The process..

Let me just start out by saying that I really don't like "stuff" anymore.  From the onset of "moving to Qatar" time, we had numbers for our stuff; 400 kl (880 lbs) to ship air freight, 8 checked bags (50lbs each), and 2 carry on bags each (up to 35 lbs each).  So, my task was to take everything in our house and condense it down to 1,420 lbs of stuff.  Sounds like a lot doesn't it?  Start weighing your stuff...  :) 

Here's how I did it:

• Started as soon as we found out we were moving.
• Made small goals each week.
• Had 4 garage sales corresponding to my goals.
• Lined up friends who could take stuff the day we moved out of our house.
• Researched (extensively) what exactly we could/couldn't get in Doha.  (Think clothing, books, shoes, gear...  What do you buy over the course of the year?) Example:  In Doha, larger size shoes are not common, so my research suggested bringing enough shoes.
• Once you've made your goal list, start thinking of things you'll need to buy to take and get a list going (yes, we're talking lists).  Some of the things on my list included: medications, spices (think holiday cooking, what are your essentials?), peanut butter, shoes, and home school items.  The lists were extensive, but by starting the lists early, I was able to use coupons and get good sales.
• Start packing up non-essentials as early as possible (Christmas decorations that are important to your family, other holiday items, winter gear [either pack away, sell, or pack to ship], etc.).
• Be sure to check with your shipping company for their requirements:  We had to have a packing list for each box, it needed to be weighed, taped very securely, and each box needed a label with the box number, our name, and destination.
• Each time I came to MI, I'd bring a load, since our shipment left from here.

My cutting mat fit in with the bikes!! 

We brought the final loads last weekend and got busy organizing for our shipping company.  And then, just like that, the shipping company came, loaded and was gone in like 15 minutes.  My months and months of work is on a truck somewhere headed for Qatar.. 

A and R packing up the kids' bikes and helmets.

Just a heap of boxes.

Getting started.

a load

That load toppled over.

Luckily, none of the boxes broke open.  Glad we spent so much on tape.

R and I being so strong.

M loved helping..

After the shipment was ready, we had the task of getting the 8 checked bags to 50 lbs each and getting all (or most of what was left in).  We use our two large suitcases plus 6 totes.  Check your airline requirements for dimensions and weight, overage charges are RIDICULOUS.  The pictures below will show the process.  We left one tub unweighed for everything else (not sure that it's all going to fit, but we're not paying the $200 fee for another tote, so we'll make it fit).  We drilled 6 holes per tote for zip ties to keep the totes closed on the flights.  We tape 6 new zip ties to each for security to use after inspection (just a tip). 

Gather stuff, totes, and supplies.

Try to distribute the heaviest items in the bottoms of totes.  Add the lighter items on top and adjust to fit.

Weigh the person weighing.

Lift tote and weigh both, subtract the person's weight.

Write it down and repack if necessary.

Go buy bigger totes when you realize there's NO way it's fitting or reaching 50 lbs.

Realize it was a good decision to buy the new totes because you can actually get them to weigh 50 lbs.