After the Boxes Are Unpacked: Moving On After Moving In

After the Boxes are Unpacked by Susan Miller is a 20 year old book on the challenges of moving, that was recently revised by the author, Susan is an experienced mover and the founder of Just Moved Ministry [...] She revised the book after the experience of the death of her husband, to whom she had been married for forty-five years. I received this book for free through the book review program for bloggers, available at [...] The reviews expressed are my own. This book was DEFINITELY written for women, and the author makes that abundantly clear. I chose to read it because: A. Our family has moved several times in 25 years, including a year ago to a new state B. My wife thought she would like to read it. So, I will give my synopsis review first and I will add my wife's comments later. With that being said, if you're a man, you may not identify quite as much, but it will help you to better understand your wife, your family and other families who have had to uproot and move. The book was VERY thorough, taking into account moving caused by every kind of conceivable circumstance, including job changes, upgrading, down grading, eviction, pastorates and military moves. The author has ministered to thousands of families over the last 20 years and has heard most of the situations which precipitate a move, and the upheaval that comes afterward. She offers a world of insight into the emotional turmoil that often accompanies the loss of family, friendships, security and familiarity. She also offers tips in the "Unpack Your Survival Box" section at the end of each chapter. It is a great resource for those who have moved or are getting ready to. My wife finished this book in three days, and she does not like to read a lot. My wife is a military child, who had several moves in the first 15 years of her life, then married an aspiring minister, who traversed the US with her to another state, two weeks after our wedding. In her words, this book summed up and healed 48 years of moving in one book. She shed many tears through reading it. She heartily recommends it and said she felt like the author was talking to her personally, face to face and was identifying with all of the feelings that she has experienced over the years. If you need someone who understands what it's like to move, especially a lot of moves, then this is a good choice for you.

This book has been hugely instrumental for me after a big move across the country after 20 years in a beloved community. If you’ve uprooted and feel displaced or are struggling to let go and start over after a move, this book will help. Really and truly. It is right on and so cathartic and healing. Trust the process, read the book, keep praying, keep finding hope, keeping looking forward, surrender daily, and keep believing God has more in store for you.

Not sure about the CD content since bought as a gift, but have been encouraged by the author/speaker thru other venues.

This is an Excellent Book! It should be given to every dependent in the military moving for the first time!My wife and I gave this one to our Daughter-in-Law, she had no experience with the military, and everything in this book was of great help to her and to my wife and I, even though we had over twenty years in.Thank YouMaj Walker

This book addresses all the feelings you go through when having to pack up all your belongings for the umpteenth time and start your life all over again. The losses on so many levels and the loneliness can be overwhelming. But, knowing that your feelings are normal and your life will get better with help from God definitely gives you hope. There are practical helps given as well on how to meet people in your new area.

A friend recommended this book to me after a friend had recommended it to her. We are dear friends who had both just moved to new cities where we had no ties. This book was truly an encouragement to me in picking up the pieces of my life and being intentional about how this new chapter would unfold. 💖💖

Excellent reference book of encouragement and resilience to help anyone move with confidence from one place to another. Personal stories and based on biblical examples and scripture. Lots of great practical ideas to help you adjust to your new home and area. As stated in her book, Let go and trust God, Start over with hope abd Move forward with faith. Great going away gift or study to do with new friends. Highly recommend it!

I was blessed to attend a women's retreat in Puerto Rico where Susan Miller came to discuss her book. I was scared, lonely, and living on an island that was far from home. This book changed the way I looked at my move and my eyes were opened to all The Lord was doing in my life. Today I reread the book, the advice is timeless and reminds us that our moves whether we desired them or not are orchestrated by the Author and Creator of our lives and that is a great comfort and encouragement. I highly recommend this book.