1. The screws that come in the bag with the new door pulls for the cabinets are not long enough to use on the drawers. Also, when you present the too-short screw to the guy at Ace Hardware and tell him that you need the same thing, only a half inch longer, make sure he gives you something that’s really a half inch longer, not a quarter inch longer. Ideally, you should do this IN the store and not when you get home.
2. You can’t tell if the pilot on the water heater is really out every morning unless you’re lying flat out on the dirt about half an inch from the little window at the bottom of the water heater. Also, it takes an average of 12 clicks to light the pilot, and 20 minutes to accrue enough hot water for a shower. Every morning.
3. U-haul will buy back unused boxes, so get plenty at the start.
4. Many new in-sink disposals don’t come with a power cord - the cord is sold separately, and conveniently, right beside the disposals (which you’ll notice on your second or third visit).
5. Every smoke alarm at both the new and the old house will have the batteries die within 48 hours of each other, most typically between 2am and 4am. Keep several AAs on hand.
6. Do all of your laundry BEFORE you move, as the handyguy may not be able to get to the new house to hook up the washer and dryer for several days, and you only have 3 comfortable pair of work-appropriate pants.
7. If you put something in your cart at the Home Depot, make sure it gets purchased.
8. If you purchase something at Home Depot, make sure it gets into one of the bags and into the car. You’ll be back a third time to return it for something of the correct size, so go ahead and save your receipt.
9. New utility knives are much sharper than you think, and cut knuckles bleed much faster and more profusely than you’d expect.
10. After close to 9 months of renovation, take a minute to relax and enjoy the new home. The reward of the house is far greater than the more temporary hassle of moving. Also, ask a neighbor right away which day is trash day, or else you’ll miss it and have to stockpile trash for a week.
July 19th, 2007 at 4:40 pm
You had me laughing Kelley, and all good advice. Enjoy your new digs.
-Athol
July 19th, 2007 at 5:20 pm
[...] Kelley Koehler had me laughing at her expense, though the advice is all good in 10 Lessons Learned While Moving Last Week [...]
July 19th, 2007 at 7:37 pm
The funniest comment occurred at the end with the comment about the trash. When you look out the window and see your neighbor walking to the road to take the trash can out, jump in your shoes and try to meet him. You will end up catching up on the latest gossip for a few months of trying but keep it up, and your neighbor will eventually get tired of you walking out the same time as him or her and start knocking to take out your garbage for you. Worked for my grandma!
July 20th, 2007 at 8:18 am
Funny stuff! Moving just sucks, plain and simple.
Missed you at the BlogTourUSA gathering last night. We talked about you. We’ll continue to talk about you until you get to one of these gatherings…
July 20th, 2007 at 10:03 am
The new house is good, thanks. Couple things left to fix, couple pictures left to hang, and then we’re finished. The old house is still a disaster, but I can only manage one at a time.
Somehow, I don’t think my 88 year old neighbor will take pity on me and take out my trash - more likely the other way around!
Sorry I missed BTUSA-PHX, but I didn’t have the day to take off. I am hoping to get to the San Fran conference though.
July 21st, 2007 at 9:28 pm
I feel your pain! Having recently done the move thing myself, it’s my theory that ALL REALTORS should have to move so they can relate to the hassles their clients have to deal with.
August 5th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
[...] 10 Lessons learned by moving last week by The Housechick [...]