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magnetic force
The natural forces of the universe are very generous to the creative pile mover. The electromagnetic force was probably harnessed sometime in the 18th century and has served several purposes since its discovery. As a force of nature, magnetism intrinsically comes in a myriad of shapes and sizes. The wholesale manufacture of magnetism has made it much easier for us to observe the force's strength. Retail magnets come in nearly every shape and size as well. For pile migration purposes the size of your magnet should correspond directly with the pile matter at hand. Moving paper-clips by magnet requires a minimal magnetic surface, while moving junk-yard cars will require a magnet surface of at least three feet in diameter. The magnet allows plenty of room for creativity in the pile mover. Magnets can potentially make the physical work of moving a pile far easier, effortless almost. By simply touching a magnet's attractive surface to the top of a pile, the pile matter can be collected, transported and relocated. There is, of course, a major drawback to the magnet as a pile migration tool. The pile matter must be of a metallic composition. More than that, the objects must be magnetic. This excludes aluminum cans, most coins and some keys. This limitation, however, should not inhibit your experimentation with magnetic force.
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shirt tail
The shirt as a tool is often and understandably overlooked. Sure, the shirt serves the much more immediate need to be protected against the elements, but for an object that we spend so much time encased in, perhaps more elaborate subsidiary functions should be considered. The shirt, regardless of make-up (cotton, wool, polyester, etc.) takes an almost universal shape. Three open-ended protrusions for the arms and head constitute the top with a hanging cylinder hugging the torso. It is this torso protection that interests pile migration.
For pile movement the shirt tail can be utilized in a carrying capacity. By simply grabbing the shirt you are currently wearing (if you're not wearing a shirt, put one on) with both hands at hip level, and lifting the tail up, you can create your own portable pouch. Of course, pouch size will vary depending on the girth of the shirt. This sort of pouch is ideal for moving small solid pile matter. Small rocks and many household items will fit snuggly in this artificial pouch. As a child, I used to carry my action figures in this manner. I still do. The shirt is more than portable, it is indispensable. It is a rare occasion that finds us shirt-less in public. For this reason, the shirt tail is great for spur of the moment pile movement.
There are obvious drawbacks to this less popular pile migration technique. Unless you are excessively bold, the matter being carried in this fashion must be firmly solid. Semi-solids and, god forbid, liquids will prove very difficult to transport in this manner.
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