Moving Day!

No, not us again. We really couldn't even call this experience a move. A colleague (let's call her Patty) had just sent out a plea--come over on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday any time and put a load of boxes in your car and then take them over to the new place. Well, Rachel and I chose Friday, the day it was pouring down rain, of course. She clearly was not ready to move. We got there (after having to guess which one was her house) and took a few boxes that were actually packed, a bunch of clothes on hangers in dry cleaning bags, and a lamp that Patty stuffed into a tote bag at the last second. Then we took it to her new place and dropped it all off.

Rachel was so outraged at the lack of preparation that she wanted to move again "just to show people how it's done!"

I said no.


Then, over Labor Day weekend we helped a friend and colleague, Cheryl, move to her new house in Dunkirk. As a precaution, Susie sent her the Moving Conditions that the ISU friends had developed for all of their moves. Cheryl not only adapted them and sent them to all her volunteer movers, she met all the conditions with room to spare. Here are the movers in action and a picture of the truck with the last item in it.

We thought we might be in trouble when we walked in and saw the baby grand piano. Cheryl assured us that professional movers would be coming later in the week to move that. Though Rachel has incredibly high standards about packing, even she was impressed with the spreadsheet and numbering system Cheryl used. The move went very smoothly, especially compared to the one the previous week. Here we are relaxing in the new place after the move.

And here is the whole bunch outside on the deck:

This move more than made up for the other one. Needless to say, we won't be moving since Cheryl showed everyone how it should be done. Just to refresh your memory, here are the Conditions for Moving:

All items will be ready to move. Specifically, movee(s) should procure all vehicles, tools, and items needed to move before movers arrive. Everything that will go in a box will be in a box that is easily carried. Boxes will be clearly labeled according to room in the house. Non-boxable items will be in one pile. Desks, tables, and beds that need to be taken apart will be already taken apart. Drawers count as boxes. If movee(s) want people to help take things apart, arrangements should be made in advance.

Big stuff goes in first.

Dangerous/annoying/unruly/disabled pets will be put in safe-keeping until after the move.

There is a four floor aggregate: For instance, If we move you out of a second-story apartment, we will move you into no more than 2 stories, maximum. Use your floors wisely.

Maximum work time is 4 hours, unless prearranged (which begins at the designated arrival time), after which movee(s) will make substantial food (not just “snacks”) and alcoholic beverages available. During the move, at least cold water will be available.

Size:weight ratio of boxes should be reasonable. Books/papers go in small boxes.

The movee(s) must participate in the carrying of boxes/items.

Before the moving begins, a clear chain of command will be established.

In some cases, a moving scout may visit the movee(s) the night before the move to ensure that these conditions have been met or planned for. Should movers arrive at the designated time and find that these conditions have not been met, the movees will provide adequate compensation for the inconvenience, preferably dinner at Biaggi’s for all movers. The next time you move, you will need to give proof of moving readiness 24 hours in advance.

Movers reserve the right to refuse service at any time, such as due to inclement weather, health issues, etc. Any exceptions to the above conditions may or may not be negotiated at moving time at the movers discretion.