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folklaur
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| Posted: Oct 18 2007 at 5:34pm | IP Logged
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Hi!
This may not be the right forum...I wasn't sure where to put this exactly....
We are going to be moving from AZ to NV. I have never really packed a house to move, and each day I come out to the living room ready to start, get overwhemled, and play on the internet looking at houses we could maybe buy instead.
Bad, bad mommy.
I have NO idea how to do this. We have been in AZ for 18 years, we have a LOT of stuff, and I am not even sure how to go abut this. What shoudl I leave out for our everyday use? How many clothes, how many toys? Eeek!!!!!! 
Can anyone help me?????
~Laura in AZ
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Oct 18 2007 at 5:47pm | IP Logged
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Sounds like you're packing your stuff yourselves.
Here's what I would do (and have done).
First, clean and tidy the house; put everything away. Chuck things you've outgrown or broken or whatever; start a pile for Goodwill or your local homeless shelter. (You will add to this as you pack.)
Then, pack the non-essentials such as extra dishes, non-school books, etc. that fit easily into boxes. You will need newspaper or something like packing paper to wrap each dish and glass in. Hint: liquor boxes work great with delicate glassware; I have moved mine in the same boxes my mom got 22 years ago, each glass in bubble wrap and cushioned with foam or peanuts, 10 times with no breakage.
Pack the toys and stuff (they will quickly use up boxes!); give each child a box he/she can fill with toys and games to keep out (that way you'll already have a box for them at the end). Keep out a favorite stuffy or cuddly toy for each child. This packing thing will be hard for them.
As you rediscover things, you can decide if you need them (if you haven't used them since your wedding day, you don't) and put them in your pile.
Garages are hard; just put on grubby clothes and go for it. The yard tools and stuff you can just bundle together and stick on the truck loose; nothing will hurt them.
Clothes and all, that depends on your move date. If you're crossing seasons, weather-wise, you need to leave out more clothes. You will neeed a set of towels for each person (linen closets are actually very easy to pack). One set of sheets, etc.
I would do all non-kid rooms before kid rooms and only then make them pick their boxes of toys.
Label the boxes; put the room and a hint of the contents.
Now's the time to use all those mismatched plastic cups and plates and pack the good stuff. You'll live. If you have guests, just get cute paper plates from Target.
I know distraction is hard, but so is exhaustion. Do your packing first thing and promise God you won't turn on the computer until you've worked for a set time (not # of boxes, as some things just pack faster). Then, offer up this hard work for a special intention.
Measurable goals (2 hours per day, or whatever) really help. It's a lot of work. Older kids can box books, DVD's and toys (big toys, games, etc.) because they don't need wrapping.
If you're hiring a mover to load a truck and drive it, let me know, so I can tell you what to expect from that process.
HTH!
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Barbara C.
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| Posted: Oct 18 2007 at 5:52pm | IP Logged
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I usually start with books, movies, cd's, etc. Then I switch to that stuff that's in the back of the closets.
Of course, this is a good time to really declutter, too. If you're like us, you could pack up a few boxes of toys that rarely get played with and then give them away unopened a few months after the move.
The key I've found, though, is to label every box clearly with it's contents and DO NOT tape them shut until a week or so before the move. I do stack stuff that I don't want easily accessed so that you have to wonder if you really need something before you dig it out of the box.
Depending on how long it is until your move I would keep most of your everyday dishes and cookware up, but as it gets closer you may want to cut out anything that can't be cooked in a few pots/skillets, one large corning ware dish, or the microwave. You probably have lots of little things like gravy boats, extra coffee mugs, and such that can be packed up early.
I'd leave as many everyday clothes as you would pack for a week's vacation at least. When it comes to toys, I'd start by packing at least half.
I totally feel for you. I absolutely hate moving, and I couldn't imagine packing up after living in the same place for 18 years. My husband and I have lived together for 8 years, married for almost as long. We've lived in 5 residences in three different cities spanning two states.
Oh, and if you are about to put your house up for sale, your realtor will probably expect you to pack up half the house and move it to storage anyway before they start showing it. Realtors like "uncluttered" homes with no personal objects (pictures, tooth brushes, etc.) so that buyers can "imagine them and their stuff in the house".
Good luck!!
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Angie Mc
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| Posted: Oct 18 2007 at 6:42pm | IP Logged
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I can help  .
Follow the above advice  .
How to declutter:
Do this yourself or with your family - have 3 containers ready and labeled (garbage, donate, pack.) Promise yourself that you will touch each object in your home only once. *Do not walk down memory lane!* (You can walk down memory lane when you are unpacking  .) Hold object up and ask:
Is this worth moving?
Do I love it?
Do I need it?
Can it be easily replaced?
Place stuff in appropriate boxes. Be objective and tough on yourself...but not brutal. We keep anything that any family member feels is worth it to them (although our many moves would have been MUCH easier if my dh would just get rid of all his stuff  .)
I like to color-code boxes. Give each room its own colored marker to write out the contents (avoid stickers because they fall off.) I also number boxes. Low numbers on the boxes mean that they are the last to be unpacked at your new location.
The more you can get packed up front, the better, but don't feel surprised that there is always (at least for us) a mad dash at the last minute to get the final stuff in order. You can only do so much packing weeks in advance.
Laura, I sure am happy for you and your family. Congratulations! I have a feeling that a trip to LV and the Cirque du Soleil is in our family's future  .
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Moving - Help & Advice
