My heart goes out to you on the move, Rob. I've done some big cross-country and international moves in my life, and I agree: where does all that stuff come from? I do the Ghandi-thing and get rid of about half my stuff every time I move; I find it really cathartic, plus it makes the move itself a little easier. And it's fun giving away all that stuff to people who need it more than I do. (Hint: thrift stores will come and pick up big items for you!) My best tip as a veteran mover: make an "unpack me first" box. Label it so you can't possibly not find it; e.g., plaster it with hazard orange stickers or something. Make sure it has toilet paper, a non-breakable bowl, a spoon, a box of dry cereal (from a company you aren't angry at), a dishcloth, some liquid soap like Dr. Bronner's that can double as hand soap / dish soap, a shower curtain, a towel, a full set of sheets, a dishcloth, a towel...all the things you need in the first 24 hours that otherwise you'll have to go rummaging through a hundred boxes to find. I got into the hang of this a few years ago, and it means I can move into a new place, use the bathroom, grab a bite, collapse on the bed, and get up and have a shower the next morning without having to unpack every box in the house first. I find the chaos of a big move usually shakes me up on every level: emotionally, psychologically, creatively. I hope your move goes well, and shakes loose some great writing for you, and most of all I hope LA works out as a great location for you.

Thanks, Shaula. Every word of encouragement counts.

i like your writing already. Agree that culling out stuff is satisfying alot like editing one's life.

Thanks, blknwite. Let's hope that becomes a popular opinion.