Moving the Dwelling Boxes will be both easier and harder than any previous boxes. The Dwelling framework to have the correct floor elevation is lower than the Shop Box and Work Box as the location sits higher on the property. It is only a foot or so less but it will make a huge difference when moving a 40′ shipping container into the air. However, unlike the previous boxes, the footings are located against the tree line on the east side, the chicken coop on the north, and too close to the property line on the south to slide the box off the gooseneck like all the other trailers. Even if the trailer could have been jacked knifed into location between the trees and fence line; and oh how the Planner tried and tried; the tractor will not fit between the end of the box and the tree line and chicken coop to pull off the box. However, unlike all the previous boxes, the placement of the Dwelling Boxes will be significantly easier because now we have an off-road forklift that can lift the weight of the empty box. Sweet.

It’s good thing our neighbors are all of the blue color, self-employed, trade workers who start their days early. By 700am both the tractor, the forklift, and the air compressor were running. All tires were checked for proper pressure, the framework was cleaned of any debris causing stickiness to the slide, and erroneous crap was moved out the way. Erroneous things like cars, trucks, trailers, lumber, pallets, ladders, chains, ratchets. By 830 the Dwelling Box had been pulled off the concrete slab to just the last two or three feet.

All things were going good. There was cloud cover to break the sun intensity, there was a slight breeze to keep the mosquitos at bay, and the Kid was being super helpful without complaint. After a quick break for breakfast, the box was then lowered onto the ground. To achieve this step, the tractor was on the ground and the forklift was on the slab. Using the Kid as a communicator between the two operators, the box was driven backwards until it cleared the slab and then shored up on all four corners with various sized timbers. Then using the forklift each end was raised, the timbers removed, the box lowered onto the ground. Easy peasy. Now, we lift the box and drive into place.

Or not. By weight rating on the forklift and weight rating on the box, the forklift should have been able to pickup the box without any issue as the weight carrying capacity still had several thousands pounds above the actual weight of the box. Even with a chain securing the box to the back of the forklift there was just too much weight sticking off the forks. Squashed front tires and no tires on the back is a no go. NO GO. I new this shuffle and slide was going to easy.

Well what to do, what to do? As the Planner worked through the options I dwelt upon why things went like this. Dwelt upon why we were doing this in the heat of the summer. Dwelt upon my life choices. With a forklift at one end and the tractor at the other end, the box was easily moved but only in a straight line. We needed to turn the box as it was currently perpendicular to the framework. With no other options, we decided for the drag and drop routine. It worked on the previous boxes but that was with a thick pipe on a wooden deck. This box will have to “roll” on a timber in the sand. And that is what we did and it kinda worked. No, I guess it did work. Drag, move the forklift. Drag, move the forklift. Move this way, move that way. Viola. Shuffle here, shuffle there. One hour later and the box is in place directly in front of the framework ready to be lifted and slide into place. And crap, we forgot to put the tractor in place.

Using his mad driving skills the Planner wedged the tractor in between the framework and the trees without hitting the exhaust stack or the box blade attachment. Then using my mad driving skills, we manipulated the box onto the framework. With one end being higher than the other due to the slope of the land, the Kid was required to pull down on the higher end forcing the low end up all the while staying back out of the way incase something went awry. He needed some positive affirmation but once settled he rocked the position! Great job, Kid.

Needing only a small portion of the box to be stabilized on the framework the tractor was removed and the box pushed into place using just the forklift. The Kid watched one end and I the other to ensure the box stayed centered. As will all other boxes, this step of the box slide is so stressful to me. I dwell upon it before, during, afterwards. Yes, the flange is 4″ wide and yes, the forklift is keeping the box stabilized, and yes, this has done four times before without any issue. But still I dwell. While I dwelt, the Planner kept moving forward. A little push here, a little push there, another push there, and done. If you look closely at our faces, even though the day went very well, we are hot, tired, and hungry.

From my perch on the framework, over looking the neighbors working on their backroom addition, I dwelt upon dinner options. As I watched the happy neighbors hammering away I declared to all that could hear we are getting dinner out. BBQ here we come. Dwelling Box one in place.