I am no moving expert and since this is only my first ‘official’ move cross country (I moved one summer to Boston, but that was more of an extended vacation), I just wanted to throw out some tips I did and some I learned along the way on this cross country move/trek. I thought I was pretty clever on some of them and some that I forgot to do I had to mentally flog myself, ‘What were you thinking you IDIOT!?!’ I will share those in a different post. One of the things I did, my husband was adamant that I didn’t do, he thought it was silly and would take up too much space in the car. I am so glad I didn’t listen to him, because it made a world of difference.
- I brought a couple sets of clean sheets, duvet covers, my down pillows and comforter. It made staying at ugly La Quinta Inns (the only places that allowed dogs on our route) so much more comfortable. The sheets were high thread count and they were mine. When we got to our house sitting destination I washed everything a few (or more times) and it made our house sitting stay more comfy.
- I brought a wine opener, it was a little luxury but it was nice to have a glass of wine the minute we arrived in NC.
- I carried travel size versions of Advil, allergy tablets and saline solution in my purse. To have to grab any of these things from our suitcase (of our very packed vehicle) would have been maddening.
- We packed a cooler with healthy food–Fixin’s for sandwiches, crackers, cheese, granola bars, yogurt, raw almonds, etc. such a smart idea, it saved us money and we didn’t have to eat at greasy fast food restaurants for at least two of our meals, dinner of course was a different story.
- I downloaded free podcasts from Itunes. This made the trip so much easier and stopped us from bickering for at least 45 minute stretches at a time. I am nuts about “Stuff you missed in history class’ and I didn’t mind the Adam Carolla podcasts either.
P.S. Remember the other day I mentioned I saw a dead wild turkey that could have been a vulture? Well, I found out that there’s these ugly Turkey Vultures here, they are gigantic! I just about had a heart attack when I saw them hanging out. Word on the street is they only eat dead animals so the girls and I are safe (for now).
P.P.S. This photo is of Jordan Lake, it’s a mile walk from my new home, isn’t it pretty? I plan on going canoeing there, even though I have never canoed in my life, but how hard could it be? I’ll bring my husband in case it’s harder than it looks, he’s really strong and I think he would love it if I was a damsel in distress, instead of bossy pants.
Love Canoeing! It’s really hard though, get ready to have your shoulder muscles you didn’t even know existed hurt.
Great tips. Glad you made it safely. The lake looks lovely. Just think of the great shots you can get from a canoe. Forced perspective!
That’s a fabulous idea–wine opener! As for canoeing, I attempted it once, in college. My friends and I kept hitting the bank or going around in circles. We finally made it the middle of the lake (so proud!) and the guys came and tipped us over. Good times. Of course, I am not the the least bit athletic. So. There’s that.
Great ideas! Yeah, those turkey vultures are nasty creatures…I remember them from NC.
Can’t believe I have been following your blog for over 2years now and you’ve moved less than 30 minutes away!
If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend a trip to Carr Mill Mall in Carrboro. The best breakfast in the world can be found at Elmo’s Diner (if you’re willing to wait in line) and Weaver Street Market usually has live music and artists out on the lawn in the afternoons throughout Spring and Summer. One of my favorite pastimes consists of grabbing a bottle of wine (and the wine glasses they let you borrow) at the market and heading outside to sit with friends for an afternoon of music and people watching. And of course, your dogs are welcome!
Speaking of fur babies, you might also want to check out Phydeaux in Chapel Hill. I also highly recommend Southern Seasons and the local farmers markets in Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
Welcome to Tarheel country! I hope you love it here!