Moving equals excel spreadsheets?

I have always thought I am fairly good at organization, until this move came along and blew that theory out of the water. Apparently, I am not very good at this, as I am struggling with how to make the best decisions regarding when and how our stuff should go across the pond. Because my husband’s company is flying us over via business class, we will be able to take three suitcases a piece for checked luggage, our pack and play for Gerbie to sleep in until her crib arrives, and two carry-on items each. I have had to start an excel spreadsheet to map this out (yes, this requires deep thought and if I don’t write it down, I will keep confusing myself). Since the only personal things that will be there when we get there, are the things we physically take with us--assuming our luggage does not get lost on the way –it is important to get as much as we can on this flight. So with that in mind, we paid a visit to Target on our date night on Saturday and bought two new carry-on size suitcases for the kids. These will be filled with their clothes and personal items, such as blankets and stuffed animals that they cannot live without. And how cute will they look pulling these through the airport –my little travelers going on an overseas flight at the tender ages of 5 and 2. They will also each have their own backpack on the plane that will have books, coloring supplies, snacks, suckers, ipods and pillows/blankets for the flight. This is a long flight and while I think Bean will be just fine, Gerbie will be difficult –that is just her style. And to be honest, I think it is a long flight for ME to sit still that long, so I don’t expect them to be perfect angels. I am also going to have my computer/laptop bag and personal items, plus a diaper bag and stroller. The pack mule, better known as my husband, will have his computer/laptop bag and personal items, including all of our personal documents that need to go with us. For our checked luggage, I am going to squeeze as many clothes, towels, sheets and blankets in that I can. We do have rent-a-sheets available at our fully furnished house –but this feels icky to me. I know it is not much different from a hotel but still…..I prefer my own. On the air freight, we will put all the other personal things we can’t live without, but will have to TRY to carry on without for a couple of weeks (more clothes, shoes, towels, whatever else we could not fit in our suitcases). And then the rest of the items that are making this move, will be coming much later –as it will take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. Since most of the toys and stuffed animals are coming over this way, I hope it gets there much faster than the 6-8 weeks as predicted. I am fairly good at making up games and songs, but that is a long time to be without dress up princess clothes and play kitchen sets. We are hoping that hubby will find out about his company car within the next few days and when he goes back will be able to take possession of it and get car seats purchased and installed before we arrive. The first few days I am there, I will have a lot to buy. Such as, all of the things we use that plug in, since their outlets are different. On the list so far –a toaster, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, curling iron, coffee maker (oh, how I will need the caffeine with the 5 hour time adjustment). I will also have to get cleaning supplies, as we can’t take these with us, and also figure out this grocery shopping thing. New foods, new stores, and paying in pounds…..wish me luck. One of the first things on the list –getting Bean enrolled into her new school and getting set up on our new bank accounts. Thank God my mom is coming with us for the first two weeks to assist. Her help with the girls and with the cleaning and shopping will be invaluable. Now back to my excel spreadsheet…..I just thought of a few more things we need to take with us.