Random moving question

[MrsK]

Moving is stressful. Once he tries to pack all that stuff in the car, he'll realize that it's just not practical. It sounds like he is afraid that the movers won't show up when you get there and you'll be camping out. Reassure him that even if there is a problem with the movers (unless you are moving to Utah) you won't need your own coffee grinder or espresso machine.

[alison]

Moving is stressful. Once he tries to pack all that stuff in the car, he'll realize that it's just not practical. It sounds like he is afraid that the movers won't show up when you get there and you'll be camping out. Reassure him that even if there is a problem with the movers (unless you are moving to Utah) you won't need your own coffee grinder or espresso machine.

Exactly -- he's afraid he won't have his creature comforts on the other end. There will be SO little to do when we get to our new apartment, that going out for coffee will be an activity. You know, one of those nice things we can do to get out and explore our new town.

[Deebs]

If you're relying on your homeowner's policy, make sure that they will cover costs if the moving truck is in a collision. We had TWO friends who this happened to post-residency (on separate trucks). Our insurance assured us that then they would make the moving company claim it on their policy, but the movers were upfront that if it was in a self-pack box it wouldn't be insured regardless. That's where we decided to just declare everything we felt necessary.

[alison]

If you're relying on your homeowner's policy, make sure that they will cover costs if the moving truck is in a collision. We had TWO friends who this happened to post-residency (on separate trucks). Our insurance assured us that then they would make the moving company claim it on their policy, but the movers were upfront that if it was in a self-pack box it wouldn't be insured regardless. That's where we decided to just declare everything we felt necessary.

Thanks -- good point to clarify what is covered if you self-pack.

[Deebs]

Basically, with all of this worrying, you've ensured yourself that either way, nothing will break, so you're taken care of!

[SuzySunshine]

Alison, the other thing to think about is that if you pack valuables in the car are you going to unpack them each night at the hotels? That is a prime place for things to get stolen. When we moved from CA we moved our 6 cases of wine and it was a PIA to unload it each night but we did it more for the exposure to the heat then the theft.

[DCJenn]

Cheri has an excellent point-

The thing about the minimal packing in the car is that at the end of a long day of being on the road, the last thing you want to do is have to carry all that stuff from the car to the hotel.

And you can remind him that he's moving to Palo Alto, not Siberia. (and even Siberia has pizza places and coffee shops!)

Jenn

[MrsK]

Oh yes, when we came here it was a PITA to remove the suitcases, papers, jewelry, and dog supplies from the car at every hotel.

Another tip, pack everyone's clothes in one suitcase so you don't have to bring multiple bags into the hotel.

[alison]

I know, you guys I know... He has packed one large moving box, and a large (check-in size) suitcase full of stuff. That's more than I took with me for a year abroad!

Each night, I was just hoping to be able to bring up my file folder with our documents, my jewelry, a change of clothes, and toiletries.

And yes, I have told him that we're not going to the outback or something!

He wanted to pack an IV bag in the car.

[MrsK]

I assure you that on moving day DrK will be coming to the car with numerous random unpacked items such as single shoes, gadgets, medical tools, papers, etc. to put in the trunk. He doesn't seem to believe in packing or consolidating his items into bags/suitcases. Makes. Me. Crazy. At least your man is planning ahead. . . maybe planning too much. There's got to be a happy medium.

[SuzySunshine]

Alison, has he ever been on any type of a road trip? You guys are taking what, I-80 or I-90 all the way across? Its not like you're taking a lot of uninhabited back roads - he is too funny.

Maybe he can fit the IV bag in one of his vest pockets.

[alison]

Maybe he can fit the IV bag in one of his vest pockets.

One would think that with his German genes, he'd be able to limit the amount of stuff he takes to just one all-in-one vest... In actuality, the Germans I know pack way too much.

He seriously thinks he's going to lug the espresso machine (weighs a ton!) up and down motel steps.

We're taking I-80. The person we consulted with at AAA says to watch out for fatigue along the Nebraska-Wyoming stretch because it's SO boring.

[bokelley]

Moving is stressful. Once he tries to pack all that stuff in the car, he'll realize that it's just not practical. It sounds like he is afraid that the movers won't show up when you get there and you'll be camping out. Reassure him that even if there is a problem with the movers (unless you are moving to Utah) you won't need your own coffee grinder or espresso machine.

Moving is so stressful! My DH is studying for boards and I am the one doing all the packing and making sure everything is going right. Every so often he comes to "check" to make sure we are on schedule!!! I guess after a few more moves we might have this down to a science LOL

[oceanchild]

We're taking I-80. The person we consulted with at AAA says to watch out for fatigue along the Nebraska-Wyoming stretch because it's SO boring.

We cut down before Wyoming but took I-80 most of the way here, and no joke about Nebraska. At least, starting in Chicago, you'll skip the turnpikes (PA, OH, IN). I found those to be the most boring of all, since they're designed to bypass anything of possible interest along the way.

I'll spare you our moving story from when we came to Washington, which would totally justify your husband's position.

ETA: Nevada should be fun to drive across too. Good luck with that.