If you are moving (and I assume you are, or will be, or you probably wouldn't be reading this blog), be prepared for your life in boxes.

I suppose this sounds a bit strange, but it's true. A friend of mine down the street who is packing to move emailed about purchasing some of the large boxes I have for paintings from moving, and it reminded me of some of my past moves.

Moving yourself is one thing. We have all done it in college, or moving from apartment to apartment before we could afford a house. My first move using a moving company was pretty disconcerting. Not that they didn't do a great job - their efficiency  was amazing! If only we could be so efficient when we packed ourselves.

But I recall, quite clearly, really being struck at the sight of EVERYTHING in a given room going into boxes...quickly. What was a comfortable, well-lived in home filled with treasures, memories, acquisitions over the years, and just lots of stuff became, in a relatively short time, rooms filled with boxes and nothing else.  My life was in boxes. A very strange feeling.

Making a move down the street or to a nearby town is one thing (been there, done that), but moving across the country was yet another experience (now 4 times). I also remember thinking about our entire house being loaded, box by box, into a large truck (and in 2 moves, along with one of our cars) and knowing that we would not see our possessions again for about 10 days, and feeling very disconnected. While we were excited about going to our new home, the thought of our entire house in boxes in a large truck traveling the highways across the country was an odd experience. I didn't dwell on it, of course, but in retrospect I know it had an impact on me. As I'm sure it did our children.

Maybe it won't strike you in the same way. And it's only temporary. But if you have never made a big move, I guess I would be prepared to experience some of these feelings...and know that it is quite normal and to be expected. It's part of the fun of moving.

Anyone need boxes for storage?

Are you planning to move?

I have a bunch of boxes that I used when I moved (they are different sizes and are the real moving company boxes) as well as some I have recyclced from clients. If you need some, let me know. I also have the wrapping paper for packing and lots of bubble wrap. And once you are done I will come pick the used boxes up (as long as you are within 1 hour of where I live here in Carlsbad.

Here are a few thoughts on packing stuff yourself, form someone who has done it at least 12 times!

1. One thing to keep in mind - this can save you a fair amount of money with the movers, since they will charge you for packing. So do what you can yourself. But see #2!!

2. Things that YOU pack will likely NOT be covered under the liability insurance provided by the carrier. Make sure you pack WELL, and do not pack things that are better covered under the insurance.

3. Most movers will provide the appropriate boxes and wrapping paper to you in advance (they may deliver to your door). You will be charged for these just as you are for all moving supplies the movers use in their packing. Be sure to ask for all you need and more - they will take back what is not used and you will not be charged for that. Other great sources of boxes include some liquor stores, copy paper boxes from work (great for magazines and books). NOTE - one of the relocation services I provide is to provide recycled moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing paper to my clients (I have tons from my moves and from recycling boxes from my clients who have moved) for FREE. I drop them off and pick them up so if you are in my local area here in San Diego, let me know.

4. Packing stuff early is GREAT for helping to sell your home. You have to move anyway, so why not get all the clutter out of the closets, off the shelves, out from under the beds, out of the garage, etc. The more you can pack away the better your home will look. While it is not the same as staging, if you can de-personalize your home it will show better to buyers and they will be able to think about living there themselves, as opposed to getting distracted by all your personal photos.

5. Label ALL the boxes carefully and thoroughly. We make big blank labels on the computer with information such as ROOM, FLOOR, CONTENTS, etc. Then we tape a blank form on each box and fill in the information as we go. It's amazing how you can forget what is in a particular box, and inevitably you will get to your new home and HAVE to find a particular item before all the unpacking is done, but won't know where to look.

6. Put the labels on the END of the boxes so when they are stacked you can see the labels (putting the label on top defeats the purpose). MARK FRAGILE BOXES on multiple sides using a dark magic marker or similar pen. BTW the boxes you pack will be marked by the mover as PBO (packed by owner) in their inventory.

7. Be generous in use of wrapping paper and bubble wrap. Newspaper is OK but it gets ink all over everything so I advise against it, especially on your glassware and dishes.

8. Pack your paintings or other artwork in the special boxes provided by the mover or let them pack them (again, a liability issue). When packing painting in bubble wrap, it is smart to put several sheets of packing paper (NOT NEWSPAPER) directly on the painting if not under glass before wrapping in bubble wrap - this is important especially if moving in warmer months where moisture can gather under the bubble wrap, which you DON'T want to get on the oil painting itself. Check with the mover on what expensive items should be noted (e.g., they will likely want a list on the day of packing, e.g., items valued at $1500 or more, for insurance purposes).

9. Check on what items CANNOT be packed and moved (e.g., hazardous items such as paints, gasoline, certain cleaning products). also check about plants - moving to some states will prohibit bringing in agricultural products from other states (e.g., California). other states will require the movers to check gardening equipment and outdoor furniture for Gypsy moths, larvae, etc. before packing.

10. Pack a special box for each family member that you carry yourself - toiletries, TP, tissues, bandaids, shampoo, medicines, special toys for kids - and at least one for the kitchen (coffee maker perhaps, coffee and filters, can opener, bottle opener, wine opener for the celebratory bottle when you arrive, and other things you expect you will need right away). Pack pet supplies (food, dishes, leashes) in a separate box and carry with you too. Stuff you forget you can buy when you arrive if the movers are going to be late arriving.