CiaoBella

Today was a busy day! 

The lift company we decided to go with was Strand. They sent three men, the one in charge Italian. Walter became an American citizen 5 years ago and lives in NY. He's never visited Israel even though he packs so many families up. We had many nice discussions about being flexible, going for the adventure, that the only people that can't complain to you are dead (and those are your best friends - - I have to think more about that one). He loved our two month old baby and FaceTimed his family to see him. Walter wants to return to Italy but his wife doesn't want to - - their daughter living on the third floor in the same apartment building. He lives in a family owned apartment of some sort. Oh and he thinks America wants to rule the world like Nazi Germany spreading democracy (that was interesting). But it's not Trumps fault. 

Overall, fascinating conversation. 
Buy the movers water bottles. Walter was a talker and made the day much more enjoyable.

I thought we'd be emotional but there's so much going on. No time. Adrenaline kicks in and by now you're so far deep, there's really very little to leap back on.

Time to take the plunge and swim! 

A few lessons learned -

1) Do not pack anything flammable. That includes no parafin oil or lighters.

2) Wire hangers, if you have them, can be handy. Luckily they had rope.

3) Buy tupperware sets that fit one piece into another.

4) Use your car to store important documents. Things get all over the place. Do not lose anything 
valuable that way! Eg passports, visas, ketuba, health and driving records, etc. 

5) Rent furniture. For long term it isn't wise but for a month it wasn't too bad. We used Rent a Center, a couch and queen bed. Our children are on mattresses.

6) Use boxes as temporary nightstands.

7) Check on the movers periodically. You will need to.

8) Use post it's to mark YES or NO for cabinets with what's staying and what's going. They really appreciated that. Create zones for things they should not touch. Otherwise, yes, it will be packed. 

9) Plastic storage bins they simply taped up. If we had the budget and time this method seems really smart. Just a question of storing them on the other side of the world. We used our plastic bins to store kids clothing mostly.

10) Make sure to keep clothing that's current season.

11) Books - use the library!

12) Besamim in zip lock, havdala candle, benchers, kiddush cup - - keep with you!

13) Sterling silver, keep with you. I forgot to put aside a menorah... it's really important to make zones of areas you do not want them to pack. We used the couch we rented for that and kitchen table. But I forgot about the menorah. Make a check list prior since there's so much that will happen in that 8.5 hours. 

14) If you have a binder for docs that will be for the buyers of your current home, set it aside. We realized half way through and had to open up boxes. Luckily, that was our only mistake (well that and I left a corelle bowl in the microwave -- no big deal).

15) If it doesn't give you joy, don't keep it. And if you aren't sure, take a picture and say goodbye.
 
Sharing a list of How to Live Without Your Stuff and more items we kept for the next couple of weeks.

1) pack clothing into duffel bags (even if you'll rearrange it later)
2) keep stroller, car seat and diaper bag
3) keep two mifold boosters
4) bring double beds to Simcha room
6) pack jewelry into carry case thingie
6) buy from dollar store melamine plates, bowls (4 of each), cups (meat)
7) plastic cutlery for meat (borrowing in the end from a friend)
8) foil pans
9) keep folding tables (share sharon later)
10) keep behind toaster oven and blech, urn
11) whatever bathroom essentials
12) keep black ikea wardrobe
13) Persian rug back to newton
14) keep cleaning supplies 

No pan/pot meals: - foil pans from dollar store
Oven baked lasagna & peas (microwave)
Oven baked shnitzle and French fries
Salmon and can corn
Chicken soup in cockpot
Grilled cheese (eggs in microwave)
Chicken and green beans
Baked meatballs and minute rice 

Left behind also -
Shabbos tallis
Immunization records
Sheets/Pillows (only what we are using)
Shower curtain and liner
Towels (ones we use)
Measuring cups (oops)
One Milchig Pot
One fleishig pot
Sharp knives (bought at dollar store)
Computers/Laptops
Pliers
Screwdrivers
Hammer
Some Toys
First aid kit
Swim stuff and flip flops
Water bottles
Jewelry travel bag 

Do not pack shampoo. Water in Israel is different. 

Order collapsible laundry baskets. Even one to use while still in US. Hard ones toss or donate. 




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