Before this last move, I swore I’d never move again until I could afford to hire movers.  With our busy schedules, we wanted the move to go quickly and painlessly.

We chose to hire Two Guys and a Truck for the move.  They were affordable, locally-owned, and came well recommended.

We chose to help them load the truck, because a) we can’t stand around and watch people work and b) the faster the move went, the cheaper it was.

If we wanted our glass items moved – such as my large mirrors and my Barcelona table – we had to sign a glass breakage waiver.  Which we did.  They then wrapped the items in heavy blankets, and put them into my car, where I figured they’d be a lot safer as compared to the large truck.

Speaking of large trucks, I’m proud to say that our stuff only occupied half of the moving truck, if that.

When I asked the movers, as they finished up, what I could have done to make the move go faster, they had one main suggestion: consolidate the smaller stuff into larger boxes.  In other words, one large and heavy box makes for faster moving than three loose lamps and several smaller boxes.  I’d packed for the pros the way I packed for previous self-propelled moves, leaving lamps and other medium-sized items loose, rather than enclosing them in large boxes.   Lesson learned.

But how cool is this guy’s moving technique?  He’d load up his back like a camel so that he could see where he was going.

We were pleased with how the move went.  The three guys were friendly and courteous, even if they found it odd that I was taking pictures of them as they worked.   I’d definitely recommend them as a budget-friendly moving service.

When hunting for a new apartment or home to rent it’s always a good idea to brainstorm a list of your ‘must haves’ and ‘must-not-haves’ in a home.  A clear list of priorities makes shopping the Craigslist ads a breeze!

Here’s what my list looked like (and some commentary ’cause I’m verbose like that):

Must haves:

• Location: close to our office yet still a small-town, local business feel.
• Pet friendly
• Washer/dryer
• Dishwasher (I love to cook.  I hate cleaning dishes.)
• Lots of natural light (because a home without it is just dreary)
• Yard of 0.3 acres or larger
• Landlord ok with my blogging about his/her property

Location was not negotiable.  After enjoying the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria for 5 years, I insisted that we move to another area where I could still walk or bike to local businesses as well as a farmer’s market (in the warm season).

As for the washer/dryer?  Look, I’m not a snob.  Nor am I picky.  It’s just that I think when you’re paying out the wazoo to rent a single family home in a nice area, you shouldn’t have to take your laundry to the laundromat.  Period.

This time around, I also had my blog to think about.  It was pointed out to me that some landlords may not appreciate my blogging about my experience living in their home.  If that was the case, they probably had something to hide.  Not the right landlord for me, that’s for sure!

Nice to haves:

These aren’t necessary, but I’d be lying if I said they wouldn’t influence me one way or another.

• Fireplace (The snowy weather this past winter had me longing for this perk)
• A decent kitchen. (I love to cook, usually for an hour each night.  Some rental properties have Godawful kitchens.)
• Large yard (0.5 acres or larger, because I want a backyard wedding)
• Screened porch or sunroom
• Central Air
• Wood floors

Must Not Haves:

• Location on busy road (I love my cat.  Like it or not, he goes outside.  He doesn’t need to be murdered by a car.)
• Cruddy heating system
• HOA

We really didn’t want to be part of an HOA, or Home Owners Association.  I just don’t like them, and don’t trust them.  I don’t need someone telling me what color petunias I need to plant on the left side of the driveway four feet from the sidewalk.  And don’t get me started on rules against drying laundry in the back yard!

But overall I really didn’t have many “must-not-haves” on my list.  This is because when I see a property I immediately get a feeling if I know it just isn’t right for me.  That right there is the biggest must-not-have at all:  trusting your gut.

But enough about me, what about you?  Anything you think I missed on the list that I should have included?  Any ideas of mine that you think are just whacked?

Things are looking up on the hunt for the next Borrowed Abode.   I responded to a Craigslist Ad with my letter to a prospective landlord, and received an awesome pet-friendly response.  This house (a 1950′s  post-war ranch, I’m guessing) has just been completely renovated – and gorgeously.  Forget Tuesday’s house.  I think this baby could be the one.

I’ve gotten the landlord’s permission to share a peek with you.

I am loving the large windows that shed lots of natural light into the living room.  I was hoping for hardwood floors, but the new carpet should help keep the heating costs down in the winter.  And the recessed lighting is a huge plus.

This kitchen had me at hello.  I’ve dreamed of cooking in a kitchen like this.  Granite counters, gorgeous (maple?) cabinets, natural light, flat-top stove, stainless appliances.  Love.

This is the dining area.  Not ideal, because it’s also the walkway between the living room and kitchen.  However, I could totally make it work – and the recessed lighting is, again, a nice touch.

The master bath is so gorgeous that I’d almost be scared to use it.

Woohoo!  No need for a shower curtain!

He did a gorgeous job on this basement, turning it into an uber-functional rec room, with attached guest room, full bath, and laundry room.

There’s also a back yard, of course, and a patio.  This is what I’m talking about.  This is the kind of home I’d like to call my own, even as a borrower.  A home that doesn’t feel like we’re just a bunch of college kids renting a place for a year.

We’re going to see the home tonight after work.  My only concern is that it’s been remodeled so beautifully, will I be bored for lack of projects?