Earlier in my education and career I moved 16 times in 19 years. Needless to say, I consider myself to be somewhat of an expert on the subject of moving things. The sound of packing tape coming off the roll used to give my stomach butterflies, and I’ve learned -- even memorized -- what should go into the “Last Box on the Truck”. But more about that later.

Even if you are fortunate enough to have professional packers and movers, there’s much to do at the new place: like getting behind the stack of boxes you haven’t unpacked, opening up the new big screen TV, or moving that chest of drawers that really needed to go on the other wall.

How is the best way to move heavy stuff by yourself? My solution has always been to push, pull, or slide heavy items. This way the ground ‘carries’ the weight rather than the back muscles. For example, here’s the best way to extract heavy speakers or TV from a cardboard box with foam inserts.

First, open the box top by removing staples or tape, then lay the box on its side on a carpeted floor or quilt. Next, find a place to grasp the TV or speaker -- you may need to remove the top foam inserts to find a finger hold. Now sit on the floor and simply pull the item from the box by sliding it out. Push back the box with your feet if necessary – some boxes are a tight fit! Once the item is resting on the floor, remove the remaining foam inserts and tilt it to an upright position.

Couches are another matter. They are large and oh so heavy. The best way to move a couch is to use a sliding disk under each leg. They look like plastic coasters or rectangles with a non-slip surface on top. Several brands such as Magic Sliders™ or EZ Moves™ are available at hardware stores or online. And while you’re moving, you may take the opportunity to affix the smaller permanent disks to each leg so rearranging the room is easier.

I’m also dying to try the lever that pushes the couch off the floor so I can get the sliding disk under the couch leg without lifting. I saw this tool in an Expert Village video online. Lift Buddy™ (just ordered it); the Ergolifter; and the Easy Lifter (designed for refrigerators, though) are examples. All three are online.

Finally, the best way to move heavy potted plants, heavy boxes, or case goods like chests of drawers and armoires, or many other heavy things, is with Bigslider™ utility mover. It’s a big sheet of sliding plastic with a handle and rope. This tool replaces the old piece of carpet or used cardboard box. It’s thin and flexible, but not so thin that you can’t shove it under whatever you’re trying to move. I tilt the item up a little to get it started; push, pull, roll, or walk the item on to the sheet; then slide.

The best thing about Bigslider™ is not losing the sliding disks as I’m moving along. (And it works in the yard for heavy potted plants and soil or mulch bags.) I used it to move my new big screen TV from the car into the house, including on the concrete driveway and over the threshold. To get over the threshold, I dropped the handle and pushed the TV from the back, using the utility mover as a skid. Once inside, I readjusted the box on the sheet and continued sliding.

Now the tip you’ve all been waiting for: the list of top 10 things to go in “The Last Box on the Truck”. You can learn from my many (painful) moving experiences by reviewing my personal specialized moving checklist!

(1) Light bulbs and TV/stereo clickers
(2) Land line phone, if needed
(3) Toolbox and picture hangers, packing and duct tapes
(4) Water filter pitcher and/or bottled water
(5) Coffee and coffee maker and/or sodas
(6) Disposable plates, cups, and flatware
(7) Paper towels and napkins
(8) Dishwashing liquid and sponge
(9) One set of towels per person and bath soap
(10) Pillows and a set of sheets for each bed.

Happy moving!