Packing The farmer who was given the land grant in the west would have to pack their most important belongings, sell their land and use the money to buy a wagon, two or more strong horses or oxen, repair parts, and non-perishable food. (Sugar, meal, flour, dried meats, etc…) Also, every man needed a rifle. Depending on their wealth, they could also buy "portable emigrant's stoves", cattle and maybe even more wagons. The job of packing was usually given to the woman of the family. She would often have to sell her most precious heirlooms, auction off furniture and trust friends and family members with the items they could not take. They stocked up on blankets, sewed warm clothing, brought pots, pans, and fabric. It was very difficult to transport a family of eight in a ten feet long by four feet wide by two feet deep wagon, so many times if you were poor, you would use a handcart to carry your items.

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