My husband is very methodical about packing. He gives each box a number and that number, with a brief description of the box's contents, is written on a corresponding list. My job on moving day was to stand at the front door with the list, and when the movers walked in, to say, "Oh, #16? That goes in the kitchen," and it really made it easier to unpack. We moved to this house in November, and were organized enough to host Christmas Eve that year.

After being here for almost 14 years, though, I think it would be easier to burn the place down and start over rather than try to pack again.