Sometimes they were lucky enough to have a box for everything, but often wagons of trucks were loaded up with belongings packed high, cushioned with blankets. It was common to see beds, chairs, pots, and pans all sticking out from the back. As long as it didn’t fall off, it was probably just fine! The opening credits of The Beverly Hillbillies comes to mind when we see these images, but it was how a lot of people moved back then.

They packed this truck with straw. Via/ Library of Congress
FSA family on moving day 1938. Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
Via/ Library of Congress
More bushel baskets! Via/ Library of Congress

They didn’t have it easy, but they also didn’t have so many things to pack, unpack, or misplace. Packing tape, cardboard boxes, and plastic tubs were unavailable. But, they made their homes just fine. From pioneer times to the Depression, they were tough and they made the best that they could from any situation, even if they did have to lug an iron stove around!

Check out some incredible photographs of the Old West right here.

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