Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Mailing list submission-subject-Move-in coordinator

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

In addition to everything Katie mentioned, I would add that moving into a new 
cohousing community is very different than moving into an apt or house. Picture 
the whole neighborhood moving in.

There will be 20-40 people moving in at the same time over several weeks 
depending on what stage constuction is in!

Think about how many cardboard boxes that is. A big pile — 8 feet flattened? 
Have trash and recycling pick ups arranged.

Try to stagger moving trucks parking everywhere.

Leave padded blankets in the elevator for a few weeks at least. Consider 
padding corners here and there if people will be moving furniture through 
interior hallways. Move ins and outs cause the most wear and tear on walls and 
stairs. And ceilings. And doors. 

Look at entry ways. If 10 units will be sharing an entry way or elevator, think 
about how they will do that. Warn everyone that they probably won’t be able to 
leave anything in hallways to move in later. Other people will be walking there.

Nice to have one person assigned as a buddy to each household moving in as Anna 
said Takoma Village does — someone who knows everything or knows how to find 
out. But if everyone is moving in, you may only have one person available per 
building or floor who can emain available to everyone.

Prepare a list of telephone numbers of utilities that people will need. 
Addresses of near by grocery stores and resaurants. Hardware stores. 
Instuctions for using the HVAC, thermostats, etc.

Put a sign on your forehead that says “Some people do not read” or “Some people 
forget everything they read within minutes.”  This is particularly important 
for people who receive information in emais—like this one. By definition our 
reading skills are likely to be stronger. I swear on a stack of green and blue 
bibles with red ones in between that I have been told by people, including 
cohousers, that they never read anything. They just do what other people do. Or 
ask. One was an MD. 

This is not a personality trait that you will be able to change on or before 
moving day. Have someone available to answer questions verbally at the moment 
they are asked and everyone will be happier. 

And take pictures. This is an exciting time and it will be fun to see those 
pictures in 20 years.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Riderwood Village, Silver Spring MD
Founding member and 25 year resident in Takoma Village, Washington DC