Kay ~
Congratulations on your move to Houston! It appears as if this will be a positive experience. Sorry, I can't lift anything heavy and besides, my arms won't reach from here to Texas.
As someone who moved ten times in less than 20 years (my profession practically demanded a peripatetic lifestyle) I second
Lori's advice about jettisoning unneeded items before you pack. Yard sales are great for this and Goodwill Industries never turns down contributions. I don't know if your husband's employer is picking up the tab for the move but if not - and movers are hideously expensive - Greyhound bus lines used to allow you to ship clothing and soft goods (no furniture or appliances) for very low rates. We haven't moved in over 20 years so this may not be true any longer but it might be worth a phone call to Greyhound if you're paying for the move. If not - never mind.
My adult son has a friend in Houston (originally from Oklahoma) working in the IT field and doing
very well. Although his job is relatively secure and he is paid fairly (he's a call center supervisor for a large, regional cable company) my (unmarried) son plans to move to Houston in another year or so (when his student loans and other bills are paid off) to get away from onerous Connecticut taxes, winter weather and the sinking northeast economy. I told him that if he finds Houston to be as good as it seems (he visited last year) we may join him. I was only half-kidding. Although a move would be difficult (we have decades of collected 'stuff' in our attic and some very dear friends here) I would consider it for the same reason my son is planning to move. Although I'm retired, our income would go a lot farther in a state with a lower cost of living and the warmer weather always sings a siren song to easterners.
I know you'll light up any neighborhood you settle in Kay, and with your servant's heart, you'll always contribute in ways that you may not even realize. Houston will be fortunate to have you.
Jim
