The Beauty of Wardrobe Boxes

I usually buy about one wardrobe box per walk-in closet and one for every two regular sized closets (unless there's tons of clothes).  These are the boxes I won't give away after the move because I know I'll need them again.

Besides the fact that you just move your clothes from hanging in your closet to hanging in the box, you use the bottom of the box, too. 

The empty space in the box is great for large wall hangings, lamp shades, extra clothes hangers, yard stakes or yard lights, mirrors (but wrapped well) and pillows.  Basically anything large but light-ish.

I've seen professional movers throw shoes in the bottom of the box, as well but I wouldn't want to use the space for something that could easily fit in a smaller box.

After you've moved, you can store extra clothes in the box (keep it in the attic or the basement).  It's also big enough to store Holiday things like Christmas trees.

Rolo Cake

Today I started making a Rolo Cake from a recipe I found out there.  It was messed up so I tweaked it a little and the result was great.

This cake is super moist.  You can taste peanut butter, caramel and chocolate.  We are eating it without frosting but you could use frosting if you want - a cream cheese frosting would be good.

  

1st Layer:

Cake mix (I used yellow but you could use any)

5 oz evaporated milk

1/4 cup butter (not margarine, please)

12 oz bag Rolo Candies (unwrapped & cut in half)

You will want to have the Rolo candies all ready so unwrap them and cut them in half.  Then set them aside.

Put all of the ingredients above (except the candy) in a mixer and mix well.  You get a thick, sticky mixture.  Press it onto the bottom of a 9x13 greased pan.  (An easy way to press dough is to slightly dampen your hands and press, re-dampen as needed.)  

Set aside.

2nd Layer:

Melt together in pan on medium heat:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup water
1/2 cup butter

While you're waiting for the peanut butter mixture to melt, use your mixer and mix together:

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

After that is mixed, stir in the peanut butter mixture from the stove.

Now add:

2 eggs
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 tsp vanilla

Beat until smooth.

Bake layer #1 at 350 for about 8 minutes or just until barely set.

Press the Rolo candies into the dough.

Pour Layer #2 over the 1st layer and continue to bake about 25 minutes more or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

My Westinghouse Mixer

I love my new Westinghouse Mixer.  Some of the best things about it are that it suctions to the counter so it doesn't move unless I want it to.  Another way it's different from other mixers is that the beaters go around and not the bowl!  You hardly even have to scrape the sides because it gets everything mixed up so well.

The mixer comes with three beaters:  a whipping one; a dough hook; and a regular K beater.  You can actually make bread with this mixer.  It has the power and it doesn't fly all over the counter like normal mixers do.

It comes with just the one bowl so you can't make huge batches of dough but I've done a 2 loaf recipe - a few different ones, actually and they turned out great.

This is a really nice mixer for the price.  I got mine off Amazon and it was around $60 which beats the Kitchen Maid price all to heck.  I mostly wanted a mixer that would mix bread and found reviews on this one.  I am happy with it especially for the price.

Moving: Packing the Kitchen

I'm writing this in blue to soothe you.  Is it working?  I've packed us so many times I figured I'd better share my great wisdom with everyone who needs it.  Along the way I've learned by my mistakes and I've learned by watching professionals do it (when we've had that kind of move).  I hope some of the ideas I have here are helpful.

Two weeks before your move start saving small boxes from your kitchen or bathroom.  It's helpful to have soap boxes, spaghetti boxes, cereal boxes, things like that.  I'll explain below.

The kitchen packing is generally done near the end.  I have found that about 3 days before the move is perfect.  That way, you have a BIG job done (the kitchen is one of the places where a lot of your stuff is).  Whatever you do, do NOT wait until the bitter end to pack your kitchen because you think you'll want to prepare food for everyone or you might need something from the kitchen.  It's too big of a job to wait til the end.  You are working yourself to death anyway and need a break from cooking and cleaning.  Trust me.  Plan on eating out or ordering in for your last 3 days at your old home.  Be looking for coupons for pizza or restaurants before your move - that way you can save a few dollars.  Buy some paper plates, bowls, cups and a set of plastic silverware.  It's easy to have breakfast even when you're packed up.  Just have cold cereal (using your paper bowls) or yogurt (using your plastic spoon).  

You'll need packing materials (such as newspaper, magazine pages, tissue paper) and boxes for the kitchen. You'll want to use your smaller, sturdier boxes for most of the kitchen items.  I've made the mistake (many times) of packing what my husband calls "bone crushers".  Too much heavy stuff in a big box equals unhappy husband.  In the kitchen, you can use your bigger boxes for light, large items like cookie sheets, cutting boards, toaster - things like that.  

When packing my precious dishes, I put layers of towels or dishcloths or wash cloths or rags or pillow cases or sheets or fabric from my stash between each plate.  This way you are also packing some of your linens.

1) Lay "packing material" (i.e., towel) out flat and place a plate (or bowl) on top the towel on the end of the towel.  
2) Fold the towel over the plate.  
3) Place your next dish on top of the folded towel.   

4) Get another towel and place that on top of the first dish.
5)  Put your next plate on the towel
6)  Fold the second towel over the second plate and so on.
My dishes have not broken using this method.  You can use the same idea for your cups and glasses, too.  It works for curios as well.  Anything breakable is well protected with good padding and packed carefully.

When you pack plates into boxes, do not turn the plates on their sides, lay them flat.  Do not pack any other heavy object with your breakables.  To fill in the little bit of extra space remaining in your box once the plates are in it, look for small, light-weight items such as a curio or paper items like napkins.  If you pack heavy things with breakable things, they shift and crush the breakables.  

Label your box:  Kitchen.  Then write what is in the box.   For instance I would write everyday dishes or good dishes.  I would write drinking glasses.  Be specific.  This is very helpful when it comes to unpacking and finding the box that has the thing in it you need most.  And this will happen.  There's nothing more frustrating than having to open every box to find the can opener.

Pots and pans don't have to be wrapped in anything.  Just be careful not to create a "bone crusher".  Don't overload the box.  Add other things to the pots and pans box like your extra paper towel rolls or small, unbreakable wall hangings.

Put silverware in a small box (like an empty spaghetti box or cereal box) and then pack it into the bigger box.  Don't even try keeping the silverware in a silverware tray.  Doesn't work.  I like to pack all of my silverware and cooking utensils into one box.  That way when you are unpacking, you are able to be more organized.  Items like spatulas and wooden spoons and egg turners can be wrapped together in a towel and laid flat in the box.  Pack your knives with care.  I would try to fit them into a smaller box first (like a cereal box or spaghetti box) and then place them in the big box.  If you don't wrap them in something, they can stick through the box and poke someone.  Or cut a hole in the box!

Most small appliances have to be packed separately.  If they are light enough and you have a box that is the right size, you can pack a couple of them together.  Be sure to stuff enough packing material around the appliance so it doesn't rattle around.  You can always put small items in the corners of the box or on top of the appliance (as long as it's not heavy) to fill in the spaces.

Think of the box like a puzzle.  You have to find pieces that fit together in the box utilizing as much space as you can.  

Packing food.  Ugh.  I call a friend and give away all of my refrigerator and freezer food if I am doing a long distance move.  You don't want to be hauling it around in a cooler and most likely it won't keep anyway.  Ask your friend for help with your move in exchange for free food!  Or just give it away.  It's a chance for a new condiments start! Yay!  If you are doing a short distance move and the food won't have a chance to thaw, you can pack your freezer food into a cooler and your refrigerator food into another cooler.  

Canned and packaged foods (non perishable) are packed into a small, sturdy box.  They don't have to be wrapped unless they are glass.  This is where liquor store boxes come in handy.  That's because they come with dividers!  If you can't get those, you can pack glass bottles just like you do your dishes.  Wrap them, layered in cloth.  Or wrap them with packing or newspapers.  It really worries me that you're going to have a broken jar and spaghetti sauce running out of your box onto your other boxes!  Just be really careful and remember not to pack anything heavy with glass items.

Honey.  Oh my goodness.  You haven't lived until you've opened a moving box and honey is coating everything in there.  Whew.  This is where careful packing comes into play.  Remember, remember not to pack breakable bottles with non-breakables.  Your stuff is being manhandled into a truck; your stuff is shifting at every turn the truck takes; your stuff is being bounced to kingdom come with every bump and curb the truck drives over!  I personally would just give the honey (or like item) away.  You can totally tell I've been traumatized, huh?

Pack spices into smaller boxes so that if they pop open, they won't get all over everything else.  Use packing tape to tape down anything that might come open - like your salt box or your cocoa powder tin (yes, yes that's happened to me as well).

Unless you can put your cleaning liquids into the back of your vehicle, leave them or give them away.  They are not allowed on moving trucks (it's against the law because they can explode?).  Most people that move are kind and leave their cleaning stuff in a box on a shelf in the garage.  That way the new move-ins have cleaning supplies (before they unpack).  By the way, leave a roll of toilet paper in the bathrooms, too.  Works both ways, so be generous.

Remember that you can use the inside of things you are packing for packing space.  Like you can put smaller items inside a large pot or a toaster.  If you are bringing your garbage cans, clean them well (or you'll be sorry) and then pack stuff into them.  

House plants are also not allowed on moving trucks (that's the official trucks).  If you are doing a short move and they will live, you can put them on last in the back of the truck.  Just be sure to wedge them in so they don't tip over.  I have a couple of plants that I won't give up.  They go in my vehicle.  In an emergency, you could uproot your plant and place a bag around the roots, tying or taping the bag closed.  It will be very traumatic for your plant but I've been known to keep a few that way ... in my vehicle.

Kitchen table?  If you can take the legs off tables, that is safest.  Otherwise they might get broken off.  Also be aware that moving is often the time that wood gets scratched or rubbed.  Your wood furniture should be padded from being rubbed against anything else - like the side of the truck or other furniture or boxes.  That's where rugs or blankets come in handy.

Kitchen rugs should be laundered as well as all other throw rugs in the house.  Save them in a stack for moving day.  They can be used for cushioning.

Don't forget to check the dishwasher!  The most famous place for leaving stuff behind.

Last piece of advice on packing the kitchen:  don't take any chances with your precious thing.  I have this pig.  He's been with me since I was 12 and my parents bought him at an auction.  He's special and he knows it.  He is wrapped alone and heavily at that.  Most times he rides with me.  

Dehydrating How To Specifics

Recipes for What I've Dried (So Far)

Cantaloupe:  Gut, cut up and peel.  Slice thinly.  (The thicker your slices, the longer the drying time).  The slices should be less than 1/4 inch thick.  But you don't have to be exact.

Peaches:  I did white peaches yesterday. Just peel and slice thinly or you can even dice.  Next time I do it, I am also sprinkling a little Stevia on to sweeten it up.

Bananas:  Bananas are my personal favorite!  You peel them, of course and then slice them less than 1/4 inch thick or I actually like them better cut into finger sizes.  You cut the banana in half and then you quarter each half.  They turn out more chewy and candy-like.  Some recipes say to add honey, but bananas are so sweet anyway, I don't do that.

Apples:  These are fun!  Wash the apple and then slice it like bread from the stem down.  You get nice apple circles with a cute star shape in the middle.  I've seen wreaths made of dried apples and they are beautiful.  Again make sure your slices are thin.

Mango:  I believe these are probably the most popular one with my husband.  Who ever knew mangoes taste so freaking good?  I didn't.  You wash the mango, peel it and then slice off thin wedges.  You'll get down to the pit only by slicing carefully.  I get all I can get off the mango by slicing and then I lean over the sink and eat the rest while juice drips down into the sink.  Mmm, mmm, mmm!

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:   I kept asking, "what will we use dried tomatoes for?"  Dum, dum, dum, dum!  They are fantastic eaten alone or on a pasta or on some salad.  I can't tell you how dang tasty they are, you've just gotta try it!  And they are super expensive at the store but cheap, cheap, cheap to do at home. Roma tomatoes are the best but you can use any kind.  Wash them, core them and then slice thinly.  Throw out the bottom part.  I then spread them out on a plate and brush with olive oil.  Then sprinkle with basil and oregano or with Mediterranean Sea Salt (which is a mixture in the spice aisle).  After you have them all sprinkled, put them olive oil side down on the drying tray.  Be sure and put tomatoes on the bottom tray so the spices don't drip down onto your fruit (yuck).

FRUIT LEATHER:  Now to the best fruit roll-up ever (and inexpensive) AND no preservatives.  You know EXACTLY what's in there.  I think you could make any kid you could dream up.  My first was banana/pineapple.  You just put your fruit in a blender (fill your blender about 1/3 in total).  You will probably have to add a little liquid (I use apple juice) to get the blend going.  Blend well and then pour it onto your sprayed special tray.

Dehydrating Fruit (and Vegetables)

It was my husband's idea (like I need any more "hobbies") but on Saturday we bought a food dehydrator.  I've been drying fruit and tomatoes ever since and having fun doing it.  Back in the 80s I bought a dehydrator from one of those infomercials but it wasn't nearly as nice.  It took forever to dry everything.  My new one has 500 watts of power and dries stuff in 6-10 hours (which is normal).

I got mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14099344 if you want the exact one.  It was like $64 but I used my 20% off coupon (I get them in the mail all the time because I signed up for email from them).  That brought the price down to like fifty-five bucks including taxes.

I'm pretty sure I've already saved that much in fruit roll-ups alone!  Here's a photo of mango and apples ready to be dried:

It's so simple to dry fruit, you get a manual with the dehydrator but I'll explain a little here.  Keep in mind I'm a novice but really, it's not rocket science.  So far I've dried mango, banana, peaches, apples, cantaloupe, and tomatoes.   I've also made fruit roll-ups (or in dehydrator language, fruit leather).  

You  are supposed to pick fruit that is at a ripe but not overripe stage.  Then you wash, peel and slice to about 1/4 inch thickness.  Put it on your dryer and you're done!   As you can see from the photo below, the apples are sliced so that you get a whole round with the cute star in the middle.  You don't even peel the apples!  You could peel them if you want and slice them however you want (as long as it's thin).  You want it thin because otherwise, it would take a million years to dry.

 For the bananas you can either slice them or you can half the banana and then quarter the halves so that you have finger-shapes.  I like them that way because they are chewy (sort've the consistency of licorice).  Some of the recipes I've seen call for adding honey or sugar.  I haven't found a need for that as most fruit is already super sweet.  Although the white peaches I did last night, were tart!  I would add a little Stevia to those next time.

Fruit Leather:  This is the best fruit roll-up you've ever had.  It's super easy to make and cheap, cheap, cheap!  I've made four different kinds.  It disappears immediately so I am not keeping ahead of the eaters!   I made banana/strawberry, peach/banana, peanut butter/yogurt (!),  and pineapple/banana.  Simply put the washed fruit you choose into a blender and blend it until smooth.  I've had to add a little apple juice to get it to blend and it turns out perfect at about 1/8 cup.  If you want to add sugar, honey or artificial sweetener you can.  I haven't had to except with the peach one (because it was white peaches and they are tart ... at least the ones I got were).  Your dehydrator has a tray with a plastic thingy specifically for fruit leather.  You spray the thingy with a little Pam and then pour the blended fruit on.  Be careful to pour slowly so that you don't get too much on the tray and it overflows!  Been there, done that.  When it's done, you place it on a piece of Saran Wrap and roll it up.  You can then cut pieces off for your lunch or a snack.

 I've found you have to watch the fruit leather the closest because if you look at it after 5 hours and it's still a little mooshy and you don't look at it again for an hour, it can be crispy.  Seriously it tastes good that way too.  I'm pretty sure that's how apple chips were invented.  Someone accidentally left the fruit roll-up cooking too long!  

It looks like it takes 6-10 hours for thinly sliced fruit to dry.  I've found that apples are on the low end of the spectrum.  The way you know when the fruit is done is you take a piece off the tray and cut it in half.  Then squeeze it a little.  If any moisture bubbles up, it's not done.    

Here's a photo of some of my bagged fruit (and sun-dried tomatoes in the right lower corner).  Oh, oh!  I have to tell you about the tomatoes!  So, so, so good!  I have to admit I wasn't going to make any.  My teenage daughter wanted me to.  She said she loves sun-dried tomatoes.  I never noticed her eating any but she said when she goes to a restaurant and that is on the menu, she always has it.  OK.  So she made the first batch.  You simply wash, core and thinly slice a tomato.  Then you brush one side with olive oil and sprinkle the other side with a little basil and oregano.  Oh my goodness!  When I had my first taste of sun-dried tomato I thought I'd died and gone to Heaven.  Maybe the homemade ones are better, I don't know but seriously, you gotta try it.  I made some last night which my daughter said were better than hers!  (Imagine that ... a teenager complimenting her mother.)  Instead of basil and oregano, I used Mediterranean Sea Salt (buy it in the spice aisle).  We had some of our fresh sun-dried tomatoes on whole wheat pasta tonight and it was to die for.  It's expensive in the grocery store but super cheap to make yourself.

Packing For Your Move

If you've decided on a self-move, I like to start packing as soon as I can so that my move can be as organized as possible.I suggest you start packing two months before the move (if you can).   I will help you know when to pack what so that you can actually live quite comfortably even though you're in the midst of packing.

Finding Boxes  

This is one of the jobs I detest but it has to be done so let's get started.  Don't worry too much about just how many boxes you need.  Boxes can always be gotten rid of if you have too many.  I personally have rarely had too many packing boxes.  You will use your boxes for literally packing your stuff that you're moving, but you'll find you need them in the end for much more than that.  

You'll want to get all sizes of boxes:

1. Small, sturdy boxes for dishes, books, curios, etc.
2. Medium sized boxes for pots and pans, cookie sheets, small appliances, etc.
3. Large boxes for linens, pillows and other light items that are large.
4. Wardrobe boxes for your hanging clothing.
5. Narrow large boxes for your wall art.

Here are places to get boxes:

1. You can buy boxes from rental moving truck businesses such as U-Haul.   www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Boxes   www.pods.com/Moving-Supplies/Boxes-Home.aspx.  You can buy them from most storage businesses.  You can even order them online to be delivered to your home - there are several businesses that do that and here is just one of them:  www.movingdayboxes.com.   If you are going to be reimbursed for your moving, this is the simplest way to get boxes.   If you aren't getting reimbursed, it's the most expensive way.  I have never paid for boxes (except wardrobe and mirror boxes). 
2. You can get boxes from grocery stores.  You do this by calling the store and asking if they have any moving boxes.  They will tell you their policy on that.  Some stores put them out at a certain time of day; some just say to come at a certain time (when they are stocking shelves); some will hold them for you if you ask.  Look for toilet paper/paper towel boxes; canned goods boxes; and cereal boxes.  Be sure to watch out for boxes that they've cut the tops off of.  You won't want those.  The produce section of the grocery store is a great place for good boxes.  Ask for the produce department and then ask that person if they have any banana boxes you could have for moving.  They will usually hold some for you.  The banana boxes are great for dishes and other smaller items because, not only are they sturdy, they have handles!  
3. Liquor stores have great small to medium sized boxes.  They're nice because they have handles and they are sturdy boxes.  Call your local liquor stores - they will tell you what days they stock their shelves and when you can pick up boxes.
4. Car parts stores!  I love their boxes.  They are also sturdy boxes and there are many sizes.  Again, call the stores to find out what day is best to pick up boxes.  I don't know if you'll have one in your area, but I've found the BEST boxes at auto stores that sell hubcaps and wheels.  They are nice medium sized, sturdy boxes ... with HANDLES!  
5. Restaurant and Fast Food places.  They have small to medium sized boxes and are really good for packing your canned goods because they are sturdy and usually have handles.  I love boxes that have handles.
6. Craigslist!  Many fellow movers list their used boxes at www.craigslist.com.  This is by far the easiest way to get boxes.  Many times the boxes are legitimate moving boxes!  Plus, the packing materials are usually thrown in to ... and all for free!  
7. Troll your neighborhood on garbage day.  People who have recently moved in, will put their flattened boxes out for the taking.

Moving - Getting Rid of Stuff

I was talking to my new neighbor (while unpacking boxes) - she told me she's still got at least 3 big boxes that she hasn't even touched since she moved here a few years ago.  So basically, she could just throw those boxes out by the curb on trash day and she wouldn't miss a thing!  


Why move stuff you don't need or want?  I'll guarantee you whatever is in those boxes, if need be, could be replaced with a quick trip to your local thrift store.  Yet they sit there taking up space; taking up a little bit of your peace; and having already cost you money because you had to box it, move it onto a truck, move it out of the truck and store it.  Just get rid of that stuff!  And here's how:


I'm the type of person that just works until I'm totally exhausted.  Maybe that's not your style.  So set yourself up some time for the job of getting rid of stuff you don't need and don't want to have to move.  Not knowing how much junk you have, I can't really give advice on exactly how much time it will take.  I will say, though, that you should do it as fast as possible and try not to think twice about pitching stuff.  If you think too much, i.e., "I might need this someday" ... "I spent x number of dollars on this!" ... "This may be valuable someday" ... you'll never get the job done and you'll end up moving stuff you don't need.  You'll be that 3 years/3 unpacked boxes person.  I think most households can be done in 3 days, tops.


You'll need 2 boxes and 1 heavy duty garbage bag (or 1 box and 2 heavy-duty garbage bags).  Box #1 is for stuff you are going to donate to Goodwill http://www.goodwill.org/  - http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf  remember to get and keep a receipt because these are tax deductible!  At the beginning of each year, I get myself a large manilla envelope (the kind that closes with a clasp) and I label it "Taxes 2012 (or whatever)".  I throw in receipts so that at tax time, it's all there.  It's good to donate your stuff to Goodwill because it helps someone who is less fortunate than you.  Keep telling yourself that every time you think you want to keep something.


Box #2 is for stuff you want to sell.  You'll either have a 2 day garage sale or you'll list your things on a site like  http://craigslist.org/  or  http://www.ebay.com/ . 


And #3, the garbage bag is for (ta-da!) garbage.  It's for stuff you are going to throw out.  It's the stuff you thought you might fix someday; or the stuff that has a missing part that you were going to possibly find someday; or the stuff you've been meaning to haul to the dump; or the extra stuff that accumulates in our homes.  Be generous with this part of your getting rid of the junk cycle.  This is stuff no one wants and you shouldn't want it cluttering up your home and life either.


 Start in the garage or storage shed (since that is where you keep most of the things you don't even use.  Think of the space as a clock face.  Start at 12:00 and methodically go around the room.  This method will keep you from getting distracted and will help make sure that you get to everything.


As you fill each box and/or bag, take care of it immediately.  Put donation boxes in your trunk so that you can deliver them right away.  Put garage sale items in an area that will be convenient for tagging and selling.  You know what to do with the garbage.


As you go through your house, make a note of the big items right now - things like furniture, lawn equipment, appliances - then list them into one of the three  categories:  Sell; Donate; Throw Out.


I love craigslist.  I think it's important to be very specific in your ad and to include at least 3 photos (it's free for Pete's sake).  I actually put my phone number in the ad because I need immediate results.  However, be safe.  If I don't have lots of people around me, I will meet the potential buyer at a busy parking lot or the police station parking lot.  I've never had a problem though.  I've actually always had really nice people buy my stuff through craigslist.  If your item doesn't sell, be sure to go into your account and renew your ad.  When your item sells, go into your account and delete your item.  


It's really easy to get rid of junk using craigslist also.  Create an ad entitled "Curb Alert".  You can list what you are putting out or just say it's a bunch of stuff.  I would put an end time so they know when it's over.  I would not give a phone number or you will have so many calls.  But yeah, just put the stuff you don't want at your curb and it'll be gone.  It's kind of like magic.  After one sale (during one of our moves), I put stuff at the curb that I was sure no one would take.  But I figured, what the heck, it's the same place I put the garbage and so I wouldn't even have to move it.  But it all got taken!  Even a garden house with two holes.  Amazing what some people don't consider junk.  So at the end of your sale ... Curb Alert!


In regard to your large items that you want to donate, most thrift stores have trucks and they will come and pick up the stuff.  They will even move it out of your house.  For free!  And it's tax deductible.  And if that doesn't work for you, curb alert!


Congratulations on the de-junking - you just made your move easier, cheaper and you're going to have a new clutter-free home!

The Rules of Moving

These "Rules of Moving" were made by one of my married daughters after comparing notes with me on exactly how annoying (and exacting) moving is.  This is all true.  Read it and weep.  Live and learn.  Be Prepared.  Endure to the end.   1. It will never be "more organized this time" so don't waste time over it. Note: labeling boxes "front, back and middle" does NOT work because you have so much to do on moving day that you don't have time to worry about which person took which box in what order.  Sigh!   Labeling the contents of each box in detail is very helpful! 2. Make sure to start and build your box pile at the level you will be loading them into the truck.  Makes it easier for the hand truck to move them. 3. Again, label the contents of each box in detail.  It's very helpful when you're looking for something specific, which (trust me) you undoubtedly will be. 4. No matter what time you start, you will always be done around 1:30 a,m. 5. Secure a reliable babysitter for the entire day. 6. Book a hotel (in advance!) for move-in night even if you plan to be done early.  You won't be able to find anything you need for bed; you won't have the energy to try; and you will definitely be in need of a reward after the hard work.  7.  Things will look brighter in the morning!   READ ON MOVER!

How To Move (in a million easy steps)

I have moved, oh - 25 times.  I have moved just myself; myself and hubby; and then as the family grew, myself, hubby and up to ten children!  So this is probably the easiest advice I'll ever give.  


I am listing things in what I've found to be the vital order. (Scary, hey?)

• First:  Buy yourself a notebook and some post-it flags like the ones you find at this website:    http://www.post-it.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Post_It/Global/ .    You can also get them at any office supply store or Walmart, Target, etc.  I like to use theme books (they're about $3 at Walgreens or CVS.)   http://carolinapad.com/ You will use this notebook for lots of stuff having to do with your move.  Please believe me - having everything in writing and in one place will save you time and the headache of frantically searching for information that you once had.  Use this book to write down every phone number, date, address, person, item of interest, things to do that you come across.  You will have to have the information at some point.  Put post-it flags on the pages you find yourself looking for most often.
• Second:  Now that you have your notebook and your post-it flags, walk through every room in your house (don't forget the garage, attic and storage shed) and mark down the biggish items you want to take with you when you move.  I like to write down the name of the room and under that list the stuff I'm taking.   To save time, use a separate page and mark down the biggish items that you will want to get rid of (more about this later).
• Next:  You will need to know an approximate number of boxes you will be filling.  There are some very good calculators to help you figure this out at  http://www.moving.com/moving-boxes/packing-calculator.asp  I would overestimate if I were you.  Just some guidelines (from my past) - figure you will want one wardrobe box per closet (2 if you have a big walk-in closet full of clothes). Figure a box each for your dishes, glasses, bake ware, pots and pans, tupperware and then however many small appliances you have.  I generally go with about 40 boxes and 5 wardrobe boxes.  It varies according to how much stuff you have to take.
• Third:  Something to think about is whether you will have to transport a car or other vehicle.  Keep in mind that if you have more than one vehicle and one of you will be driving a moving truck, and you don't trust your 5-year old to drive, you will need to get that vehicle to its destination somehow!  (Oh, how often I've wished for teleportation devices.)  There are businesses that move autos, trucks, motorcycles, ATV's, etc.  You can get an online quote at a place like  http://www.weshipyourcar.com/.  Some moving companies will also just put it on the truck with your other stuff (for a price).  Another option is renting a trailer to pull behind the moving truck.  Sigh, we did that once and we couldn't hardly park the thing!  Imagine how long the whole mess is - the truck, the trailer.  I wouldn't do it again if you paid me.
• Fourth:  You now have all of the information you need to do some research so that you can reserve your move.  There are several ways to move your stuff:

1. Company paid moves (this is, of course, the easiest and leaves you with very little to decide other than how much junk you want to take with you.)   
2. Movers such as Mayflower, Atlas, Allied, etc.  http://www.mayflower.com/moving/,  http://www.atlasvanlines.com/ ,  http://www.allied.com/   who will come to your home and give you a written estimate on what they will charge to pack, load, truck your stuff, and unload as well as unpack (if you like) on the other end.   I would recommend that you get 3 different estimates and choose the least expensive one as the amount you are willing to fork over.  The other movers will usually meet that estimate.  I ran across a good site  http://www.123movers.com/ that gives you comparisons of different movers.   You do have choices when you hire professional movers.  You can choose to pack your own stuff and you can choose to unpack at the other end.  Professional movers don't recommend it because they want to make more money.  These types of moves usually require some money down and the rest upon delivery (or they keep your stuff...hold it ransom).
3. Self Move.  This is where you rent a truck from a place like Ryder, U-Haul, Penske or Budget.   http://www.pensketruckrental.com/ ,  http://www.ryder.com/ ,  http://www.uhaul.com/ ,  http://www.budget.com/budgetWeb/home/home.ex .   You have a choice of a few different sizes (bigger doesn't cost that much more).  The price is determined by size of truck, dates of move (summertime and weekend moves are more expensive), and one-way or not.  When we moved from Wisconsin to Florida, we left all of our stuff in storage up there.  We found it was a lot cheaper to rent a truck in Florida, drive it all the way to Wisconsin, get our stuff, and bring it back to Florida.  That's because more people are moving to Florida than to Wisconsin (odd).  With this method, you pay when you pick up the truck.
4. You pack and load - they drive.  (I don't know what else to call it.)   I have used ABF three times in the past and I adore them.  You can use them or not, but they do have nice online calculators to help you know how much you're moving  http://www.abfs.com/default.asp and what it would cost with them.  At any rate with this method of moving, they drop off a trailer or pods and you have like 3 days to load.  For a trailer drop:  The pricing goes according to how much space you use but there is a minimum.  For a pod drop:  The price is according to how many pods you want.  You call them when the load is ready (you don't even have to be there) and they pick it up and deliver it (usually within a week) to your new address.  The delivery time varies according to how far away you will be.  You pay when your stuff is delivered.

• Fifth: Schedule the estimates, the moving truck or pods or whatever you are going to use.   (If you don't do this, you may end up not being able to get the size you want on the day you want.  You can always cancel by giving them 24 hours notice so you are out nothing.)

So this list gets you through the very beginning of moving.  There IS a lot to it but if you stick with me, you won't go start raving mad by the time this is through.  What an endorsement, huh?  MORE TO COME