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As you pack, list in a general way what you have put into each box on a numbered index card. Then number the box to match it. For instance, Box #26 has a matching Card #26 that reads: "26 - Living Room: Living room decorations, afghan, bookends." Or something like that. On the box, Write the number on each of the four sides and the top (you won't regret this!) and also, if possible, the room it will go into such as LR for living room. Take a red marker and put a big X over all visible surfaces of boxes that you want to unpack RIGHT AWAY, such as your food and kitchen supplies, bathroom toiletries, dresser contents, etc. When you get to your new home, put all the RED-Xd boxes in their proper rooms and unpack them first. Designate a place, (ours is the garage) for the rest of the boxes to be stored. Keep your pile of index cards with you in your purse. Now, when you realize you need a particular item, such as the baby's room lamp, you can just flip through your cards and find out what box it is in. Go to your pile of boxes and remove that one and there you go! We have had fairly good success with this method. The biggest difficulty was having too many boxes marked with a red X and the fact that the movers mixed up all of our "attic" boxes with our household ones. I would prefer to have the boxes stacked in the garage by "room." Also, pack enough clothing and supplies in suitcases to last for a week or so, just as if you were going on a vacation. Take these items with you in the car so that regardless of the state of your unpacking, you still have the necessary clothing and toiletries to live. Don't forget to take along your medical supplies, all packed and ready!!! If at all possible, see if you can have friends or family help out by bringing in meals for a few days. I purchased paper plates, cups, even bowls and plastic ware to get us through those first days in the new home. |