Moving. HELP!!!!!!!!

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 26 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

Kiama	26 Aug 2002
I am currently in the process of organising my whole life ready for a move in a few weeks. This is the first time I've ever moved anywhere, and it is the first time I will be moving away from home. I don't know what to do! So, I'm wondering if you guys, who have probably moved loads of times, can give me any hints, tips, and warnings for moving. I've had a few good ones so far, which I would never have thought of, such as, 'take coffee, tea, sugar, and biscuits with you, for the first few visitors you get.'... Also, bear in mind I'll be moving to Uni, with the boyfriend, so any tips concerning living at Uni and coping with the short money supply would be appreciated! Kiama

Maan	26 Aug 2002
I have moved a couple of times...extually so many times that the last tike my parents told me that they would no longer help me move..this had to be the last time ;) But now i have found the perfect place so no need to move again :) Thing i did wrong/forgot the first time -Figure out how you want on the floor so you don't have to take all else out again. - Bring a extension cord ore two so you can pout your cd player anywhere you like etc. - Siccors -And lost and lots of friend to help you unload the car/van/etc - Hamer and nails The second time i got an other room( bigger and cheaper) my father made a little scale model of my things and the new room so i could figure out where to put everything! Was so sweet of him:) Be preraped to be very irritated...i always get very iritated because everyone is handeling my stuff and they never are handeling things like i would. When every thing is inside i usually send them out for coffe or somthing so i can put everything in place myself.......mothers especially always seem to know better where things should be put and that's not good for the reletionship ;) Oke i hope this helps! Good luck moving out...it is really nice to live on your own!! Love and light Maan

jema	26 Aug 2002
i have been first a student for 5 years and then unemployed a lot and consider myself the master on living good with little money. the key thing is to stock up. i was a vegetarian most of those years and that helped too. i bought beans and rice and pasta in large sacks that i stored in a chest. i got lots and lots of little plastic contaniers all perfectly sized for one meal and i cooked only on saturdays, i made stews and pies and pizza and put them in the deepfreezer for the rest of the week. except sundays where i cookes something a bit more fancy. i always bought my food from either the huge stores a bit outside town (i took the bike and a friend with me) or in those smaller shops owned by foreigners - there was an iranian family owned delicatessen in one town that had the most exotic and delishious things for very cheap. stay away from fast food places. you can make the same food at home - both healthier and cheaper. don't buy things like newspapers or magazines. they will in the end cost you a fortune each year. you are better off going to the movies with a friend and read the news on the net or in the library. the most important thing now is your studies and having fun with friends. life at a campus is a really wonderful life. i never had as much fun as when i was in uni.

Bings	26 Aug 2002
Buy yourself a tool kit. Keep it simple, one that you can carry with you and have handy during packing and unpacking. I never let the movers pack my tool kit. Screwdrivers of different sizes, hammer, wrenches, levels, measuring tape, screws, nails... A drill is also nice. Tape, pencils, pencil sharpeners are nice things to add. Utility knife!!! Not only may it come handy during your move but it a good thing to have in any household. My husband has all of his tools. But I also have my own household tool kit. It has been a lifesaver at moving time; before, during and after. Dianne

catlin	26 Aug 2002
Pack the stuff you need for the first day (night clothes, washing stuff, some cups. knives, your fav book and tarot deck etc) seperately and at hand so you don't have to search in boxes etc for them. Don't forget something to drink and a little snack too.

Liliana	26 Aug 2002
LABEL YOUR BOXES! Possibly by room iit belongs in and by contents, so if you freinds mover it in they can look at it and say oh it goes here, and not be bugging you all the time. If not renting a moving van, make sure al furnirture is securely tied to whatever vehicle you are using to move with, a dresser falling off in the middle of the highway and exploding (on a bridge no less) is not nice, trust me hehe This is the perfect time to clean out your junk, im a packrat and cant believe the crap i find around when i go to move lol, so toss it or donate it to the needy. Less stuff to move, more time to do more important things. You may even want to get rid of a lot of nonjunk, theres plenty of time to get new things later. Make sure you immediately stock the fridge with beverages, moving is hard and everyone will be thirsty, especially if its hot. Make sure you dress in something crappy when moving, you never know how it may get dirty, ripped, or so on, and you might want an extra outfit on hand just in case You may not fin moving a lot of food worth it, as it can be very messy. Frozen meats, canned goods, stuff in closed boxed are ok, open stuff, eggs, milk, can be a messy problem. I recommend you place all tarot decks in their own zip lock baggy during move in cast they get wet they'll be safe Guess thats all, next year im doing the same thing, not that i know where to, so iIll have to see how it goes hehe :THP

Murphy	26 Aug 2002
We used to move every 18 months with my husbands job... there are good moves and there are bad ones... I have a daughter in University - year 5, working on her masters, and a son going for his first year in college in aviation (the son worries me because he's so layed back and easy going.] Year 2 my daughter was starving and ran out of money... It reallly hurt us that she was too proud to ask for help from us. Since then, she's learned that to work with a buddy system, and help each other, and don't try to keep up with the group of kids that drive around in the fancy cars... And don't be so trusting of strangers... You know that date rape drug is not a myth. It's real. Yes, I know, I sound like your mother, but we really do care about our offspring.

Rhiannon	26 Aug 2002
When packing... don't overpack your boxes. 3 great big boxes that are too heavy to move are not better than 12 smaller boxes that you can lift easily. You may have to make a few more trips... but in the end, it's worth it and it will save your back. I agree with Liliana, LABEL everything. Even if it's just odd and ends... write "odds and ends" or "junk" on the box. And write in where you want in placed (which room). Major timesaver! Good luck! R :)

wavebreaker	26 Aug 2002
Start packing as soon as you can, starting with the stuff you won't need anymore in the next few weeks. That will give you time to go through all your stuff and throw/give away anything you don't need anymore. Like Liliana said: this is a perfect time to clean up! Put your money, passport, any other valuables in your hand bag and keep an eye on it during the move! Once when I was moving, my hand bag was suddenly gone. Turned out my friends who were helping me had thrown it in the van. Luckily we found it very quickly, because it contained the keys to my new home... ;) Make a list of what you need to do, so you won't forget anything. Friends of mine wondered why noone sent them any welcome cards or called them after they had moved. They had forgotten to send a change of address to their friends... ;) If you need help from friends, start asking them now and make sure they really do turn up, tell them you count on them! When I moved last year, five people had promised to come and help me for a whole weekend with the painting; only one of them turned up, for one day... :( That's about all I can think of right now...

cjtarot	26 Aug 2002
WOW, Kiama is going out on her own.. There was a joke I just rec. that said the only 2 things you need is duct tape and WD-40 (heavy duty tape and oil for machines). if it's broken and doesn't normally move - Duct tape it ...If it's broken and supposed to move - oil it..Oh and add Sage...If it's acting really weird..bless and clense it... Basically I would consider the tools thing..things that you need and can never find in the house.. Duct Tape, Masking tape Screw Driver set (see if you can find a screw driver that has differnt tips stored right in the handle of the screw driver) Hammer Nails - can't use a hammer if you have no nails ____ Sewing Kit - even if you don't sew..include safty pins great for all kinds of things.. Paper clips...yup, amazing what you can do with a paper clip in a pintch ____ medicine stuff Asprin Cold stuff Bandaids. anticeptic to clean cuts.. ___ Tarot Stuff-AN ABSOLUTE MUST I wish you luck and a happy home and boy do I agree about more small boxes than large..keeps things better organized and doens't kill your back. Blessings, Cj

Molly	26 Aug 2002
Congrats Kiama, very exciting time! I envy you a little - still haven't had my "college experience" - with two kids and a hubby now, I know I never will ... (I still plan on taking classes, and hopefully getting a degree, but no moving away from home for the first time and living on campus... hmmm.... maybe I don't envy you - LOL!) Seriously, my mom was a move-aholic: get married, get divorced, move cross country, repeat. I think you got some great advice on this thread and don't have much else to add. Just wanted to send you my well wishes! Wait, I do have advice: Just make a list of all the good ideas so you don't forget anything; like previously mentioned, keep aside a bag of things you want access to (think of it like an overnight bag for camping) and a toolbox; and I wholeheartedly agree that you MUST label. A couple of big permanent markers and a brief description on the box is a lifesaver when it comes to unpacking. Good luck.

Liliana	26 Aug 2002
Im just like you molly, im married with 2 kids so im not going to get a true college experience either Im going to be moving on campus tho likely, next year when my husband goes to graduate school, because many such campuses have family dorms heeh. Im supposed to go back to college myself when the youngest starts school in 2 years (older starts next year so hes trying to graduate spring so we can move wherever summer, before she has to start school) :THP

Umbrae	26 Aug 2002
Only the decks you need (no more than 10) Hammer Only the clothes you need (go light) Pad of paper, pencils and sharpener (remember why?)

jade	26 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by catlin Pack the stuff you need for the first day (night clothes, washing stuff, some cups. knives, your fav book and tarot deck etc) seperately and at hand so you don't have to search in boxes etc for them. Don't forget something to drink and a little snack too. absolutely perfect advice! love jade ps don't take things you don't need.....it's amazing how quickly your room will be full!

cricket	26 Aug 2002
Don't forget to have a sheet set handy. The very first thing to do after getting all the boxes and whatnot inside is to make your bed. Trust me! *L* It can take forever to unpack stuff, but it only takes a day to need sleep.

the hermit	26 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by cjtarot Hammer Nails - can't use a hammer if you have no nails Every one else has given great advice, especially Umbrae. As for hammer... don't forget the old male axiom passed on from one generation to the next: "There's nothing that brute strength and ignorance can't break... get a bigger hammer" (taught to me by my grandfather... while watching my uncle try to fix a tractor) by the way, I own a truck :)

RedWood	26 Aug 2002
You could donate to the needy..or have a yard sale or garage sale for spare change if you have time...Alos..Label which boxes need to be taken out last..so you dont have the boxes mixed up...and Good Luck!

DarkElectric	26 Aug 2002
Towels and other essential bathroom gear.(Like TP just in case there isn't any)All of the stuff other people have suggested, and I would make sure I had a nite lite, because if you have to get up for any reason in the night, your brain will think you're still at home. Nite lite prevents culture shock!

Kiama	27 Aug 2002
Hi guys! Thanks for all your advice! Thanks esp. for the labelling boxes thing and the Tarot decks to individual bags thing: I would never have thought of that! (How silly am I??!!!) But Umbrae, what is that I saw about only the Tarot decks I NEED?! 10?????!!!!! Noooooooo! I need ALL of my decks! Luckily, my boyfriend's Dad has a huge van, and can drive us up there and help us move in. And even more luckily, the place we have as accomodation will already have the essential furniture, such as fridge/freezer, be, wardrobe, chairs, etc, so we won't need to lug that lot all the way across the country! Kiama

wavebreaker	27 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama Luckily, my boyfriend's Dad has a huge van, and can drive us up there and help us move in. And even more luckily, the place we have as accomodation will already have the essential furniture, such as fridge/freezer, be, wardrobe, chairs, etc, so we won't need to lug that lot all the way across the country! So the van is just for the tarot decks then?? :D

Aerin	27 Aug 2002
Kiama, you mentioned saving money... The way I managed at uni. was to a) budget so I knew exactly how much I had to spend each week and b) keep records of what I spent (boring I know, but it can be rather shocking to realise how much you can blow on chocolate ;)) and c) only get out enough cash for the week, and once it was gone it was gone. I never used or considered a credit card. Doing as much cooking for yourself as you can, keeping an eye on prices etc also helps. Oh, and many uni. bookshops have second hand books, the best time to buy is NOW since all the graduates will have been merrily offloading their books for cash. Once term starts, pretty much too late to get anything decent. On the bright side, because I knew my priorities I managed to do a lot more than a lot of people since I didn't waste money on stuff I didn't really want. Some blew their funds at the start of term and then lived with almost no food for the remainder, bad plan. I knew that if I wanted to party on Saturday night I couldn't also afford that new top... or whatever. Even managed to have enough for a holiday in the summer. Good luck Aerin ps don't I sound boring? Actually I was just absolutely paranoid about debt, since I'd seen what a mess it can make of your life if you don't manage money well. Some people just want to throw credit at students, and it is a Bad Plan to accept all of it especially the credit and store cards. Why pay interest when you could buy an extra pack of tarot cards with the same money?

Kiama	27 Aug 2002
Aerin: Budgeting nd keeping accounts doesn't sound boring... INdeed or me, it is another new challenge! I have never had to worry about money before cuz I havealways lived at home, with parents ooking for me and providing the eseentials. Recently, I hve been buying things ready for when I go t Uni and I am certainly more money conscious now than I ever was! I used to be able to spend £9 on a nice top without feeling any guilt, but now all I think when I look at prices is either "That's 2 Tarot decks", or 'That's three evening meals!' My mum took me to Sainsbury's today an I stocked up on pasta and rice. I got theeconomy packs, and ende up lugging a huge sackful of rice home! I got some very good deals too: One pack of spaghetti for 12p. needless to say, I practically bought out their entire tock! I figured, better buy it all now whilst I am on a full-time wage, and save money later on when I'm on trying to live on my loan! Lili: I got the zip-up plastic bags for my decks. What a great idea! Thanks! Kiama

Moose	27 Aug 2002
Hi Kiama, Oh, how I remember the frantic long distance calls from my daughter for money. Of course, like every other college mother on the planet I sent it. I also sent phone cards. If possible put your bed up on blocks. This will give you additional storage space. Pack as much as possible in see-thru plastic garbage, trash or lawn bags. Saves space and you know what you have in hand. Take tins for cookies, crackers and candy. Don't forget peanut butter. Two flashlights, one for your room and one for outdoors. Lysol spray or liquid. What can I say----I'm a Virgo. Don't forget post-it notes. As I always said to my daughter--------Study hard and get that scholarship money. Don't forget to have some fun................Moose

amyel	27 Aug 2002
Label Boxes. Put essentials in a box together (toothbrush, brush, soap, clean underwear, etc...) so you have easy access to them. Take boxes to the room they will end up in right away. This means you will not be surrounded by boxes all night. Personally, this creeps me out. :)

Aerin	28 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Moose Oh, how I remember the frantic long distance calls from my daughter for money. Of course, like every other college mother on the planet I sent it. I also sent phone cards. That made me laugh, I know of one set of parents who didn't send money but that was rather a special case. I remember two girls at my college whose parents were quite well off, and who decided that they were going to spend spend spend and talk about how much fun they were having and how their parents would give them whatever they wanted Very Loudly Indeed. After the first two weeks they'd blown their funds and contacted their parents.... Who said 'No. Tough. You got yourselves into it, now get yourselves out of it'. So they spent the rest of term in a lousy evening job, frantically studying to make sure they didn't get chucked out, and having no fun at all. Karma in practice. They never did it again. Aerin ps Kiama, sounds like you are off to a good start!

Kiama	28 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Aerin I remember two girls at my college whose parents were quite well off, and who decided that they were going to spend spend spend and talk about how much fun they were having and how their parents would give them whatever they wanted Very Loudly Indeed. After the first two weeks they'd blown their funds and contacted their parents.... Who said 'No. Tough. You got yourselves into it, now get yourselves out of it'. Luckily, I have no illusions as to how much my parents will be able to help me out financiall. With my Dad unemployed, and my Mum in a lousy job, plus two litle sisters still at home and at the age where they grow out of their clothes far too fast, my parents can't afford to give me any money. It's bad enough that they have to pay the £126 contribution to the fees each year! On of my friends will be going to the Uni which is just about 50 miles from where we live. All the same, her parents have vowed to her that they will pay for everything, she won't need a job, and when she comes home at weekends, they will do all her washing and send her back with a hamper of food. Sounds nice. AndI cannot deny that I am a tad bit jealous: Money doesn't buy happiness, but it would sure help take the pressure off! However, I keep on reassuring myself that I NEED to learn how to budget and how to save money, and how to be independent... Otherwise I'm buggered later on in life! Only problem is, I still need to learn to cook! :rolleyes: Kiama

wavebreaker	28 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama However, I keep on reassuring myself that I NEED to learn how to budget and how to save money, and how to be independent... Otherwise I'm buggered later on in life! Very true, Kiama! While I was at college, my parents could have given me more money than they did, but I'm glad they didn't, because it taught me how to live on the little money I had. I think I only needed to ask for their help about 4 or 5 times during the 4 years I was at college, and those were all cases where I got unexpected bills. I still keep records of everything I spend, the same way I did while I was at college, even though I have a comfortable income now. But I've found that, by keeping track of what you spend and how you spend it, you end up with a lot more to spend! ;) I know lots of people who have much higher incomes than I have, who couldn't afford to do half of what I'm doing with my income...

Liliana	28 Aug 2002
My husband has went back to college no, and we dont get help often, and if we do its always a short term loan We are living off of my husbands colege loans and 400 a month pension I have, and thats for me, my husband, and 2 kids So dang straight I wish Id of been lucky enough to have someone handing me money while I was going to college, but I have to live in the real world :) :THP

jade	28 Aug 2002
kiama, remember that cook book that someone was making up for you? did you ever get it? love jade

Aerin	28 Aug 2002
Kiama, tarotlady I agree with you both. Learning how to budget and prioritise money is essential if you want to be independent - you have to learn eventually and it is good to learn it when you only have yourself to think about. Interestingly, some people seem to get themselves in trouble irrespective of how much money they do or don't have, it seems to be an attitude as much as anything else. I think my low spot at college was 1 slice of haslet and a Jacob's cream cracker for lunch, every day for a term. My friend was having money problems due to a budget miscalculation (clothes or music, one or the other) and I was doing a solidarity thing with her. Kiama, your friend won't get nearly so much out of uni. as you will. Your friend may think her parents are doing her a favour, but in the long run she just won't grow up as fast - and what a tie to have to come home every weekend! She may find that she doesn't want this situation as much as she thinks she will now - and if she ends up having to start a new job and live somewhere else on her own straight after university she'll have one heck of a lot of adjusting to do all at once. Much easier to get used to it now. Oh, and don't worry about the cooking. I never did much either at home, I got a couple of idiot's guides ('cooking in a bedsit' was one I remember but it is long out of print methinks). Amazon have lots e.g. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=057202455X/ref=nosim/aeclectic/ and the others mentioned on the page. I just slavishly followed the recipes along with my trusty stop watch. Liliana, that sounds tough. It is always harder for mature students as most are used to having a better standard of living and have a lot more responsibilities. My brother went to uni as a mature student (he didn't go straight from school). with 2 children under 5 and a wife to support. His wife eventually went back to work part time and it was a struggle to make ends meet. Well worth it in the end though, in particular for the sense of self esteem in proving to himself that he could do it, he is very bright, etc. Aerin

Liliana	28 Aug 2002
Yep we have 2 kids under 5 too, one will be 5 in December. And I dont work cause i take care of them. But we manage pretty well on loan money and my 400 a month. Yeha did you get that cookbook kiama? I sent a TON of recipies for it, if it was odd it was from me lol :THP

Kiama	29 Aug 2002
The cook book is being sent to me by Diana shortly. :D I can't wait! Kiama PS- I've now started packing. First thing I packed was my deck collection. I kept the Robin Wood deck though cuz I use that alot. I've sorted out what I don't need, and given it all to Oxfam. Now today, I'm packing the books I won't need until I get there!

The Moving. HELP!!!!!!!! thread was originally posted on 26 Aug 2002 in the Chat board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Chat, or read more archived threads.