The uhaul thing, we did it from New Hampshire to Florida towing Ryan’s car that is like the same size as Toms car. While illegal, we did exceed the speed limit (or should I say, Ryan did!! I refused to drive the uhaul.) making it up to 80MPH withouth any problems. Ryan did not want to test it any higher….I must add, I did object to the 80mph, but we made it and the car was fine. The only problem that we had was gas, when towing the car at higher speeds, as well as the weight of the truck, we averaged 5 miles per gallon. Awful gas mileage.

As far as packing, I have moved too often and have actually started packing myself for our hopeful move in December. I have started packing already and dejunking I am hopeful that Ryan will find a job out of Florida the day that he graduates and then we will (if I am lucky) be moving in December.
Marcy mentioned about marking the boxes…this is very important. To add to it, the Uhaul store has printed tape that you can use, like purple is kitchen and says kitchen, red is livingroom, you get the idea. So you would just tape up the boxes with the correct color tape.It is expensive though, but easy. It keeps your stuff organized.

Also, if letting people from church help you move, just remember that they do not care about your stuff like you do. We had a couple of things broken, scrached and dented from this move. So pack the things that you value carefully, and if moving furniture, just supervise while they are moving it.

Thats it really, I can’t really think of anything else that Marcy, didn’t add. Good luck!! I will really miss you!!

1. As you pack, make sure not to mic things you won’t need for awhile, like clothes that don’t fit or photo albums or knick knacks or lingerie (lol?) separate from thing you will need right away such as toilet paper, microwaveable dishes, and Mountain Dew. Mark the unessential stuff clearly. That way when you get into your new place you can immediately chuck the non-essentials into c closet to be deal with later. If you try to unpack everything at once, you will go insane. Just do the important stuff first, take a break, and get to the other stuff later. I still haven’t got to my “other stuff,” it continues to rot in the closet. And that’s okay with me, what use do I have for Brad’s gnome collection?

2. The trip will not be as bad as you think. We went a lot further than you and it wasn’t half as bad as we had anticipated, even though the portable DVD player broke before we pulled out of the parking lot in Florida. REST STOPS ARE YOUR FRIEND! Stop often and let the kids run. Admire the various forms and configurations of dog poop. And be aware that not all rest stops have bathrooms. But I was really impressed by many of them, some even had gift shops. As much as you can, stop at grocery stores for food instead of restaurants. Hotel breakfasts consist of three forms of sugar and coffee, which you don’t drink, and which is really bad coffee anyway. When you stop at a chain hotel, be aware that the price is always negotiable. The best rate is usually the “corporate”rate, and if you ask for it they will give it to you. I highly recommmend Best Westerns. REmember I used to manage one. Best Westerns have to have certain amenities to be Best Westerns, which other hotels will skate around, such as shampoo, and many have restaurants attached with breakfast at that restaurant included in your stay.

3. Spoil yourself. A happy mom = a happy family. If you want to drink Mountain Dew from a Camelback, you go right on and do it. If you wnat to stop and see the world’s biggest ball of twine, you’d better do it. If you feel like taking a break after unpacking one box, do it! Everyone will be happier for it.

Will miss you!!

Don’t procrastinate (I always procrastinate packing)

If you have time, go through your stuff and throw or give away the stuff you haven’t used for a while (6 months, right Shannon?). It will save you packing it, hauling it and finding a new home for it in your new place.

Write on each box not only what is in the box but which room you’d like it to go in in your new place (that way the movers can take it straight where it goes and it’s one less step for you to find something).

If you’re using boxes that already have writing on them buy a sharpie (or 2) of an unusual color and use it for labeling. Then tell all your moving helpers to only pay attention to that color writing.

When it gets down to it, throw your perfectionist tendencies to the wind and just pack the stuff. You probably don’t have time to sort through every junk drawer. Just throw the contents in a Ziploc and deal with it later.

Pack a clean garbage can with the following things you will need right away at your new house (several of each, if necessary): rolls of toilet paper, soap, paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, garbage sacks, etc., and keep it separate from all other stuff (like in your car).

Pack your suitcases like you’re taking a trip for a few days (in your case, Shannon, you are, since you aren’t moving only 3 cities over). That way you don’t have to frantically search for your pj’s and toothbrush your first night in a new place. Keep separate from all other stuff (like in your car).

We moved into our last house and didn’t have gas for a few days because we didn’t know it was separate from our city utilities hookup. I started this list so something like that wouldn’t happen again. People to inform of address changes:

Utilities for new house
Gas for new house
Cancel old Utilities & Gas
Phone, Internet, Cable TV? for new house
Cancel old phone, internet, TV
Forwarding address at post office
Ensign (and/or other magazine subscriptions)
Family & Friends
Get new checks?
Bank(s)
Credit card companies
Forward labels to give people moving in old house
All Dr.’s
Current dentist?
Insurance (Health, Life, Home, Car, etc.)
Register to vote
Church membership records
Work/State records for tax purposes
State Motor Vehicle Registration
Anyone we owe money to (like hospital after having baby, car
payments, etc.)