[waitingtobeamom]

It is beginning to sound like our sib set that we have had for a year and a half may being going home in a couple of weeks at court. I have no idea where to start in packing three kids belongings. It is amazing how much stuff they have accumulated after being here so long. (I guess not really, we have had 2 Christmas', 5 birthdays, and many other things). I can't really make any packing obvious yet as we don't want to get their hopes up in case it doesn't happen, but need to at least get my thoughts together. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated?

[GaViolet]

I just had my two little ones leave after a year. I started packing things the kids were not going to miss such as winter clothes and toys that are not played with. The best time for me to pack was when my kids were at the overnight visits with their parents. Hope this helps.

[waitingtobeamom]

Another question is: What did you use to pack? I sent another home with rubbermaid tubs but this would take a ton of regular sized ones.

[Mummy_Big_Bird]

I pack the kids' things up in nice boxes. Well, I'm an Avon Lady, so I always have nice shipping boxes in the house!!! It makes it feel more like they are moving. I can't stand seeing peoples' belongings being moved in trash bags.

[CaddoRose]

Start by sorting through their clothes that are out of season or don't fit anymore and then with toys that aren't played with. Since you really don't know what will happen, at least you can get the unused stuff packed and out of the way. Just say you are spring cleaning. If they are not RU'd, then all of the unused stuff will still be fine in the boxes and you can store those away.

[GaViolet]

I used the rubbermaid totes, boxes, and suitcases to pack their stuff when I sent it home.

[skylark_25]

If your fc's are having unsupervised visits I would start sending a few things at each visit that will stay at the bios' house. Obviously some things you need to use until they are officially RU'd but if you start the transition now it makes it easier for everyone in the end . As far as packing goes, I use boxes for the toys and duffle bags for the clothing.

Becca

[msgypsylee]

I used the big rubbermaid totes. FD left with 7 of them. You can fit so much in them.

[klriggins]

I only kept out10 days worth of clothing and the rest was packed. Their mother was telling them everytime they came that they were coming home, so there was really nothing to hide. They even helped some. If i didn't limit the clothes that were out and being used i would NEVER get their laundry done. I really didn't do any more laundry than usual. Towards the end they were at their moms more than my house anyway so to have their toys packed wasnt a big deal.

I too hate trashbag packing. As if to implicate that all they own is trash. Well worth the extra $30 on rubbermaid totes.

[AmahMama]

Spring cleaning and organizing are always being done - so they probably won't even think about it. I sorted sizes, seasons, to small, to big. I have always used totes or boxes to move the kids. I too hate 'trash bag moving' - but in reality - it seems like the last minute stuffed animals etc - always seems to go in them..... Congrats on a job well done - an accomplishment to keeping the kids safe and cared for while they were in need. God Bless.