First of several freak-out posts
March 4, 2009
One could set a clock to my predictability. Guess who’s feeling very unprepared for the big move?
MEEEEEE!
(Of course.)
Ok, so I have a trillion things left to do, including
- setting up a meeting with my financial advisor to make sure the money that will play a huge role in making everything happen is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there
- locking in a mortgage rate. I heard that interest rates dropped again, but then some also said that if you can wait until 30 days before the closing date, you might be able to get a better deal. I see this tactic coming back to bite me in the butt so I need to pick a place and lock a rate in (already!!!), and get them to solemnly swear that they’ll lower the rate if it goes down again before my closing date.
- find insurance for the contents of my house (which at this time is my bed, the appliances that come with the place, and a few hundred thousand rubbermaid containers full of clothing I’m sick of and school material I should have tossed and crafting stuff which makes me happy).
- PACK! PACK! PURGE! PURGE! (And stop saying “OMG” throwing hands up in despair when I enter my room.)
(Why yes, this entry is just a more panicked form of the last one, how kind of you to notice, but rather unkind of you to mention it.)
My bed arrives today, and I’m tempted to just leave it in the hallway of the main floor for the next month and a bit so that nobody has to carry it up a flight of stairs again. Knowing my dad, and given the narrowness of our hallway due to the other junk that already lines it, I suspect this idea will be vetoed.
And the list! Oh my, the list of the “little” things I need for the house (where ‘little’ refers to anything smaller than a sofa) is huge. So huge that I have several versions of it everywhere and I have no idea how to organize it. By room would make the most sense though, wouldn’t it? Just make a nice little list by room and categorize the contents as Need immediately or Need later and buy the former when I see them on sale, and the latter as needed (and when they’re on sale). And then you can look over the list and point out obvious things I’m forgetting like pots. Gosh, that makes so much sense!
I want to post this now, so here’s my “made in haste” list (because of course I can’t find my other lists). You’ll have to click to make it bigger:
So, what am I missing?
(So far I’ve thought of serving spoons, a spatula, a wooden spoon…)
Food is a big one, and though it’s on the list it isn’t fleshed out. I’ll need to write up a shopping list of food staples that I’ll need like cereal, milk, eggs, butter/margarine, veggies, flour, pasta, spices, baking powder/soda, meat, SKITTLES, and so on. In fact, once I get the keys to the house and run in and squeal with delight for several hours, I may borrow my parents’ car and go and get the groceries out of the way, especially since I’ll be carless (though less than 15 minutes (walking) from a grocery store (but who wants to make the walk home, bogged down with groceries?).
Don’t mind me and my ranting ways. Of course I’ll be ok and it’ll all work out and I’ll wonder why I wasted so much energy worrying about nothing. I mean I’m so lucky that I don’t have to worry about getting out of my current housing by a certain date: if I want to spend two months moving out, that’s my prerogative. I’m also lucky that friends have already volunteered to help me move. I mean honestly, who doesn’t have to twist their friends’ arms, or start hinting seriously at this point? It’s very lovely that they are just waiting for me to say the word. I think it’ll be best to rent a truck and take everything together though…dear Lord I’m already blushing at the thought of my friends seeing how many containers of STUFF one lone person, who previously only had one bedroom to her name, has!
Did I see wine goblets on your list? (I'd click to make bigger, but dialup… Well, that's a post in and of itself).
Damn, Girl. You are serious about doing this thing right!
I'm sure you know me well enough by now that when I move, I spend a day or two throwing everything I own haphazardly into boxes and plastic trash bags before calling over one of my brothers to throw it all in the back of a truck.
I'd give you moving advice, but I know that you would break out into hives at the mere thought of the amount of disorganization that goes in to my moving.
And so, I will only wish you the best of luck. I hope everything goes smoothly!
I love your handwriting. It is lovely!
It looks like a good list to me. You're always going to have more things pop up, you won't know you need them until you need them. I've still got things I want for my kitchen [tongs and a candy thermometer for example] and I've been working in my own kitchen for nearly 10 years.
You'll get there, just relax!
Oh, and I recommend getting a shopping trolley! We don't have a car so walking to the store with one is so nice. I have locked it up outside while I did my shopping and I've also stowed it in the bottom of my shopping cart. Mine holds about four bags of stuff and walking home with it is so easy. You can tie extra bags to the outside if necessary too.
I love your handwriting! (Oh, I see Amy said that, too. :)
Yep, i remember how you feel. I was completely overwhelmed and stressed out when I moved in November but you will get through it. MY tactic was to get a few things done daily and not procrastinate. There will always be odds and ends but if you get the major stuff complete -like packing and purging-the big day will be slightly less stressful. Also, as you try to purge, remove the items from your home the same day. It saves confusion, time, 2nd guessing and driving time.
Food is very important. My sister and I bought food right away but we almost forgot about it. we were so busy. This is a big event for you so enjoy the process even when you feel like pulling out your hair.
haha the list is cute… I literally when i moved into my house slept on a mattress on a floor or something because i was buying a new one. The people at work had a housewarming for me that was cool.
The list is a good idea but of course ya can get things ya forget later….. like when you realize you cant brush ya teeth……
glad for ya my friend :) enjoy this time :)
Hey Jummy,
Not to condone procrastination…but most of the 'household' items on your list can be purchased the weekend you move in. Expect many runs to Walmart, the grocery store, Home Depot, etc. for essentials and by then you may have an idea of what you want.
What I mean to say is that because you will already be out the weeks following your move you will end up shopping for that stuff regardless. Plus, whatever you buy ahead of time needs to be moved with all your other junk…so it makes it easier to do it after you move.
Also, you will be having house-warming parties I'm sure. People will get you those remaining items off your list (i.e. appliances, wine glasses, trinkets) so no need to worry.
Gosh, it's nearly time already?! Woohoo! :)
Hmm.. just a MINOR addition for your list maybe:
My friend moved into her own house last year. I remember a couple of the things she said she didn't realise she needed, in the kitchen until needed were chopping boards and mixing bowls etc – stuff for PREPARING the food you're going to cook :) Everyone remembers the pots and serveware.. but not that sort of thing LOL. At least that's what she said… :)
I think food storage containers too.
Heater? Fan?
I don't know – I bet you have it all covered! :)
I guess, just have a good think about things you use a lot of at your parents' home – that aren't actually YOURS, as you won't be taking them with you.
:D I like the "rocking sound system" on your list…
Have fun with it! If you forget something, it's not the end of the world.
add to the list… large trash bags.. also helpful for hauling stuff to your new place… and a tall trash can and a couple of small ones for your room and bathrooms would be good… clocks
windex… multisurface cleaner is also good to have around… I'd probably move paper towels to the "need now" list.
Air Freshner… ironing boards and iron… a mop, a tall broom… small broom and dustpan… a couple things to think about if you dont already have them…
i wish you well with your moving… :-)