Packing Up For The Big Move

[PlacidoLoire 2]

Hi,

I haven't seen this topic elsewhere and I'm not sure if it's of interest to anyone.

When my fiancee and I first decided to get married and for me to immigrate into the US, little did I know what a logistical nightmare the packing would be!

My first plan was that I would wait until my K1 visa was approved and then allow around six weeks to dispose of all my belongings and organise everthing that needed to be organised.

Impossible! I'm still at least four months away from my interview and I've already started disposing of stuff and making lists of what needs to be sold, given away, or thrown out. Being a compulsive hoarder doesn't help, either!

I've realised that taking a lot of bulky items is impossible. Excess baggage and shipping fees are very expensive. So that's out of the question. If my fiancee comes for the interview, she can bring two large suitcases and together with my two I'll have four in total. So that's it. Everything in this world that is precious or important to me in FOUR suitcases!

So, the most important things on my "take to the USA" list are:

1. Photo Albums (about a dozen, all photos scannned and copies stored on flash drive)

2. Mementos from o/s trips

3. Three drawings by my late uncle (he was an artist)(de-framed, pictures in carry-on and frames in checked-suitcases)

4. Various items of cloting

5. Various important documents (copies stored on flash drive)

6. References and certificates (carry-on) for in my resume (copies stored on flash drive)

7. My laptop (carry-on)

8. Books, CD's & DVD's

I've probably left someting out, but you get the general idea. I've already given away some electronic gear and I've got some takers for some furniture. The most expensive items I will probably sell on eBay. I'm not into garage sales, so anything left over will go to charity or into landfill.

I'm interested to know what others took with them and what plans and strategies they used to get themselves organised for "the big move". Any tips?