This weekend, I moved from an old apartment into a new, bigger, WONDERFUL town home. Just like any move, this one wasn't very fun. No matter how many times I do it, there are always an infinite number of sentences beginning with "I wish I'd...." or "It would've helped so much if we'd...."

This move, I realized that the moving process needed to be organized like a scientific experiment. There are materials you need, there's a procedure to follow. The result? You finish moving, and can settle comfortably and un-stressed into your new home. Today we'll look at the first stage of moving:

STAGE 1: Packing

Materials needed: several good, big, black permanent markers; lots of paper to wrap your breakables in; masking tape; friends or people who owe you favors; boxes; boxes; boxes; boxes; more boxes.

Procedure:

1. Buy the markers from your grocery store. Click here to print out a full STUFF YOU'LL NEED LIST and get everything your going to need for the move in one trip.

2. Get your boxes: After you shop for your moving supplies, check behind the store. Most stores will have a plethera of great boxes (unless someone's beaten you to them). If you're moving around the beginning of the school year, you might make a call to a nearby school. Every year, teachers get in new book shipments, so they usually have tons of extra boxes.

3. Get packing paper: If you're living in an apartment, there's usually a "paper only" recycle bin next to the mail boxes. Raid this first, and then gather up old newspapers.

4. Convince your friends (or those who you've helped move in the past) to come over and help you. The more people you have, the faster things will get done.

A few tips before you start filling boxes:

Published: September 18, 2000

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