How to Save Yourself from a Moving Nightmare 3

Decluttering was half the battle—moving day was the real nightmare. Our huge mistake? We accidentally threw away my husband’s passport with the trash!

 Oct 27, 2021 (Wed): We vacated our Chicago house by noon. Our friend Jerry took us to his place until our Japan flight on Nov 30.

Oct 28, 2021 (Thu): At 4 a.m., my husband woke from a nightmare—he couldn’t find his passport. We tore apart Jerry’s house and car; the new homeowner checked our old place. Nothing. It was trashed—literally.

We contacted AmericanPassport.com (CIBTvisas) to expedite a new passport. (They were amazing!) Our dog Jager’s documents had a 30-day Japan entry limit, so we rearranged paperwork, booked a Nov 27 (Sat) flight, and sent the itinerary plus Jager’s papers to the U.S. State Department as evidence of urgency. Time was ticking.

 Nov 24, 2021 (Wed): CIBT confirmed the passport was issued and shipped to Jerry’s house.

Nov 25, 2021 (Thu): Thanksgiving—a holiday. No FedEx. Stress maxed out.

Nov 26, 2021 (Fri): My husband needed Jager’s final vet papers from Arlington Heights Animal Hospital. Jerry’s wife, Michelle, stayed home for FedEx. At the vet, she emailed: “Got the passport!!” Relief hit hard.

Nov 27, 2021 (Sat): Jerry drove my husband and Jager to O’Hare, waiting in the lot just in case. Everything went smoothly—when my husband boarded, he cried. Our heartfelt thanks to Jerry and Michelle!

 Lessons Learned: Secure your passport and critical docs—don’t let them near the trash!

 Bonus Tips:

1.     Coricidin: We couldn’t bring this flu med to Japan—check U.S. Embassy rules.

2.     Aspirin: Easy in the U.S., but Japan requires a prescription. Book a doctor early.