The last time I moved I packed everything in Rubbermaid totes and it worked out great...Easy to pack, move and unpack. Congrats on your retirement and move. I was born and raised in Waynesburg Pa. and lived in Chattanooga Tn. for 5 years....

So glad to read the ideas here. Two more years for us and we'll be downsizing and moving, too.

I just did this exact thing! I'm a great believer in using what you have instead of buying something else. I used fabric for cushioning and clothing for stuffing holes in boxes here and there. Unpacking is going to be a bear, but I figure I have the rest of my life to unpack (besides working a full time job still), so a little chaos isn't that big of a deal - it WILL end! Take it from me - your stash makes great packing material!!!!!

We moved from the East Coast to AZ last December. We decided to eliminate half our belongings...not counting quilting stuff...lol. My DH drinks Sam Adams Beer and buys it in the 24 boxes. We had saved them for a long time because they are so nice and sturdy.

I ruler fold my fabric and was able to pack it into these boxes right off the shelf. We had movers and using the same size boxes allows them to pack things VERY efficiently. All beer boxes went into my sewing room.

I did go through all my fabric and give quite a bit to a guild friend for charity projects. My room is very small and we rent a house. DH put in shelves in the closet and it all is in there now.

I did buy a few boxes from Wal Mart for other things. They have nice ones for very little money.

If we did not LOVE something it did not come with us. I miss nothing I gave away.