In preparation for the moving company, I researched some blogs and websites where I found some tips online. One of the biggest tips is sorting through your belongings and making sure you have a DO NOT PACK room. The week before the movers came, I purged so much stuff. I went through old storage boxes and tossed everything that I didn't really need. I kept some stuff, like little mementos that have sentimental value but the rest I threw away. It was a little hard because I didn't really need some of that stuff but for some reason I thought I did. For example, I had programs from a military ball I went to two years ago. I don't need that! But I kept it because I'm a pack rat. But now it's gone. Yay! I also donated a ton of clothes and sheets that I just didn't need.
I had a couple DO NOT PACK rooms at my house. I used the upstairs bathroom, the laundry room and also the kitchen closet. I made sure there was a sign on the rooms that I didn't want packed. I put all the stuff that I wanted to ship with unaccompanied baggage or I was going to take with me on the plane in those rooms.
Then came moving day! The moving company was about 45 minutes late but the important fact is that they actually showed up. I was a bit worried when they didn't come during the time they had told me the day before. I had to call the company and confirm and they apologized that I wasn't informed that they were running late.
When moving overseas while in the military, the moving process goes a little different then if you were a regular civilian moving. The moving company actually packs ALL of your stuff for you. It's required they do this for liability reasons. That way, in case something breaks while in transit, the moving company will be responsible (because they packed it) and not you. It's a little nerve racking watching strangers pack all of your stuff while you just sit there and watch. It was quite boring and made me a bit anxious. Another thing I learned is they will take apart most furniture that can be disassembled. My dining room chairs were completely disassembled, my cheap desk for Wal-mart, our recliner, etc. I was freaking out inside when I saw that happen but the packers assured me it will all be reassembled once it arrives in Germany. I sure hope so!
So now I am living in a sad empty house. At least I have an air mattress, the internet and my dog to keep me company! But in all truthfulness, it is pretty lonely. Next week is our unaccompanied baggage shipment. I'll make sure to explain more about that in another post. I hope you enjoyed this post and hope you all have a good weekend!
See ya next time!
-Kelly
