Moving Lessons February 13, 2009
Posted by Emily in : Daily Life, Family, Utah , trackbackMy legs hurt. My feet hurt. My brain hurts. I’m hungry too.
A big snow storm is hitting the entire state of Utah tonight. David decided to get out of the state this evening to avoid driving to Texas in bad weather tomorrow. (He is en-route to Kansas by way of Texas to get our stuff out of storage.)
That is awesome and all, but nothing makes me run around like a chicken with its head cut off like a moved up deadline.
It seems I suffer from selective memory, and right before every major move, I am reminded of a few minor moving lessons:
- You always need one more box than you have
- Regardless of how much crap you get rid of, you still have too much stuff
- You always need more packing tape
- It is inevitable, you will run to Walmart more than once for supplies
- Your kids will unpack your stuff
- Your kids only want to play with recently packed toys
- The last 10% of packing takes 90% of the total time you spent packing
- You will leave something behind
- You probably won’t eat (’cause your runnin’ behind schedule and this is why I am STARVING)
- Everyone you know will call to wish you well and secretly, you just don’t have time to chat
- Regardless of how fast you work, you will be behind schedule
My kids are finally settled into their new beds at my parent’s house. We will stay here for a few days, then I will brave the friendly skies and the three of us will fly to Kansas City next week. (And we’ll meet David there who will have unpacked everything we own. I’m sure he will have every piece of furniture and trinket placed when we get there. 
)
That’s right, I will be flying to Kansas with two children in tow, 31 months and younger, all by myself.
I’m not sure I’m mentally prepared for this!
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I hope everything goes smoothly, Emily!
I hope all goes well. Moving always sucks. But look on the brightside, you’ll get to see all the things you’ve had stored. It’ll by like Christms. Things you forgot you had will be there. I’m looking forward to that one day….
You will get it all done Emily, I promise !! As for the flight to Kansas, it will be great just stay calm. I always get new DVD’s for Maddie and new coloring books. The $1 bins at Target are great for little airplane toys. Stickers are great too and don’t forget the snacks !! I am so excited for you to be settled in Kansas.
Boy, I know that list. Moving sucks.
As for the airport, a few tips….
Most airlines let small children (especially with strollers) go through the wheelchair line to skip waiting and waiting at check in and security. Just walk right up to the wheelchair entrance and the security will tell you when to go on through.
If you are flying very early or very late, let the kids fly in their pyjamas. Everyone thinks they are adorable and the kids will be much more comfortable.
Have an alcoholic drink…..(no! no! that wasn’t it!!)
*AHEM*
Ask for help. It is surprising how many people don’t mind helping opening strollers, closing strollers, carrying bags etc. Also, the airline should provide you with an assistant if you need it (especially if you are running behind schedule).
If your luggage is checked, it buys you some time. The airplane would rather wait a few minutes to get to the gate than leave without you. They are not allowed to leave with your luggage on board but with you not. So if you are very, very late, they have to pull your luggage out from the bottom of the plane. They hate this. They will not be pleased if you are late (experience talking) but they are more happy if you show up. Try not to panic if you are ‘just’ making it.
If you have a long layover, ask if the airport has a play area. Many of them do and it is worth it to walk over to another terminal for a chance to play.
If you have the extra money, buy a portable dvd player and a new dvd the kids haven’t seen before. Bring an old favorite too.
Bring candy.
Get Hannah a very small purse with a handful of pennies in it and two very small containers (like a film canister size). It is amazing how long kids can move pennies around. Of course, watch out for Dallin eating them.
Good luck Emily. You’ll be fine! My kids have great memories of being in airports. We always seem to have a great time.
You’re going to be GREAT! and your family is adorable!
Rebecca,
You are a wealth of information! I’m certainly going to go through the handicapped line, ask people for help, and stock up on fun toys/activities!
Thanks for the tidbits!