How does a change of the White House work?

Today is the day, time for a change in the White House. And I would really like to see how that works.

Mel has to pack her glam room, because yes, it exists, and would Donald take his own bowling balls with him when he leaves? Most presidents get to enjoy the luxury of the White House for eight years, but not everyone is given that. How does such a transfer of families, as they call it, actually work within the presidential ranks? This is what we know.

1. The change happens in exactly six hours. Six hours! The program is planned down to the minute in advance. I suddenly see an army of wallpaperers ready to fix a new print on the wall, which is not far from the truth, as about 90 staff members and quite a few contractors are ready to start early. A notable detail: only staff members are allowed to bring things into and out of the White House, so external movers are unnecessary.

2. A new president can only start moving in the afternoon of his/her inauguration day and not a second earlier. It is said to happen with military precision, if we are to believe the staff of former presidents. At half past eight in the morning, the outgoing president is still just having his/her breakfast. Although there are rumors that Donald is leaving extra early today.

3. Just as Donald and Mel have to pay for their own meals, this also applies to the move. The presidents pay for the moving costs themselves. They have remained quite normal.

4. The president himself is not present to oversee things, as he is busy with the inauguration. The Chief of Staff determines where each box should go.

5. It's eat what the pot offers, as the White House has its own chef on staff. However, as a new president, you can replace the chef in your first week, just like your driver.

6. As a new president, you receive an overview of what can be adjusted in the house and what cannot. Additionally, there is a catalog of various historical furniture that you can use in your decor. But bringing your own is of course allowed.

7. Between half past nine in the morning and half past three in the afternoon, it’s a sort of ’run like crazy’ for the staff. Everything, and I mean everything, is unpacked in the right place. Biden will therefore brush his teeth tonight with his usual brand of toothpaste and his shirts are hanging in the closet.

8. And then the presidential existence can begin. Starting with planning your own funeral. A bit macabre, but this is protocol in case something happens.