Moving On...Moving At All

I have moved a couple of times in my life.  Actually, I have moved a total of 11 times.  This move back to my hometown will be the sixth move for my husband and I.  But, the second official large move wherein a moving company was involved.

Sure, I moved from my parents' house to go to school.  Moved back to KC, in with a roommate, then to the town where my first big-girl job was, then to Columbia, Missouri where I lived in a crack-apartment where people just decided to pass out on my doorstep.  Once shotguns were fired in my parking lot, my then-kind-of-boyfriend, Rick asked me (really told me) to move in with him.  So, I moved all of my stuff to the storage bin of his apartment complex.

Fast forward six months and we find out that all of my stuff had been stolen from the storage bin.  We tried to get compensated, but we failed.  Then we moved to a townhouse.  There were plush trees and wildlife in the back until six months later the city decided to plow it all down to build a bank - a much needed bank.

After we were married, we wanted a house.  Not the white picket fence, but definitely a house with a backyard.  My agenda was always to get a dog.  Rick had never had a dog (except for his childhood dog Rascal).  But, I grew up around dogs and had one that I had to give to my brother when I went back to college.  I missed having a dog.  Plus, being the 'cat couple' wore on me...and I wanted to be able to go to a dog park and play fetch.

So, we move into that house using friends, not a professional moving company.  We were settled.  We got a dog (Kaeli) and the house felt like home.  Until a little more than two years later we experienced a house fire that sent us to temporary housing.  All of this is documented in my book, "Diary of an Unemployed Workaholic: Lessons Learned from Chaos."  But, for that move, the insurance company took care of the dry-cleaning and storage of anything that survived the fire.

Eight months later - yes, they built two Super WalMarts and then some in the time it took to get us back into our home - we moved back to our refurbished house.  The cat ran away.  The cat came back.  The cat passed away.  We got another dog.  During that time the paradigm shifted at work and we both agreed to move to Michigan.

I moved up for a job.  Rick stayed behind - charged with packing up the house and hiring the moving company.  When we got to Michigan, half of our stuff was broken.  No more end tables.  China hutch cut in half (which actually benefited us because it made a great TV stand)...even the lawnmower was broken.  Not to mention, the drivers, unloaders, whatever they're called, were very rude as they unloaded.

So, this time around, it was my turn.  I stay behind in Michigan.  I finish my job.  Get the house on the market.  Hire the Realtors.  Cancel certain utilities.  Hire the moving company.  And I did.  But, it's a lot easier said than done.  I thought I got a great deal.  I researched companies.  I researched options.  I spoke to representatives on the phone.  I thought I did great.

My Type A personality doesn't like to fail.  Sure, I'll admit it when I'm wrong or when I do fail.  But I absolutely detest choosing the wrong path.  And this time, I definitely chose the wrong path.  Customer service?  The guy who booked us has been great!  Follow through and any other person I have tried to deal with to solidify my move date?  Awful.

I have been told that the company that shall remain nameless until they piss me off even more would be available to pick up my stuff on a Saturday.  That turned to nobody returning my call to get a confirmation.  50 phone calls and irate messages later, a phone call from someone who doesn't speak any English called to say they were coming on Monday between 8 and 5p.m.  Really?  Not only had I approved my house to be shown on Monday...what happened to the 2-day notice they were supposed to give me.

Since then, I have been on the phone trying to call someone to see if they are coming to move my crap.  They keep saying 'we'll call you back'.  The latest is that they need to determine if the contract moving guys can make it on Tuesday morning.  Hmmmm...the contract I signed said they were available Sunday through Tuesday. 

So, I'm currently waiting for them to call me back.  Have been told I need to sign a new contract.  have been asked what is the latest date I can now have them pick stuff up.  Um....TUESDAY?  Like in the original agreement?!?!

It sucks because they hold all the power.  To try to find a new mover on such short notice will cost an arm and a leg.  Not to mention, if I piss off the moving guys before they even get here...I can best be sure that there will be much more than a few broken end tables and china hutch.  I'd really like our HD TV to make the move.

So, my advice to those getting ready to move?  Don't take my advice.  My project plans and anal notes and organizational skills aren't worth a hill of beans.  Just find a friend.  A truck.  Two strong people and move yourself.  It's like the old adage...if you want something done right...just do it your damned self.