I've learned a bit during my recent moving spree, which is the term of endearment by which I call my two-moves-in-13-months experience. While I'm sure there is tons more to learn, some of which might even become more relevant by the time the truck reaches our new place of residency ("All my things arrive safely and quickly"... "All my things arrive..."), here's what I've learned so far:

Tip #1: The worst shall go first. Start with the basement or the attic or the, oh, please don't say it, three-car garage first. Facing what you fear right away will make the rest look a lot easier.

Commentary: The last time I moved I did the basement first. When the basement flooded to the ceiling with water, how happy do you think I was to know that there was (almost) nothing left in there?! Whether you start from the bottom of the house and work up, or start at the top and work down, you'll be the most motivated in the beginning so do the hardest stuff then. (Dumpsters are your friend!)

Tip #2: Eliminate. If you don't use it, lose it! The key question you should ask yourself repeatedly during your packing process is, "Do I really want to pay money to have this moved?"

Commentary: The best part about packing and unpacking is the fact that you get to review your life's inventory and make sure that whatever it is, the stuffed Bassett Hound your father gave you when you spent the night in the hospital because you were hit in the head with a(n aluminum) bat during recess, for example, or the scratchy wool vest your grandmother crocheted for you for your sixth, but oh-so-70s Christmas, is worth moving. If you discover that it isn't necessary to have three irons or two bags of mismatched (red) sox, Goodwill will pick anything up from your house or the nearest Red Cross drop box is never too far.

Tip #3: You really don't have time for a yard sale.

Commentary: It's all well and good that you'd like to get a little pocket change for your (un)valuables, but remember packing alone takes hours and hours and I would dare to guess the average profit for a yard sales is less than $200. If it is worth something (such as the brand-new-totally-unused washer and dryer we have but don't need), get it on Craigslist right away. Otherwise, donate. It feels good. Plus, you will accumulate a whole new set of unnecessary things at your next destination anyway.

Tip #4: Let me introduce you to unoccupied homeowner's insurance. Little did I know that when we left our last home

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