How to Survive a Move

I've got about $200 in credit at a used bookstore that's not all that convenient to me any more - so while I was in the vicinity of the store, I headed over and went browsing for books, including those that might have some organizing ideas.

How to Survive a Move is one of the books I found. It's a collection of short tips from many different people, and while "tip books" aren't usually my cup of tea, this one was a quick, fun read - with some good ideas. And I enjoyed the differing viewpoints; authors contradict each other, so there's no "one right answer."

While labeling boxes by room is an obvious thing to do, here are two suggestions I never heard before:

Label each box with a letter indicating how important the items inside are. For example, I write "A" on boxes with things that are very important ... I write "B" on boxes filled with items that aren't so critical ... and I write "C" on boxes that are the last to be put away. --Ed Reich

For each room, put only the essentials you'll need for the first three days in one box, and label it [for example] "Kitchen, immediately." Everything else that belongs in the kitchen but isn't crucial, put in other boxes labeled "Kitchen, storage." --Barb Zahn

This next one is something I already knew, but it bears repeating, for those using moving companies:

We had a moving company that said they'd come and pack up everything and move it. They literally took our garbage, wrapped it, and moved it to our new house. The next time, I learned to prepare a little more, even for full-service movers. --Annie B.

And then there's this advice:

Everyone has their "unmentionable" items - particularly couples. You know what I mean? Various paraphernalia for after-dark play? Just make sure you pack up these things in a super-secret box and tape it shut 27 times over. Especially if you're having your neighbor help you move. --JWAIII

For the full story on this one, read the book!

And finally, I'd like to leave you with these two bits of advice:

When you're packing and you find a box that's still packed from the last time you moved, throw it out. --J.B.

Don't feel like you owe the item a home because you took the effort to move it. Keep lightening your load. --Jill Marie Davis