Moving, or PCSing with the military is never easy. Moving is not a fun task. But as you can imagine and as I am experiencing, moving from overseas is even more of a pain.
But yet, it still has to happen if we are to get home. And home, back to the United States, is where we want to be.
In September when we first learned that we were going to Virginia next, I took an ACS (Army Community Services) class on PCSing, called Smooth Moves. It was a great review of everything that had to be done and the timeline to follow to accomplish it all.
That’s great, except that the timing of the arrival of our official orders and when we wanted to leave Germany in order to spend time with family and find a house in Virginia before the holidays didn’t leave a lot of room to spare. That means that everything has to happen quickly…and it is!
Last week was spent scheduling, making appointment, and planning. Lots of planning!
We were also able to get our car shipped last week. This was our first initial concern. It takes approximately 45 days to ship the car, so we had to time it so that it would arrive while we were visiting family and we would actually have something to drive to Virginia from South Carolina. It looks like that is actually going to happen. Unless, of course, the car falls of the boat, which I have assured EA and MC is NOT going to happen.
The big even of this week is our household shipment. This will take place on Thursday and Friday. My posts may be a bit scarce as things get hectic and crazy with that.
When you make an overseas move, you have two types of shipments for your “stuff”. The first is called a Household Goods shipment. This shipment contains most of what you have in your house. Everything is packed up, crated, and it travels by cargo to your overseas destination. It takes about 60 days to arrive.
The second shipment is called Unaccompanied (or Hold) Baggage. This shipment contains everything that you will need to survive between the time your Household Goods shipment takes place and you go into temporary lodging before you actually leave your current station. In our case, this is a full three weeks.
So, the hard and complicated part of this move is separating the things that need to go into our Unaccompanied Baggage shipment from the things that will be packed up on Thurs. for our Household Goods shipment.
Specifically, I am setting aside things like
- a basic set of cook ware
- basic dishes
- sheets & blankets
- basic linens
- a box of toys and craft items for the kids to have something to do
- homeschool books
- important papers
- car seats
- packed suitcases
Sometimes I feel like my head is spinning with all the details of what needs to be done over the next couple of days. Along with separating the hold baggage items, I also need to clean and organize each room for the packers to come in, make sure all the laundry is cleaned, make sure the trash is emptied (it’s very important that a full trash can isn’t packed up….yes, it does happen), take all pictures off the walls, and so much more.
And add to that the fact that I have a sick little one in my house now. I took MC to the clinic on post this morning after she woke up with a high fever. We came home with Motrin, antiboitics and a diagnosis of it could be tonsilitis or it may very well be swine flu. So, our well laid out plans for child care while the packers are here aren’t going to work out. I don’t want to expose my friend to whatever dreaded disease we have within the confines of our home. Boy, that was a bit dramatic, wasn’t it??
Anyway, with all that said, I would appreciate your prayers for our family as we get through the next few days.
The end of the week will come.
The packers will do their job.
Everything will be done…weather I’m completely ready for it or not.
God’s grace and peace will get us through each moment, just as it always does.
He will calm my anxieties and fears as I place my trust in Him.
Thank you all so much for your support and your prayers! If you have any questions about our move that I can answer, ask away in the comments…I’m sure I made everything clear as mud for you.
And visit Tackle it Tuesday at 5 Minutes for Mom to see what others have to tackle this week!
Stephanie says
Wow that is a lot to keep track of! Praying it all goes smoothly and as planned!
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..Flu Fighter Muffins =-.
Lori says
You are right and even the best laid plans still don’t cover a continental move. Our Unaccompanied baggage came AFTER our household and Storage so needless to say, I was glad I shipped things that I really needed to my friend in advance! That was the best planning I had done and All of it arrived safely! Please let us know if you need anything . 804 691 5052 / 72 ST. Lo Road. if you are on post and just need a place to potty or get a snack don’t hesitate to drop in!
Steph says
Wow it sounds like you have a lot going on. On the plus side at least you have packers coming! 🙂 I hope your little one gets well soon.
.-= Steph´s last blog ..Tackle it Tuesday: The To Do List =-.
jess says
hey you know my house is available for your needs to drop off the healthy kiddos or get something you need.
Liz@HoosierHomemade says
I thought moving from house to house was bad, if I ever have to move again, praying I don’t, I will not complain.
My prayers are with you and your family!
~Liz
.-= Liz@HoosierHomemade´s last blog ..Cupcakes and A Giveaway =-.
pk says
Now THAT is a to-do list! Wow! I’m in awe of how organized you are. Prayers that everything go smoothly with the move.
pk @ Room Remix
.-= pk´s last blog ..A Chair Makeover =-.
Linda@cookingtipoftheday says
I will pray for her quick recovery…. I’m sure everything will go as planned…
.-= Linda@cookingtipoftheday´s last blog ..Recipe: Chocolate Frosted Shortbread Bars =-.
Erin @ Closing Time says
Wow…that is a lot to deal with! It sounds like you are making progress, and at least it will all be over quickly! I hope MC feels much better soon. I’m sorry you couldn’t find out for sure if it is the flu, I know that will make your child-care situation much more difficult.
.-= Erin @ Closing Time´s last blog ..Pass the Tissues, Please =-.
Susie's Homemamde says
Good luck with that tackle!!
.-= Susie’s Homemamde´s last blog ..Tackling Werewolf Cupcakes =-.
Stephanie says
Okay, the Army makes a move so much more complicated than my husband’s company. Big time prayers to you and your family.
Nancy M. says
I can’t even imagine having to move from that far away. That just boggles my mind! I do hope MC feels better! I am sure y’all will get everything done in time and hopefully with not much stress!
.-= Nancy M.´s last blog ..Pineapple Upside Down Cake =-.
LifeAtTheCircus says
What a tackle! That sounds like a handful and a half! Glad you seemed to be well informed and well organized. Hope it all goes smoothly and you enjoy your remaining days abroad!
Jennifer Scruggs says
Congrats! You are the winner of the “Scruggs Hug” for biggest tackle!!! You may collect your prize upon arrival in SC. We MUST set up a playdate once you arrive. 🙂
I will be praying for you– and I will pass this post on to my MOPS group to pray for you too!!! Love you bunches– and looking forward to seeing you SOON!!! Whoo-Hoo!
Donnetta says
Just thinking of all the work and details makes my head spin. I will definitely be keeping you in my prayers in the days ahead!!
.-= Donnetta´s last blog ..My Tornado Story Part I =-.