Moving Day

Thank goodness the heavy lifting is over, the sheets are on the bed and the clothes are hung in the closet. The last details need finishing...the curtains are going up today, the cable has to be installed and pictures are lined up against the wall waiting to get their final place up high. But I am settled in relishing in the type of organization that only comes after a move (if done right). I only moved across the hall to a smaller apartment so needless to say the only movers I had to hire were my family. Regardless of where you are moving to or from, it is important to be organized and use the opportunity to go through all of your possessions, give away what you don't use/need/want and start fresh. Moving is stressful, a pain in the neck, time consuming and overwhelming. But stay positive, take each room and task bit by bit and it will soon come together. Ask people to help you. Many hands make light work and you will have much more fun if you have others to giggle with as you are struggling to get the mattress through the door.


I have included below a helpful list from the Queen of organization, Martha Stewart. As you would expect, it is extremely detailed and not all may apply but useful information to keep in mind...

Suggested Materials:
Boxes (various sizes; wardrobe boxes)
Box cutters
Tape (packing, masking, blue painters’)
Tape dispensers
Wrapping material (bubble, plastic, tissue paper)
Labels
Colored stickers

1. Hire a mover (if you are going this route). In a big city it is always a good idea! Ask friends for recommendations for movers. Get quotes from at least three licensed companies.
Be sure to ask the following questions:
- Are on-site estimates offered?
- How is pricing determined?
- Will the movers pack items? (If so, at what additional cost?)
- Is the quote binding or nonbinding?
- What insurance is included?
- What additional charges may arise?

2. Get organized
- Create a binder to hold all move-related paperwork (checklists, contracts, receipts).
- Conduct a room-by-room survey. Sort items to keep, donate, discard, and sell.
- Pack contents of garage, attic, and storage areas, as well as other infrequently used item (books, holiday decorations).
- Assign a color to each room. Mark boxes and furniture with appropriate stickers (see label template).
- Label and number each box. Keep a master inventory list with contents of each box.
- Have utilities and phone/Internet services disconnected in the old home the day after you leave and installed in the new home the day before you arrive.
- Call a locksmith to have your new home’s locks changed on moving day or before.
- Arrange to have a cleaning company prepare the new home before you arrive and tidy the old home after you leave if desired.
- Complete a change-of-address form online (usps.com) or at the post office.
- Notify magazines, newspapers, banks, and credit card companies of your new address.

3. The week of...
- Print an information sheet for the movers. Include the old and new addresses, directions, and your cell phone number.
- Get a cashier’s check made for the movers if necessary. Withdraw cash for the tip.
- Finish packing. Set aside enough clothing for the week ahead, plus a suitcase or two for those items.
- Put small valuables and important documents in a box or bag. Ask a friend to hold on to it until you’re settled, or lock it in the trunk of your car on moving day.
- Create a last-out, first-in box with all day-to-day necessities, including any of the following that are applicable:
Towels
Toiletries
Toilet paper
Basic tools
Cleaning supplies
Medications
Camera (to document items broken in transit)
Snacks
A few dishes and utensils

4. Finally, the big day!
- Do a walk-through before movers arrive to make sure everything is packed.
- Make sure there are no items left behind.
- Give keys to the real estate agent or landlord.
- Arrange for someone to direct the movers at your new home.
- Check items off the inventory list as they are unloaded.
- Inspect for damages. Photograph relevant items before signing the release (sometimes referred to as a bill of lading).
- Test faucets, toilets, utilities, phones, smoke detectors, and security systems.
- Turn on water heater if necessary.
- Begin to unpack. Try and tackle one room at a time, setting up furniture and rugs the way you want them. This way you will feel accomplished after completing one room and ready to move on to the next.

Welcome home...

"All the Single Babies"

Let this be a reminder, whether 2 years old or 92 years old, a little wiggle always makes me giggle.


Make sure you turn up the volume...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikTxfIDYx6Q

Ready Set Hike

This weekend felt like the first weekend of Fall as I was reaching for my fleece and cozying up to a fire. The leaves are turning and the air smells like smoky pine. I was out in the country with my parents and favorite hunk of a brother who made me laugh until I was crying and doubling over. We did everything from drive around, have a dance party, watch movies and, wait for it, played football! Yes, this Bear played football for the first time in 8 years. Since having back surgery and learning how to "be" in my new body, I have remained hesitant to do anything that might cause any added discomfort. But today, the chill in the air and a new found movement between my shoulder blades made me itch to feel the white stitching gently roll away from my palm.

Okay, Okay. Before you get the wrong impression let me clarify a few things. When I say "play" football, I really mean catch between myself, my father, my brother and a football. And when I say that I have been itching to get back out on the field, well its not like I used to play every weekend before my new back and have felt deprived ever since. But there is something very satisfying after you watch the football leave your hand and go swirling into the air. After not being able to do many of the simple things in life like playing football or running after your not so little brother, I am overjoyed at the fact when I am able to now. I was feeling so normal in fact that I surprised myself and did three cartwheels in a row! I was like a little kid who is excited to show off his ability at playing catch. "Look at me! Look at me!" was what my head was saying to my heart. And through all of the giggles, the scene was even more hysterical because I would miss a catch and waddle over to get the ball all the while my father and brother watched me with smiles on their faces.

This cub is learning the ropes and enjoying every minute of it.

Sole Society

There is a secret society that has one requirement among its members. Red Soles. Not every member knows one another, there is no clubhouse or annual dues. Just the upfront cost of the cherry red leather pounding the pavement is enough to have ladies bonding over their common passion...shoes. Walk by a fellow member on the street and wait for a smile and a nod. Slip a pair on and you will feel instantly like model material, confident and sassy.

The society is comprised of tall and short, black and white, thin and those who feel thinner in them. Some blow an entire paycheck just to own a pair, even if it means eating peanut butter on Wonder Bread for weeks. Some buy them like candy. Whatever the excuse, next time you walk by a "Red Sole" take a cue from her. Strut your stuff ladies.