Horrible Moving Company Experiences: From Smoking Smoke to Lost Dogs
Every move comes with its own set of challenges and, most unfortunately, there are stories that highlight the worst experiences possible with moving companies. Here are some harrowing tales from moving day, ranging from lost items to midnight van disappearances, each fraught with unexpected and inconvenient mishaps.
One Move, One Van, No Vanning!
Once, I was moving from Fort Stewart, Georgia, to Fort Wainwright in Alaska. The moving company was supposed to arrive at 7 am, load all the items by 6:30 pm, and presumably drive all night to reach Alaska in time. However, my father was informed that the movers would arrive around noon, clearly doubting the morning start time. Much to his amusement, they started loading around 6:30 pm as promised, which impressed him. They further promised we would meet them at the new place, but they never showed up. My father spent the next hours calling the moving company for updates, but to no avail. This experience highlighted the importance of clear and reliable communication during a move.
Accidental Uniform Packaging
When I was about to PCS (Permanent Change of Station) from Fort Stewart, Georgia, to Fort Wainwright, Alaska, I found myself in a tricky situation. I was signing off on the moving company packing up everything in my house while still on post, and during that time, I removed my ACU (Army Combat Uniform) top for a breather in the hot Georgia sun, laying it on my sofa. By the time the moving company had packed the sofa into a crate, I didn’t realize that my top was missing. A uniform top that was divided was a serious inconvenience, and the only way to rectify it would be to buy a new one and have my name tapes embroidered. This incident serves as a reminder to keep track of your items, especially when leaving your base.
A Lecture in Forgotten Safety
Back in 1966, while moving from Delaware to the Bay Area, we encountered a terrible mishap involving the moving van's rear suspension. The breakdown, which led to the rubbing of the tires against the trailer bottom, caused the tires to smolder for an unspecified duration. The good news is that no serious fire resulted, but our goods were damaged by a pungent smoke that permeated them, even after thorough cleaning. Imagine the lingering scent of the smoke in furniture and books for over a year! On top of that, our Triumph TR-4A sports car had a melted tail light lens and a burnt fender. Naturally, we couldn't move into our new home immediately; we spent two months in a motel. Our first Thanksgiving dinner was a little makeshift, as we celebrated with pizza in a local pizza parlor in Palo Alto.
A Faithful Companion’s Journey
Our beloved German Shepherd, whom we had to board on a plane, suffered an even more distressing ordeal. The dog was shipped in a crate on the plane from Philadelphia to San Francisco when the moving van's troubles were discovered. However, the crate containing our furry friend was lost on the airport tarmac at SFO! The dog was eventually found, but the experience was quite traumatic for both him and us. The emotional distress of such an experience is immense and serves as a cautionary tale for future pet owners facing cross-country moves.
In conclusion, these stories illustrate the myriad of issues that can arise during a move. It's essential to have a backup plan, be meticulously organized, and communicate clearly with everyone involved in the process to minimize the risk of similar experiences. Your belongings and your furry family member's safety should be your top priorities on moving day.