Logistics

Parent Cafe
1

<p>There is probably no group of people anywhere more experienced in moving kids and their stuff, so please help me out. D2 will be moving into an apartment to start law school. We live in point A, having moved from point B and still have stuff there. B is about halfway between A and C, the apartment location.</p>

<p>At A we have a queen size bed, chest of drawers, some boxes, and clothing. At B we have a full sized couch, lamps, boxes, and an upholstered chair. We have a large cargo-style van, a mini van, and D2’s Corolla to work with, although both vans are currently at point B.</p>

<p>The available people: H, who is 2 weeks out of a cardiac incident with stent placement, D2 with MD and weakness in shoulders/arms, S who is not a big person, and myself–also not big but highly motivated.</p>

<p>Right now we think we will bring the cargo van to point A this weekend to have it ready to load. Should we also bring the mini van? If not, we will have to unload stuff from the big van to the mini van at point B to get the couch in the big van. Should we dump the entire thing and just rent a truck? </p>

<p>Travel time between each point is about one hour. D2 could head out ahead of us and get the key, etc. before we arrive so that we can start unloading when we get there, but then we wonder if an experienced eye should be there for a walk through to catch things that may need to be noted on the paperwork so she is not charged later. </p>

<p>I had the good sense back in May to request a first floor apartment but I am still concerned about the amount of work H will be doing. S and I as primary movers/assemblers is laughable. I have considered the idea of hiring one of S’s friends from point B to come along to be a tall strong back.</p>

<p>Please critique this plan and give me some feedback.</p>

2

<p>Have your S start contacting friends IMMEDIATELY. </p>

<p>PS, You’re fortunate that distances are short. Imagine what it would be like for an 1100 mile relocation! We moved DD’s stuff, but DD’s roommate simply bought “all new” upon arrival. Different strokes …</p>

3

<p>this sounds like the question on my Operations Management final 20+ years ago in biz school!</p>

4

<p>Or contact some local movers, get estimates, and see if this will work out for you. The movers can lift heavy furniture and move them quite efficiently.</p>

5

<p>I had to move D into her downtown apartment in May. H was recovering from major surgery and couldn’t go with us on the move or help in any way. We rented a u-haul, one way. Loaded it up by ourselves, using help from friends. For the unpack, which needed to be done quickly (and involved getting up to the 3rd floor), I hired a couple guys using Moving Help dot com. We “rented” 2 guys, for 2 hours, for about $110. They met us at the apartment and quickly unloaded the truck, brought everything upstairs into the apartment. Best money I ever spent.</p>

6

<p>I agree, contact moving companies, for them to load a truck and move isn’t all that expensive considering what you have to move. If you pack your own stuff, that saves money, but it also won’t be insured so consider that. They will make multiple stops if necessary–adds to the cost. Otherwise, look into PODS or similar-where they bring a container to you, you pack it, they haul it, you unpack.</p>

7

<p>You can hire those Moving Help guys on both ends if it makes sense. Doesn’t sound like you need to go the pod route, but in case any one else does… ABF is miles cheaper than PODS (about 40% of the PODS cost for D2’s move).</p>

8

<p>The logistics aren’t too difficult since it’s only an hour between points, which is minimal. It’s further eased by access to vehicles you can use for the move.</p>

<p>If between you, your D, and your S you can find some friends or friends’ HS/College aged kids willing to help then go that route. You probably only need a couple of them. If need be you can make a couple of trips between the points since they’re so close. Your D doesn’t need everything in the apt all at once. It’s easier to move it all at once but not necessary.</p>

<p>If you can’t find a couple of friends to help and you feel that you and you and S can’t manage it (and H and D2 shouldn’t be lifting heavy things), then see if you can hire someone.</p>

<p>There’s no reason you couldn’t all arrive at the same time. Having D2 get to the apt first doesn’t buy much. Just all head there together, all of you give the apt a once over, including having a camera with you to take pics of issues. That takes all of maybe 5-10 minutes.</p>

<p>Another tip - don’t bring too much. It’s easier to bring some additional stuff later if really needed but don’t go overboard.</p>

9

<p>Given your husband’s health and the short distances involved, I wonder if hiring movers wouldn’t be the best answer. Could you swing just hiring a company (probably in point A)? Or hiring help at each location. Unless she can round up several friends, I would say that at this point the consequences of several of your family members helping may outweigh the benefits. </p>

<p>It doesn’t sound like this move would take professional movers very long – so you certainly should get estimates.</p>

10

<p>Your back is priceless–once it’s hurt, it’s hurt for life. Get help, paid or unpaid.</p>