What to Leave Out...What to Put in

First let me just say, you're gonna be uncomfortable for awhile.  That's why what you pack first really matters because as soon as you get a few boxes packed, someone will say, "Have you seen my ...?"   There begins the un-taping of boxes and the search.  I ha-ate that!   It's very difficult to avoid it but here are some ideas (learned through the sweat of my brow so you don't have to sweat):

• Pack only non-essential items first ... Knick knacks and that sort of stuff - things that are only there to please the eye.  It is SO refreshing to have all the stuff of life put away in a box and neatly stacked in a corner.  The things hanging on the walls can definitely go.  The move has begun!
• Pack the kitchen last. 
• For children, pack their boxes and do not tape them up until the last day (that way if you need to find something for them, you're not going crazy ... Well, you're not going too crazy-it's still annoying as crap).  
• If you don't already have one, buy a big duffle bag or a tourist case for your essential bathroom items which you'll take with your personal stuff.  This is necessary even if you're moving down the street.   You will want your toiletries handy and it's impossible to find them any other way.  
  
• Have a backpack for each child or pet in which you'll pack their essential items such as special toy, blankie ... Well, you know.   My husbands backpack contains all those things he sets on his nightstand and all those things he can't live without for a few days (or however long it takes to move and unpack), like the book he's reading, his electrical cords (placed in separate baggies) and his precious imported chocolate bar.  Lol.  
  
• Label the first box you pack - 1st box (and description, i.e., knick knacks living room).  Label the last box you pack - last box (this will be the box you'll probably want first when you get to where you're going) probably.  
• If you are using a packing service, some of the above still applies.  I'm gonna have to have a whole separate thing on what to do when movers help because I'm pretty sure you don't want to unwrap a big box at the other end and find out it's your garbage can (filled with rotting garbage).  Yes folks, it has been done.