On the Move...Literally
Hellooooo! I have been MIA, but I had exactly one week to pack everything I own and load it onto a truck 🥵 See photo of the boxes filling my parent's dining room, oof. Then my dad and I drove the truck 1,945 miles from CO to NY. Gotta say, the roads in Indiana are awful! Learnt how to pavement, ask Illinois for help maybe...In general the drive was perfectly uneventful though, and we made it to my house Monday evening.
Then it was go time again, unloading the truck, returning the truck, picking up a rental car. Too much go, heavy boxes, and not enough sleeping. I had a few immediate fixes for my very handy dad to help me with, mainly that the kitchen sink drain leaked (loose fitting, he fixed it in two seconds), and the old fireplace screen in the dining room was an awful 1980's thing I wanted gone, but with two screws undone he had it off the brick!
Still, the main focus now is getting the bedroom for my cats ready for them, and yes, my cats get their own bedroom. It is next to mine, so I wanted to cut a little gateway between my main bedroom and their room. That way at night they can be confined to their bedroom and my bedroom, but not zooming all over the house knocking over antique mirrors and such unsupervised. So with stud finder in hand, my dad and I cut a hole in my bedroom wall through into my cat's closet. I'm going to be trimming it out in miniature versions of the trim around my doors and everything because I am indeed that silly. I'll make a video about putting their room together after I get the wallpaper up, as that should be an adventure in itself...
My dad flew back to Colorado yesterday, but I have two more days to get this cat room ready for the littles. I fly back to CO (for x-mas) to pick up the cats, my mom and I will drive them here to NY in my car. Yes, I get to do that 1900 mile drive again (3 days, 2 nights) but this time with 3 upset confused cats 😫 Cross your fingers for me!
I am trying to get my PC set up here so I cab edit some updates for you properly, but of course I'm missing a cable, so hopefully I can fetch that before it starts to snow later today. Thank you for your support and your patience with me during this massive transition. I haven't had a moment to even /think/ yet in the madness, but I will try and some sort of video and the podcast together here soon!
Comments (58)
How exciting for you!
I drove to Colorado from Philadelphia and back again ( 3 days to and 2 days from, my 15 year old Daughter at the time told her boss she would be back on the wrong date) This was in 2001. We got back 2 weeks before 9/11. I am so happy for you. I always hated moving around Christmas especially since my afore mentioned Daughter was born on Dec 25th., but I have done so. My late husband and I drove down from Anchorage, Alaska in January 1980. He was the only one driving. It took 9 days. We didn't want to run out of food,money or have his pick-up breakdown. Can't wait to see your designs finished.
Dear Bianca, please allow me to give you a modicum of advice regarding long distance drives with cats. In my experience there are two things to take into account: 1) They will howl for about half an hour when you start out. Nothing short of ketamine will prevent this. 2) They seem to have a better time adjusting if you can put them in a metal kennel they can see through, rather than the standard plastic oubliette the airlines prefer. I found that after every stop you make for gas/food/potty break they start the howling again, but it tends to be of shorter duration and intensity if they can SEE what is around them. Best of luck, my dear. It all sounds like such a lovely adventure. 🥰✨
Mine didn’t stop. I let them ride in their poop machine and they spent half a week-long drive curled up in that, and the other half curled under the drivers seat.
Dear Bianca, As usual I'm a little late with my comment. They say that distinguish guests arrive late. I can't use that old excuse, because I'm not that distinguished. Just my usual late self. Winter is pain, I just wish we didn't have to have it this literally. I just love the fireplace in the picture. I assume that the chimney isn't in working condition as the place has been renovated in the unclout 80's? Trust me on this. I was there. Some things done back then were unclout. Maybe not as badly as the 60's way of renovating, but by degree not by kind. I just converted the miles of your drive to km. Oh my goodness that's a drive. Not counting necessary ferry rides, that would take me to down somewhere in Spain, I think. Doing it twice and I would been somewhere in war-torn Africa. Not the best place to be as a slightly sheltered, and seriously pale, European. The pale bit is proven fact, as a side line. When I was advised on what color tinted moisturizer to get, I was advised to get either #1 or #3, among around 20-30 colors. Number 2 being for warm toned, but equally pale, people. I got both, this being an order online, and they were right. So now I'm hunting for bronzers and contouring that would work for me. Theater lights are not kind, and I have until March 1, when the big competition is going to happen, to find them. Back to the main comment. My most important question is: What is happening with the Blue Table Of Doom? It's been a good friend for all these years (to me at least), and if it's not going to go with you, I hope it goes to a good home. One where it will be as cherished as it has been, again by me at least, if not to by you. If you have to lie to make me happy, go right ahead. This being the one and only lie that I can accept, as a swear it on the book of your faith, kind of person, I am. I hope that you will pre-book pet friendly stops along the way, so the cats can get out of their carriers and let loose. I know they are cats and thus weary of unknown places, so the letting loose will probably be nervous glances around the carrier door, but my hope still stands. I like that your first thought about what to work on in your house is the cats' bedroom. This should be required study for every person adopting pets, so they would know what pet ownership entails. I'm following the Youtuber Rocky Kanaka and his Sitting With Dogs series, (and very occasionally with cats, because he can get through to a dog in a couple of hours and edit it down to something sensible. Sitting with cats, would take a couple of weeks at least. They are cats first, and the ones that come up to people will be adopted without extra encouragement) and I agree with his opinions on how pet ownership works. Anyways. I'm glad that you're safe and sound (ish) after the drive, and I'm so glad that you will have company on your, perhaps, last drive to or from Colorado. Happy Christmas to you, your family, and to all who get this far reading this. If we won't hear from you until after, I wish you and all a Happy New Year. And for you, a safe drive in the wintery conditions, on the way to the rest of your life. I Will Remain Yours... etc, Ann
SO happy for you!
Congratulations 🥳
I did that trip or nearly so. Not so fun but worth it for your dream. We're all still rooting for you here.
Nightmare! But with a happy ending!
So excited for you Bianca! I know it's so crazy and hard work, but just think what you will have when you get it all done and you are settled in 😊
The kitties always have to come first and nothing is too silly when it comes to ensuring that they live their very best lives, we're the peoples and it's our sole (and soul) reason for living. So thrilled and excited for you, can't wait to see where you'll be calling home from now on!
Girl moving? TOUGH moving in winter very tough moving at Christmas and the winter all the way across the country you're Superwoman
Moving is chaos, but it'll be worth it in the end!! <3 Congrats!! And I know you've already gotten lots of tips for moving with cats, but when I moved with mine (first with one anxiety-ridden elder baby, and then with four cats/gremlins between two cars), what made the biggest difference was them being able to see us - it's harder to do with multiples (both cats and humans, haha), but setting their crates/carriers up in the back seat so that they can see you and you can easily reach back so they can sniff you might help! I wish you the best of luck with moving them, and make sure to be careful with when they eat so they don't have a carsickness/anxiety-related smelly disaster 😬
Congratulations!! Please invest in some quality nip and calming hormones for the kitters before the trip. Also, if you can move them together in a large dog kennel, with a small cardboard box full of litter in the back of it and an iPad or something attached to the inside of the door showing bird videos, it can help. My daughter moved back from Kansas to Illinois and that helped a LOT. They were stoned, together in a snuggle puddle, watching birbs. Kept the yowling and terror to a minimum. I too have a bedroom for my cats. It's totes normal and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Magic gateway between them is genius!
I am so happy for you. I am glad you get to document this crazy wild time and you will be able to look back on it and enjoy it all over again. I only ever took photos. They are great, but you can really document this. Best of luck to you and the kitties!
Glad you made it safely.
Good luck! I just did the drive/move from CA to NYC with our two cats- feel free to message me if you want any tips 😻😻😻
Congrats on get your stuff moved smoothly. I hope the kitties travel is just as uneventful. Remember a litter box and fav toys. 🩷
Congrats on your move! Looking forward to the videos of your renovations. Love your solution for your cats. Good luck with the drive back to NY. I hope your vet gives you good tranquilizers...for your cats😉 I moved from Illinois to Florida many years ago with two cats. That was an adventure. As a current Illinois resident and a truck driver, I had to smile at what you said about the Illinois and Indiana roads. Fortunately you did not have to take I-80 across Illinois. You missed all the construction nonsense, especially in and around Joliet. It is taking the better part of Forever to finish that section. I might be retired before that is done, and I have a few years until then.
We drove that path this past summer... it was worse than Chicago traffic! 😆
Good luck and take it easy! We're looking forward to all the house-updates :)
I love your creative solution to the very real concern that your cats will wreck havoc if given the chance. But they can be oh so delightful to watch before things start breaking. Glad to hear that you get to spend Christmas with your family. Enjoy!
Thank goodness for parental assistance…and cat Narnia wardrobes…safe travels my friend and just enjoy the moments and the adventures…Happy Holidays and a flipping amazing New Year too…
Now I'm seeing a message along the top of the car portal... Meow Friend And Enter... Wrong Fandom, but it made me smile.
Moving cross country with cats is *not* fun. Especially trying to find hotels that allow them. My cat was spoiled rotten though, he got the whole trunk and backseat of our SUV all to himself with a big playpen and litter box set up that my husband rigged up. Hopefully they take it well and this drive is just as uneventful!!! 🤞🤞
What a wonderful, exhausting time you're having!
My muscles are sore in sympathy just remembering my last two big moves. Hope you get some rest over the holidays ❤️
Congrats on getting your things there in one piece! I look forward to your future projects, adorable cat door included. I can't recommend gabapentin, puppy training pads, and a good travel litter box highly enough for traveling with cats. Wishing you safe and uneventful travels.
I'm so excited you'd think I was moving to NY myself!
Congrats! For the next journey (with fur faces) I wish you Gapapentin and Pet Remedy. Happy holidays!
I love your plan for joining the cat room to yours. You may have already thought of this, but I move my cats in a big, soft-sided dog carrier which fits them and a litter pan. Much easier than having to stop often or deal with smells.
Congrats on your move!! Send you and the Littles love and good vibes!!
Oof that is a *chonky* drive, but definitely better with company 😊 I'm so excited for you!
Transitions like this are a weird kind of exciting torture! Hope the fun exciting parts outweigh the trying parts, and happy holidays to you!
Having driven across Indiana multiple times, I feel the issues with the roads. Plus, at least where I've driven, the speed limit is lower so your stuck on them all the longer. Good luck with the drive with your cats!
Congrats on a relatively uneventful move. I imagine moving the cats might be a bit fraught! Are you and your mom going to drive straight to NY, with switching off while the other sleeps?
Moving is hell. Moving with cats is especially hell. My thoughts go out to you. Maybe see if the vet will prescribe them some gabapentin? Our cat didn't shut up, even with the gabapentin, but it did make him quieter 😂😭 So excited to see your mini kitty door - my brain flooded with endorphins just thinking about it.
Moving is always brutal! Sending you all the good nights' sleep you can muster, and I hope you and the cats have a safe trip back to your new home after the holidays!
Being that I am moving as well, I truly understand your situation. I did the 3 day, 2 night thing from Texas to Arizona and told my husband I do not want to do that ever again! lol. But you are young and resilient and should recover from the trauma well. Not so easy when you’re well into your 70’s. Happy trails to you, Merry Christmas, and be safe. Enjoy your new home.
Safe travels!!!! Sending you and the babies lots of love!!!
Sending good vibes for operation cat transport!! You got this. 🙌😻 Enjoy the holidays as much as you can. Can't wait to see reno content on here and on YT. Love from Germany from and our three cats.
Congratulations! Truly, genuinely excited for you and looking forward to whatever you decide to share about your house and life in NY. The cat doorway is genius! My husband and I recently made roughly that same drive too! Kansas City to Rochester, NY to visit his family for Thanksgiving. I salute you for making it twice 🫡 Thankfully there are some choice antique malls in Indiana and Ohio if you need a break to stretch your legs. The Heart of Ohio Antique Center is just west of Columbus and is MASSIVE.
SO excited for you!! Can’t wait to see what you do with ALL of your spaces but the cat room (and its little feline friendly entrance to yours) will be a wonderful project!!
That's so exciting! I couldn't be happier for you. Wishing you safe travels back and forth and an easy time with the cats. God bless your parents, they are amazing!
Well done on the move Bianca, I feel so excited for you and smiled when I read about the doorway for the cats. So brilliant. Ii can't believe the drive, 3 days and 2 nights, phew, that's mammoth 😲. Anyway, hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. And good luck with taking the cats HOME 🎅🎅🎅
Welcome to NY! I hope you love it here as much as I have (moved last year)
Yay! I'm really excited for you! The little cat portal is perfect! We have a few little cat portals in our house. May all of your travels and Christmas visits, cat fetching and more driving be super extra safe & uneventful! I know you'll update us when you can.
Have a very Good Christmas with your family and a safe and uneventful trip with mom and the cats. We'll hear from you somewhere in the next year. Stay healthy!
So exciting!!
Welcome to NY. I live in the Fingerlakes. The sunsets are really beautiful!! I love your cat pathway!!
Ooh so very exciting. I love that the cats have their own space. Sending you all the good vibes
Take your time with the videos. We get it. Get your life in order first. We'll wait!
Oh my gosh, I LOVE that you are going to put the wood trim on the cats' secret tunnel door into your room. 👏 That's fantastic! It may seem silly but let's face it, this kind of stuff is what makes us creatives happy! I wish you calm cats on their road trip and happy & less-stressed holiday time!!
I agree! These little bits of "extra" make creatives very happy!
Moving within the same town can be frought with stress. Take your time and take little moments when possible to enjoy this new experience. Moving cats is very nerve wracking, just try to be patient and mindful. You've got this! Congratulations!🎉
Yea, you’re in! Moving is always the same, no matter how organised you think you are, too many boxes, lots of odd jobs and deadlines to return vehicles. Glad your Dad was there to help out. A little cat door is just genius not at all silly. It’ll help them settle in if they have a smaller area to get used to at first. All the best for Christmas and what an exciting 2025 you (and we) will have.
Congratulations on the move! But, do I see plaster and lathe in the newly cut hole? Oh, joy.
Oh and I forgot! We replaced the baseboard radiator cover in the cats room as well ✨