Pack It Up and Move It Out!

The time has come for the Monster House to re-evaluate our location. It has become abundantly clear in recent months that we are not in the most beneficial area for our children's education, recreation, and a great many other things. Don't get me wrong. I love this little town, and I love that the monsters have had so much opportunity to enjoy childhood. But my #2 needs more from his school, and the twinnie monsterlettes need more, as well. The house we are in currently is taking more and more money to maintain, because our land lord does not/ will not maintain it. Aside from all that, living an hour away from a super mega Wally World, movie theaters, bowling alleys, playlands, hospitals, pediatricians, allergists, restaurants, etc. has driven this Momma completely bonkers.

Here's a little known secret. I never leave home.  Okay, never is a strong word. I rarely leave home. At most, I get out of the house on a quarterly basis. Picking up the mail and taking children to piano lessons a couple of blocks away does not count. I never ( in this case, "never" is true) go grocery shopping, or go out to dinner with The Daddy. I don't have girls' nights. I get my hair cut once a year if I'm lucky. In short, I have a case of cabin fever that has been building for the last 4 years. The time has come.

And so, the hunt begins. For schools that would be best for the monsters. For a house within our price range that will fit all of us, within the boundaries of the schools we select. For location convenient for #1 who will be going to college (on a SCHOLARSHIP! To study to be a secondary English teacher. Sooooo proud!), as well as for the monsters in elementary, middle, and high school. This is starting to feel like the quest for the Holy Grail. Do we buy or do we rent? And, WHEN did we get so poor?!?!

Oh, and also? The Momma is going back to school, as well.  Lots of changes in the air. Lots of things to worry over. And last night, a few things to cry over. I do not like change. I don't deal with it well, and I've lived in this tiny town for just shy of 16 years. These are some pretty deep roots.  I'm a tad scared. The monsters? They are all, "Let's leave tomorrow! Just bomb the house, and let's GO!"

So here's what I need from y'all, because I am SURE there is someone out there who has done this. How do you "plan" a move like this? I need to make lists! I need to do research online! I need to have plans! I need to drive everyone in the house crazy by going through things to keep, things to throw out, and things to donate!

We have a date for moving. We promised #1 we wouldn't move before she graduates, because that's the kind, merciful thing to do. So.. we would like to help our neighbors celebrate June 1st by parking a giant U-Haul truck in our driveway and running back and forth to said truck like a line of crazed ants with boxes and assorted crappy furniture. Hey, it's entertainment. Maybe I should sell tickets and make popcorn for their viewing pleasure. I'm sure they will throw candy and scream "See Ya!" as we drive away.

How have y'all gotten through it? Planning a big move? How long did it take to recover?

U-Haul truck image from uhaul.com. Fantasy Island image from the Google images. Just searc "Waving goodbye"!