Little boxes on the hillside....

[alee_grrl]

Or in the basement in today's case. I started packing in earnest today, with my focus being on books, dvds, cds and other media. My niece totally earned the $11 she was looking for by hauling said items downstairs to the basement for me (we live in a 3-story townhouse where the first floor is the garage and den, second floor is kitchen and living room, third floor is bedrooms). I figured since it was bitterly cold today I would do the packing in the garage, this way when I go to pack my car next weekend the boxes do not have to be hauled very far.

My preferred packing method is to sort by size and shape, then play packing tetris. I start with the biggest books then work my way down, trying to limit myself to one super heavy book per box of larger tomes/collections. I load them in so the bindings face up, and after a row is filled I fill in empty areas with smaller books, cds/dvds, and other odd ball items (card games, tarot decks, etc). I will pack/re-pack my household goods and decorative items in smaller spurts over the next week. My space saving method for fragile items is to use my clothes and linens rather than packing paper or bubble wrap. Tends to work well and makes it easier to fit everything in your car. I did buy some dish foam as that is really useful for layering between dishes and isn't quite as bulky as clothes.

Having moved repeatedly as an adult, often in situations where I had to fit everything in my car, I've winnowed down my collection of things. I bought ten small heavy-duty boxes and three medium heavy-duty boxes. I only needed six of the small boxes for media, which was nice. I'm beginning to think that I might really be able to fit everything into my car this time. Last move took two trips, but my Subaru should fit more than my Saturn did as the Subaru is a hatchback.

Despite that I always run into the "ah I have too much stuff" when I'm packing. Probably because packing takes up so many spoons. I'm definitely done with packing for the day. I foresee hot shower and an early bed time tonight.

Comments

[sulien]

Best of luck with the move! The last time I tired using clothing/linens to cushion fragile objects for a move, too many things were broken. Then again, that was for a trans-Atlantic movie when my household goods were being slung around by Teamsters, so it's no surprise several things were crunched. :-/ Moving is a lot easier when you can do it all yourself, including the transport.

Dude, I so hear you about having too much stuff! I am definitely paring down when I ditch the dead albatross (house). My biological daughter and some friends are hitting the lotttery, as I'm giving them all of my action figures and polystone statuettes. I just do not need or want a space large enough to display all of that stuff any more.

[alee_grrl]

If I were entrusting my stuff to movers I would not be using clothes or linens, but lots of bubble wrap, packed tightly, with the heaviest duty boxes I could find. And even then I would be nervous having seen what the Post Office can do to well-packed boxes that have been clearly labeled "Fragile". Since I'm pretty much doing the whole gig myself, which sweet-talked assistance from nieces and nephew, I have less fear of boxes being slung inappropriately. I cannot even imagine trans-Atlantic moves.

I think that age and having had to move stuff (and dust stuff) repeatedly over the years lends itself to wanting to discard things more. I have small things that I will likely keep, but am much pickier about what I collect nowadays.

[sperrywink]

Packing, urgh. I've been in the same place for 11 years now, and, boy, would moving suck.

Good luck moving back to Vermont and fitting it all in your car!

[alee_grrl]

I seemed to have inherited my parents penchant for moving every few years, and I haven't had a chance to accumulate much stuff thankfully.