen... I haven't cooked in at least three months... partially because my house was in a state of renovation, and then afterward it was being shown and I didn't want any "offensive" food smells, then I moved out and am in a temporary living situation. Stop shopping and use up all the food you can. Frozen and refrigerated food doesn't travel well. And opened food is a disaster waiting to happen.

[osuche]

Do *not* bring those half-filled bottles of shampoo and soaps. No matter how much your sense of thrift and/or sentimentality beg you to do it. Even if you double bag them and put tape on the tops.....you will STILL have an ooey gooey mess. "taint worth it, I say. :P

Be nice to your movers. Say please and thank you, and tip them big. They will reward you by taking extra care. :)

Don't try to unpack *all* the boxes in one day...take it from someone who knows. :spin: you will get tired and sloppy, and make mistakes.

[Lilith]

Could you get paper roll ends from your local newspaper?

[IAKaraokeGirl]

The suggestion of similar size boxes is a good one. I've also found, through several moves and not *immediate* unpacking that plastic totes work *very* well--and you don't have to worry so much about boxes being crushed, etc.

[GingerV]

Well I've got a variation on the problem....we're moving from England to Boston at the end of the month, so we can't take everything. Hell, we can barely take anything. We literally just took 18 shopping bags of books to the Oxfam drop, and it nearly broke my boy's heart to give up so many. Basically, we're turning up to an empty apartment with the contents of 4 suitcases, and we've got a week to get it liveable before he (and the car) disappear for 2 months.

I'm absolutely flipping terrified....I mean, I'm thrilled to be moving back to the states. But it's a new job in a strange city...all of which I can handle...it's getting the apartment set up that freaks me out. Any tips?

[Lilith]

While it seems feasible to start small I once heard the #1 set/decorating mistake most people make whe moving somewhere new is that they start with a bathroom first, it's smaller space, cheaper, less choices to make. Problem is then yu end up designing the rest of the space to match a bathroom :spin:

Also on one move I packed a suitcase with 2 towels, 2 washcloths, 2 plates, 2 sets of silver etc. Just some basics til the rest came.

[Steph]

GingerV, I think you'll find it's amazing that you can do without a lot for a while. Heck, it's kind of fun to eat take-out sitting on the floor. :D

I'm a member of freecycle.org and people offer furniture almost every day. It's a good way to pick up things for free but I'm still in the college decorating stage (I've moved past milk crates but not by much).

Freecycle is a way for people to recycle and they can give away things to people who need/want items. There are mailing lists all over the States and Canada. I just picked up a toaster oven from another member. :)

[GingerV]

I've been getting ready to give away all sorts of stuff on the Freecycle here....we almost unloaded our poor, long suffering car that way (it runs, but that's ALL that can be said for it...still, shame to scrap it). It never occured to me that I should check it to FIND stuff once I get there.

I'm just plain dim sometimes. Thanks Steph!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Excellent idea on the suitcase, Lil. Would definitely save some panic later on. :D

[lizzardbits]

well, i kinda moved to the UK for 48 days....does that count, LOL

My job now is to get things settled with what college i am going to next and/or settling dowm on the family farm and getting a home ready for when Mayhem and his cats move from the UK to Iowa. If i had my way and didn't have All the 592948769847500268 forms to fill out and i's to dot and t's to cross and filled out in triplicate, yadda yadda yadda, Mayhem would be moving with me to my cornfield when i return to the states next week. but alas, it won't be for many many many months or a year or more....that thought makes me want to cry, that loooong with out my Mayhem.

[dicksbro]

Hope everyone moving has a safe and wonderful experience and whereever you move to, for whatever reason ... it'll work out beautifully! :thumb:

[maddy]

To add to lil's suitcase of 2's. I'd also suggest packing the shower curtain ... nothing refreshes a person after an exhausting move like a good shower! When I made the move to Texas, I drove and had more flexibility and packed my "shower things" and "cleaning things" so that I could get the apartment all cleaned before my things arrived - including all the shelf liner in place.

[sodaklostsoul]

And if your driving...put the cell phone charger in the glovebox.....I'll find it one of these days, I swear I will!!! :D

[flutelady]

My big move is less than 4 weeks from now, and I'm overwhelmed by all the crap... er... treasures I've accumulated over the years. Still don't know what to keep, sell or toss.

[GingerV]

I hear ya, Flutelady! We've been here 4 years, we KNEW we would be leaving so we tried not to acumulate too much stuff....and I can't believe how much stuff needs to be shifted. Absolutely shocked. When did I buy all this? I don't remember carrying it all home! I'm becoming convinced that "stuff" breeds with "other stuff" to beget "more stuff" when I'm not looking...much like dustbunnies.

The next installment in our personal adventure: it may not be the smartest thing we've ever done...but we sold the car with three weeks to go. But if we were going to keep it...we'd have had to spend hundreds of pounds renewing it's tax and stuff.

At least we had it long enough to take half a ton of books to the charity shop.

Now everything I own has to be carried to the postoffice, when I can't beg rides from my friends....bonfire in the front yard is sounding better all the time.

[Aqua]

We literally just took 18 shopping bags of books to the Oxfam drop, and it nearly broke my boy's heart to give up so many.
It breaks my heart just to think about it. :(

I don't know that I could do it. But then again, I'm a packrat. :rolleyes2

[Steph]

We've been here 4 years, we KNEW we would be leaving so we tried not to acumulate too much stuff....and I can't believe how much stuff needs to be shifted. Absolutely shocked. When did I buy all this?

I know!!! I moved three times in less than three years knowing full well I'd only be in each apt. for a short time. I did without a lot of comforts to make my next move easier and still I was amazed at what I accumulated in such a short time. It made me wonder what my parents (or packrats like Aqua :D) would do if they had to move again. My folks have been in the same house since before I was born.

[sodaklostsoul]

I When did I buy all this? I don't remember carrying it all home! I'm becoming convinced that "stuff" breeds with "other stuff" to beget "more stuff" when I'm not looking...much like dustbunnies.

I agree Ginger......I had WAY too much stuff, but it did feel good letting it all go.

Lizzs van and my car was full and I still have some stuff back in SD at my sis's, but it's a lot less then what I had. Didn't need all that stuff anymore.

[maddy]

good luck with your move flutelady :) you were one of the pixies I had in mind when I said I thought there were more ... I hope after sorting through the years of accumulation you find yourself happy with your move.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Something I learned some moves back...





...don't fill large boxes solely with books. :D

[waltaja]

i see a move to Tennessee in my future

[Steph]

The book thing is definitely true. I would put a few big books at the bottom of each box to even things out. OMG I hate moving!!! :hair:

[cherrypie7788]

Whoever knew that there was so much involved in moving across state? The only moves I've ever made have been local. I'm thinking by the time this is over I'm going to need a long vacation, or if nothing else, a long time alone with you know who :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Um, the "book thing" goes for DVDs/movies, too. :D

[maddy]

^^^ definitely applies to CD's as well. Here the small box theory goes a long way.

[GingerV]

Our trick for DVDs/CDs requires a little sacrifice. We're losing all the jewel cases and putting them in one of those flip folders. Should cut down on the weight and the volume quite a lot....but I'm damned in I know how we're ever going to find anything again.

[lizzardbits]

i see a move to Tennessee in my future
Woot woot! OMG! I wish you two all the best of luck!

[lizzardbits]

Lizz's van and my car was full and I still have some stuff back in SD at my sis's, but it's a lot less then what I had. Didn't need all that stuff anymore.

And when she says full, she means it! My minivan was squatting very low!
(I make use of every square inch)

i guess my van seems like it is a moving van, it has moved me twice, and going on a 3rd, moved two friends in Iowa and Minnesota, moved Soda and child fron SD to MI.

I guess if you pay for the gas, i'll move ya, LOL

[Coaster]

Well I've got a variation on the problem....we're moving from England to Boston at the end of the month, Any tips?


I've read that Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the US to live in. If you don't mind commuting 40-50 minutes, you may want to look at apt's north of Boston. Very good quality of life and affordable and close enough to "the city". Plus you just can't beat the NH-ME coast for getaways!

Good luck to all you pixie movers & shakers! :D

[waltaja]

Woot woot! OMG! I wish you two all the best of luck!


Thanks Lizz. i've only been in Washington and Oregon, so seeing another state, well hell moving to another state across the country should be a good experience for me

[WildIrish]

Plus you just can't beat the NH-ME coast for getaways!



I've vacationed at the NH coast pretty much every summer for the last ten years or so. It is beautiful and we love the area. Water's a bit nippy though! ha ha

[cherrypie7788]

Thanks Lizz. i've only been in Washington and Oregon, so seeing another state, well hell moving to another state across the country should be a good experience for me

Tennessee will never be the same :D

[GingerV]

16 days! I've really got itchy feet, this move can't happen soon enough to suit me.

[WildIrish]

16 days! I've really got itchy feet, this move can't happen soon enough to suit me.


We have creams for that here in the US. :D

[GingerV]

lol....why do you think I'm in such a hurry to GET there, WI? ;)

[WildIrish]

Silly me...I thought it was my boyish charm and good looks. :D

[GingerV]

yup...your boyish looks, your charming goods, and anti-itch cream....God bless America ;)

[waltaja]

Tennessee will never be the same :D

boy howdy it won't! i'm turn that state upside down...as you cross the border a sign shall read..."Tennessee...Yes. We Are Out Of Beer. Thanks Walt."

[maddy]

see yas in a few days... time to pack the notebook away in preparation of "moving weekend" ... see ya from New England next week.

[Lilith]

((hugs)) maddy...oh guess you won't see them :spin:

[GingerV]

She'll appreciate them when she eventually gets plugged back in, I'm sure ;).

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Maddy first, then GingerV, then me--woohoo! Is this exciting or what? :D

[Coaster]

Maddy first, then GingerV, then me--woohoo! Is this exciting or what? :D


^^^If you think it's exciting for you gals, just imagine how us guys feel having you charming beauties in our neck of the woods! :jump: :jump: :jump:

[GingerV]

Aw, now Coaster...you guys have always had your share of gorgeous women. It's just that you guys wore 'em out...now they need reinforcements ;)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Shhhhh, GingerV! Let them think that they've hit the jackpot if they want. ;)

[Winston77]

We don't think we hit the jackpot we KNOW we did!!!
:line: :line: :line:

[maddy]

I've arrived... and I'm ready to leave... someone lied when they said there was no humidity north of the mason dixon! The travel was painless and flawless... now I just need to find a home.

[Aqua]

Glad you arrived alright maddy! I wish you luck in finding a good home quickly. :)

[sodaklostsoul]

Glad ya had a flawless trip......good luck on the home hunting.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

The first of the New England-bound trio has arrived. Woohoo! :hug:

[maddy]

hehehe @ ^^^^ and thanks for the hugs I missed and the well wishes... :hugs:

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Well, keep us posted on the progress, maddy--and I only want to hear *good* things about New England. :D

[wyndhy]

glad your trip was safe, maddy! (((hugs)))

[maddy]

hehe IAKG, it stormed for a brief moment today, that was a very good thing ... I think it took away about an ounce of humidity. I finally found a grocery store today, Stop n Shop. I didn't think it was very economical.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Well...

1. We need the rain out here. Please send it west.

2. Grocery stores are a good thing.

3. Not being economical is not. :D

[lizzardbits]

YAY Maddy, i am so glad it was flawless!

[GingerV]

Fingers crossed everyone, but I think we may have an address!! An actual place to move to would be a real relief. And it sounds like I may be living in a house, rather than an apartment, for the first time since I started college!

Please please please please please let this work out!!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Woohoo! I'm sooooooo thrilled!

[GingerV]

Well this is it...the last installment in the life of Ginger to be posted from Oxford. The computer is getting packed!! We're flying out of here tomorrow...my next check in will be from Boston. Wish me luck!! And I'll see you guys when I get back online, but don't freak out...it might take me a couple of weeks.

[WildIrish]

Travel safely GingerV

[IAKaraokeGirl]

((GingerV))


Another New England Pixie in the making! :)

[Coaster]

((((((((Ginger))))))))))

Oh boy.......... I see a NE Pixie party coming up!!!! :D

[maddy]

Since I missed the departure, let me be the first to say, WELCOME to New England... hope you arrived safely.

[Scarecrow]

Will some one let me know when the dust stetles, all this moving while I've been away, I'm not sure who is where anymore. :grin: :drive:

[Winston77]

A hearty New England Welcome to All that are joining us :hug: :x: :grope:

[Steph]

Will some one let me know when the dust stetles, all this moving while I've been away, I'm not sure who is where anymore. :grin: :drive:

Quick update: PF is in hell. :vamp:

[maddy]

did that ^^^ require a move? :rofl:

[IAKaraokeGirl]

OMG, ROFLMAO!!

[sodaklostsoul]

Hell let PF stay?

[scotzoidman]

Hell let PF stay?
not likely...Satan fears a hostile takeover...

[sodaklostsoul]

Lmao

[wyndhy]

*giggle*

safe travels and smooth transitions ginge! good luck!!!

[Scarecrow]

:devilish: So were is he, were is PF :hot:

[Coaster]

:devilish: So were is he, were is PF :hot:


Maybe dancing on the coals..................................... with Steph!!!! :D

[Steph]

Maybe dancing on the coals..................................... with Steph!!!! :D

Ahahaha, I'm sure they've got something worse than hell for me! :D

[PantyFanatic]

Ahahaha, I'm sure they've got something worse than hell for me! :D
I am too! :hot:

[flutelady]

After flying north to collect us last Thursday, I'm happy to report that Denny has moved my children and me safely to his home... OUR home. It's a huge move for us all, and we're adjusting even better than I'd hoped.

I just love Pixies, and am so grateful for finding my sweetheart here! :love:

[sodaklostsoul]

:line:

Congrats Denny & Flutelady!!!

[WildIrish]

Yaaaaay! Congratulations you two! :love: Best wishes and much happiness!

[wyndhy]

After flying north to collect us last Thursday, I'm happy to report that Denny has moved my children and me safely to his home... OUR home. It's a huge move for us all, and we're adjusting even better than I'd hoped.

I just love Pixies, and am so grateful for finding my sweetheart here! :love:
awesome!

(((flutelady, denny and the whole fam-dam-ily))))

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Sooooo....who's playing the moving game next? :D

[wyndhy]

us...in about 9 months or so

[Steph]

I'm moving asap but it'll only be a few blocks east or north. Haven't decided yet.

[WildIrish]

I'm moving asap but it'll only be a few blocks east or north. Haven't decided yet.


Don't forget the mandatory picture thread that's associated with any kind of movement.



Uh...not any kind of movement! :yikes:

[maddy]

ME! Umm, well I'm finally going to wrap up my extended three month move, and I couldn't be happier to know that there is an end to it.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Woohoo! :D

[wyndhy]

'grats maddy!

[GingerV]

Digging deep to find this thread....I'm HERE. But one of the few casualties of the move is my poor computer. And, as always, I can't really get here from work. But I think we've got it working, at least for a while...and we finally got the house connected to the internet. So for as long as it works, I'm back.

Honestly, what's worried me most was that I couldn't get updates on our southern Pixies through the storm. Hope you all found shelter, and that all's well!!! I've got to dash to work...I'll be back to catch up on the threads tonight.

[sodaklostsoul]

Welcome back to the states Ginger!!!!

[Steph]

Congrats, GingerV!! We've missed your pithy posts! :D

[Lilith]

(((((((((((((GingerV)))))))))))

[maddy]

Congrats GingerV - I hope you are finding your way around New England comfortably and getting settled quickly.

[WildIrish]

Hey GingerV! Glad to see you made the move ok! Happy to have you back online when you can get here.


And maddy suggests trying the seafood. :p

[maddy]

*dances in the streets* In just 42 hours or so, I should be receiving all my worldly possessions from storage... I couldn't be more thrilled.

[Lilith]

Yay for you maddy!

[maddy]

Now that the move is more or less over, I can say this ... if you have a choice in moving company, do not choose Allied. I've moved professionally twice, and Allied was not the better of the two.

[Steph]

What was the better company, maddy?

[maddy]

Bekins ... I found them to be far superior in their professionalism and manner in which they handled my goods. Their communication wasn't as superior as Allied's. But I'd forego communication if it meant receiving everything (yes, I've identified that I'm missing a box of power tools and a stereo speaker so far) and with minimal damage (I have a kitchen chair that doesn't do well with only three legs and three large scratches on my new hardwood floor).

[WildIrish]

Bastards swiped the wrong box! I told them to grab the panties! I already have power tools! :hair:

[GingerV]

Bastards swiped the wrong box! I told them to grab the panties! I already have power tools! :hair:

LOL!!

I feel your pain, Maddie. We couldn't afford international moving companies (didn't have enough stuff to make it worth while) so we had to trust to the postal service. I've never seen boxes arrive in such horrible shape before. One of them I didn't have to untape, I just lifted the torn top of the box right off and pulled my big (hold out your arms in front of you in a circle....THAT big) woven basket out. One box had a slit up the side large enough for one of my hiking boots to escape through.

I'm just grateful anything arrived...there's a box of my bf's textbooks that STILL hasn't turned up. Why the hell WI decided to hijack that one I'll never understand ;).

[WildIrish]

I'm just grateful anything arrived...there's a box of my bf's textbooks that STILL hasn't turned up. Why the hell WI decided to hijack that one I'll never understand ;).


I'm always looking to better myself through education. Plus, I remembered the nurse on your av and thought there might be anatomy books in the box. :D

[maddy]

I'll gladly give you a pair or two of undies if you'd politely return the power tools ... all you had to do was ask nicely, you know! ;)

[Coaster]

Bekins ... I found them to be far superior in their professionalism and manner in which they handled my goods. Their communication wasn't as superior as Allied's. But I'd forego communication if it meant receiving everything (yes, I've identified that I'm missing a box of power tools and a stereo speaker so far) and with minimal damage (I have a kitchen chair that doesn't do well with only three legs and three large scratches on my new hardwood floor).


I'm holding the stereo speaker hostage til you pay the panty ransom! :jump:

[maddy]

Actually, I should have updated, I found the speaker in a box marked "office - pictures". That almost adequately describes a stereo speaker that was in the living room on the first floor (office was on the second floor). Who knows, maybe I'll find the tote with power tools in a kitchen box yet!

[Coaster]

Darn........... was hoping for the free panties!! :D

[WildIrish]

I'll gladly give you a pair or two of undies if you'd politely return the power tools ... all you had to do was ask nicely, you know! ;)


I might be keeping one. :hot:

[maddy]

OMG! that wasn't one of MY power tools.

[WildIrish]

OMG! that wasn't one of MY power tools.


Oh crap!


I just outed Mrs. WI! :grin:

[maddy]

You go, Mrs WI! I'll trade her for my cordless drill ;)

[WildIrish]

You go, Mrs WI! I'll trade her for my cordless drill ;)

I'd trade her for a cordless drill too! :D



:yikes: Don't kill me honey! It was a joke! Really!





Not really...if you have a cordless drill, call me!

[maddy]

Erm, pardon my poor grammar. I meant I'd trade my drill for Mrs WI's power tool. I'd never suggest that I'd like to trade your wife in on something else ;)

[maddy]

Oh how things change... about 6 months I somewhat quietly slipped out of New England and back to the South. I've been living in an apartment that was about the same size as my condo for the time being. In two weeks I'll be doubling my living space as I move into a house again. I'm super excited about being back in the South as well as being a homeowner again. Remind me of the excitement when I cry the blues at home repairs.

It's costly but I love it! This moving stuff is for the birds though. I'm just glad I've had the opportunity to bounce around a bit and try different areas of the country.