Stress of moving home eased by 93 White House staff

MOVING HOUSE IS up there with death and divorce in terms of life’s most stressful events, or so the cliche goes.

MOVING HOUSE IS up there with death and divorce in terms of life’s most stressful events, or so the cliche goes.

However, a house move becomes a whole lot easier if you have a large team of helpers behind you.

That was the case with the Obamas when they moved to the White House on Tuesday. No fewer than 93 White House staff were on hand to effect a smooth transition – Bushes out by noon, Obamas in by teatime. Removal companies are not allowed anywhere near 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but in fact they are hardly needed since, in most cases, presidents and their families don’t bring a whole lot with them.

The Bushes arrived with just their suitcases, and a small desk that had been in the family for decades. The Obamas are leaving all their furniture behind in their Chicago home and, as with previous first families, can choose from a vault full of antiques belonging to the White House.

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So why the cast of 93? Well, they are there to make sure that every possible detail moves as smoothly as can be, and that every single hankie and teddy bear is in place.

When the Obamas arrived, clothes were neatly folded in drawers, pictures were hanging on walls, and the stuffed animals have been distributed appropriately...it was as if the Obamas had always lived there. The Bushes, who prided themselves on running an efficient White House, hadn’t left their packing until the last minute. Preparations have been going on for weeks, both on the business side of the mansion, the West Wing, and in the residence.

In the morning, the former president and first lady were saying their goodbyes to the White House and to the resident staff. “There’s a very emotional meeting and a goodbye,” he said. The president became emotional when wrapping up his speech. Visibly moved, Bush bit his lip and the first lady gave him a hug. “Then the staff has to turn right around and become the staff of the Obamas by the afternoon. It’s not an easy task.”