Were you moving because you wanted to and were happy about the change? Because I don't think she is. Hence my advice.

I know what you mean, but I've had to move many times just because I had to, not because I wanted to. The unpacking is the worst part. Also, paying to store items that you don't and won't use is a waste. I take after my grandmother who moved her family sometimes twice a year across country with the railroad and kept everything to a minimum. If you really have an emotional attachment to something, by all means, keep it, but if it will make your life easier, throw it away!:D

As for the things you'll definitely need in the future, those things that keep well should be kept.

The best place for free boxes? Liquor stores! Sometimes they don't have lids, but that should be fine if you're not actually shipping anything. A lot of times liquor stores just leave all their empty boxes outside and you can just go and pick up as many as you want. Also, if you or someone you know has any publishing ties, anywhere that deals with a lot of paper has those great heavy-duty paper boxes.

Ok I couldn't find the thread, but I made a spreadsheet during our last move, and it really helped me keep organized. I sectioned off the weeks, listed the tasks, and made notes. You can be as general or as specific as you want.

[IMG]file:///Users/tonivillines/Desktop/Screen%20shot%202010-07-07%20at%2012.55.16%20PM.png[/IMG]For example:

March 27 – April 2 Notes OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY 1-3 Bake cookies 1 hour before Go through holiday boxes in basement Keep/donate/trash Order boxes from UHAUL 2 glass, 2 dish, 10 medium, 15 small, packing paper Take photos out of frames & pack Use large manilla envelopes with cardboard Clean out kitchen cabinets & pack Use special dishware boxes Take down decorations & pack Label by holiday name Make list for lights and outlets needed in new house Budget is $----.00

I also labeled and numbered the packing boxes. I kept a list of the boxes (numbers 1-13 were kitchen, for example) and then wrote what was in each box (BOX 4: Silverware and cooking utensils). That way, during and after my move, boxes went to the correct rooms, and I knew which box things were in.

A few more suggestions:

- Do your keep/donate/trash thing as early as possible. Once you complete a section, pack it (in the order that makes sense to you).

- Set aside important documents, bills, and paperwork in a tote bag that you will carry personally in your car on moving day.

- Keep out X weeks' worth of clothes, toiletries, medications, etc. in a suitcase and live out of that during the final few weeks.

- Make arrangements for utilities (phone, cable, internet, electricity, etc.) setup before you move in. It's easier these days to use your cell phone to set this stuff up, so you don't have to wait days for the phone company to set you up.

- Get a final oil change/tuneup on your car if you're moving more than a few miles away. The last thing you need to happen on moving day is for your car to break down.

- Notify the DMV/car insurance policyholder as soon as possible.

- If renting, get renter's insurance. It's quite affordable and worth it.

- When moving into your new place, ask someone to help you clean the kitchen and bathrooms before anything moves in. Surfaces, inside appliances and cabinets, etc.

- Get your medical and dental records before you move (if you'll be changing doctors). This can take up to a month.

- Get a list or menus of take-out/delivery places near your new place before moving day.

- Whether moving into an apartment or house, have a final inspection right before you move in. If renting, make notes of holes in the wall, stains on the carpet, chipped paint, etc. That way, you won't lose your security deposit next time you move, due to previous owner's damage.

- Also, check all light switches, outlets, appliances and faucets to make sure they work. Check windows and doors, locks/latches, etc. Check fire alarms/CO detectors. Change batteries the day you move in.

- If not provided, change your locks. The security is worth the cost (usually $50 per door). Get two extra sets of keys made. Give one to a close relative or friend, and put the other in a safe place.

If I think of anything else, I'll post it. I hope this helps!