The Unseen Journey: Relocating Houses in Western Jamaica

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Күн бұрын

When it comes to relocating to a new area, Western Jamaica has a unique method that involves literally moving the entire house, not just furniture, pets, and personal items. We're not talking about moving mobile homes on wheels; rather, wooden structures built to remain where they were initially constructed are moved from place to place like luggage. Instead of relocating to rent somewhere new, residents build their own homes on a plot of land, then move the entire structure as the need arises to provide more secure and stable accommodation for their families and belongings.
Welcome to the parish of Westmoreland, Jamaica, located on the western side of the island, where moving homes from one location to another is just another day for some, dating back to the 1950s. Many domestic dwellings are made from wood, making them easy to load onto a tractor or flatbed truck for transport. Depending on the size of the house, the building and all furniture inside can be moved at once, or the furniture removed for easier handling and safety.
However, not all house relocations go smoothly. Sometimes there can be so much drama, creating an ordeal so dramatic it's not for the faint of heart. The house moving situation can be just another day for some or a new nightmare for others. So why would someone need to pack up the entire house and go? Here are some popular reasons!!
Land Lease Expiry:
Many times, the land lease simply expires, and the homeowner needs to relocate. Once a new location is arranged, the owner hires a tractor with a flatbed trailer attached, and the entire building is loaded for transport. Sometimes the new location can be just across the road or many miles away. The relocation process can take a few hours or an entire day, depending on challenges like terrain and access to the new spot.
Family Disputes:
When families get into hot water, sometimes the one who invested all the resources into building the house doesn’t just pack their bags and go but takes the entire house with them. This is indeed hard to swallow for those left behind.
Closer to Jobs:
In Westmoreland, when the sugar cane industry was very active years ago, many families who worked in the factories or fields would move house from work location to work location. Public transportation to and from work in farming communities wasn't easy or was nonexistent, so it was more convenient to literally live closer to the job. Getting a new house spot was easy in those days as land was abundant. Talk about giving the postman a serious headache trying to keep up with you!!
Environmental Problems:
Sometimes nature causes issues like flooding, bushfires, or lack of utilities. Social problems can also arise, making it best to move away for a fresh start.
Home Seized by the Law:
Some disputes or penalties end up in court, leading to the home being seized. In these cases, the owner loses possession of the house, but the structure is still confiscated and moved.
Now that you have a great understanding of house moving in Western Jamaica, here is a live demonstration of a house on the go:

Пікірлер: 22

@rosehill1228 2 ай бұрын

Interesting, thanks for sharing

@MsXtianFonk 2 ай бұрын

Fascinating video. Hope that the family were able to enjoy their home in its new location. Thanks for sharing.

@heirjamaica 2 ай бұрын

You are welcome

@bridgetown45 3 ай бұрын

In Barbados if a worker who was living on plantation land decided to find work at another plantation, the house had to be removed . The Carpenters in those days constructed the houses using mortise and tenon joints, between the sides of the house and the flooring. The houses was quickly dismantled , with the removal of the nails which kept the structure together. The various members, sides ,flooring and roof, were packed flat on a flat bed truck. This work was only allowed on Saturdays aor Sundays, and by the end of the day, the house was reassembled and ready for use by the family.

@heirjamaica 3 ай бұрын

That's interesting. You now make me realize the possibility that this idea happened in various places in the Caribbean. I usually see the tractors moving whole houses back in the years when I used to visit western Jamaica a lot, but it's not common in other parts of the island

@lonjam855 3 ай бұрын

Interesting information💯

@heirjamaica 3 ай бұрын

Glad you found it informative

@peachesbarrett6693 2 ай бұрын

It would have been nice, had You showed us when the house got to its final destination and just the entire process.I learned something new though because I didn’t know such things happened in Jamaica…….

@heirjamaica 2 ай бұрын

You are right. I did film the loading of the house but then it started to rain and I had to stop.

@azariahisrael3898 3 ай бұрын

We see the same thing in America everyday, so is nothing unusual .

@DerrickRedding-x1c 3 ай бұрын

yeah but we aint getting out pushing power and phones lines up lol

@sunmoonrising81 3 ай бұрын

This is what slaves,and indentured workers use to live in and people still do up until this day. My family is from westmoreland and i see them all the time..today they have seriously upgraded having awnings and are grilled. Perfect starter houses for young people.

@Narcissist-d6g 2 ай бұрын

@@DerrickRedding-x1cAnd ?