l. Be grateful for the gifting of those who can get in there and make things happen even if they don't happen exactly as you'd prefer. This is your move so you need to give some sort of directions and not expect others to know what you want. If you want music while you unpack let someone know that so the boom box doesn't get packed in the middle of everything but ask to have it loaded last so it can be unloaded first and available for use.
m. When you have the help, use it to the maximum and don't expect to work on your schedule when you're dealing with others time. In other words, if it's a Friday night move, as this was, and you find out the Saturday volunteers are shaky about coming, let those who are there unload it all (if they're willing) to do it. Isn't the key to get it all from one house to the other and then worry about getting it all unpacked and put away? The hard part is already done.
n. Always have drinks available for the help. Don't expect them to bring their own and just ordering pizza is a nice gesture.
o. Reconcile yourself to the fact that moving means living in a mess for awhile, but only for awhile and DECIDE to accept it and just keep putting one foot in front of the other as things progress.
p. Always thank those who helped. Just a saying a sincere thank you will go a long way.
q. If you want to cry and complain that things didn't go your way, do it when everyone is gone and then get over it. Be grateful things are moved, shut the door and start unpacking and get on with it.
If you've planned ahead you're move can go smoothly for everyone. Did I mention having a big yard sale before the move? We never realize how much "stuff" we've accumulated until its time to move it all. The cash will come in handy and the fewer things to move (especially when they're not being used anyhow) the better for all concerned.
