MOVING LESSONS - What I have learned from moving across the country and overseas too many times to count!

1. Hire cleaners (students, friends, whatever) to clean your house and get back your deposit! This last step in our moves is always an unwelcome ending to the moving process. It takes so long and we are already spent by then. Throw a little cash at this burden and give yourself a break before the work of setting up a new life in a new place. 
2. Ditch/sell/give away your stuff. Use Craigslist and yard sales for furniture, etc. You won't feel too bad about ditching second had stuff in your next move. In fact, it feels pretty good to pass it on. Purging temporal stuff is good practice toward a life focused on Spirit. I get emotionally and sentimentally attached to stuff so this is my struggle every move.
3. Be grateful for family who store your belongings you can't part with and hope to store in your own permanent home someday. Gracias, mi gente!
4. Moving and flying? Ditch your heavy luggage and get these awesome Samsonite Tote-A-Ton. $19.99 ea. at Bed, Bath & Beyond ($14.99 if you save up your BB&B coupons like I did). Fit all your clothes, coats, toys, etc. within the size & weight restrictions of airlines easily. Worth the extra fee when you consider shipping costs you'd otherwise incur. Each family member got their own color and I found these great bright luggage tags 2 for $1 at DollarTree. 
5. Make a list with the kids of things to look forward to at your new home. My friend suggested a journal for the kids. 
6. Get involved in a group/hobby at your new home right away. Church, sport, scouts, whatever. 
7. Take lots of pictures. Document happy moments and awesome discoveries. 
8. Let unknown be unknown. In time, it will come to light.