I'm not really a good get ridder. If it's dead or I never wanted it I'll throw it or give it accordingly, but I'm always looking for the thing I got rid of five years ago so I don't tend to get rid of things if they're good. Except sometimes the questionable things, like jars and containers and styrofoam for art projects. It was a good thing I had all the plastic containers when I started sorting mosaics, but sometimes I go into a big fit of recycling when I just can't look at that stuff any more.

But I do know the horror of unpacking a small space! It's amazing how much fits! Even when I last moved, I tried to tell the movers how many boxes of books were stacked under the dining room window and they still underestimated, because they thought it looked like less.

A bit of advice? Pack now, and carry at leisure. I.e., never to to the second floor without a box for the third, but put your attention on filling the boxes while you have uninterrupted think time.

I can't say yet regarding the new cabinets, tho I am optimistic I will be much better organized! It is good that you are doing this with time to spare. I found it was helpful to have a friend help me with packing. Gave us time to talk, and a more objective voice on whether to keep something or not and of course to figure out where we were going to place that box!

It also helps to think about how much fun it will be unpacking in your new kitchen! :))

I think it seems like more when packing up than when putting in the new space...If you have adequate room for it. But when things seem too much, like when you're packing, I find it's easier to be tough and get rid of stuff you might be otherwise tempted to keep.

Really? When I have a deadline for packing it up, I find it easier to just pack it all and worry about whether to keep it when I'm unpacking!

I am packing my kitchen too right now for our move next week! Yes, I completely agree--so much crud! I found this hideous canister--it was from a cub scout fundraiser--the tin ones that you get popcorn in...it is crazy with all these astronauts and random animals on it. I thought "Oh sure I will give this away!" and then thought about it some more and realized it is sooooo hideous, I am regifting it :)
no offense to the cub scouts...

I still have this kitchen packing to look forward to in March. Sounds like it takes longer than I would have thought?

swspitfire, are you planning on being able to access your kitchen stuff during the reno? I wonder what "treasures" I may find?

I would try harder to find storage on first floor. One time saving thing I was glad I did was to buy a couple of metal shelves and also two sets of wheels. This allowed me to pack in kitchen and roll it off into another room.

doraville, yes I would have loved storage space on the first floor but not possible since we are having the textured ceiling removed and installing potlights all over the first floor.
It is going to be VERY messy!

doonie, I am trying to keep the items needed for my makeshift kitchen "organized" in my den. But I recognize I might need the odd thing that I stored so I am keeping the most "popular" boxes easliy accessible- well easier!!!

One thing my neighbor mentionned that the microwave requires alot of power so I might have to run a heavy duty extension cord down to the kitchen outlet because the den outlets might not have enough amperage....not sure about that but it might be an option since this would be an evening usage only.

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement.

Back to the boxes.....