When I moved a few years ago, I stumbled upon a system that kept me sane before, during and after the move. When packing a box, put a large pad of lined paper next to it. As I wrapped and put things in the box, I wrote down precisely what I had packed. When the box was full, I put the piece of paper on the very top of the items before I sealed the box.
Just before you move, pack a suitcase for you and your family as if you were going on vacation. That way, you can live out of your suitcases for a few days, and not have to have everything unpacked to bathe, dress, etc.
When you move, many places will allow you to have access a few days early. If this is possible, before the major move, bring enough kitchen tools to the new place to be able to fix a simple meal.
I use masking tape to label items, writing on it with crayon instead of permanent marker. I have two small children who leave stray crayons everywhere, and a permanent marker is a potential disaster if they get a hold of one.
Items needed for an organized move: large markers to mark boxes, check home improvement stores, liquor stores and grocery stores for free boxes...
My husband's work requires us to move every 4 to 6 months. The entire house and my car is in storage. I am looking for ways to be more organized, so when it's time to move again, I know where things are for the nights we have to stay in hotels. We are usually on the road 3 days before we get to the provided rental home.
By Sharon
Maybe get 3 boxes +/- and fill them with what you know you like to have those nights in motel. Maybe get spares from garage sales, the way some people keep things aside for camping.
I got rid of the suitcase and started using rubbermaid bins for clothing (this works if you are driving I'm not sure about flying). I have one for each me and my husband. I have a smaller bin for our cosmetics. I have pared the cosmetics down to what is needed. I have streamlined my beauty care. I'm not taking anything that motels supply such as iron or hair dryer. My bins only contain for the season. In my bin I have large gallon size ziplock bags that I use to keep up with small items such as underwear & socks. I have also cut a piece of cardboard and seperated the bin into to 2 compartments-one side for shirts and one for pants or shorts.
Holy Cow! I can only imagine how hard this must be for you! Do you have children? Is it absolutely necessary that you travel with your husband from job to job? Can you just set up home 'somewhere' and he visit you or you visit him when possible?
Just pack your bags as you would normally do, including toiletries, etc. Then when you get to your new home, launder everything, pack it right back up, and set the packed luggage aside, ready to go again. Then when it is time to move again, just grab the bags and go! Since you will be wearing the same outfits, just in a new city. You can also wear the same jewelry, shoes, etc.
