[Skytrooper]

Well, I can chime in on this as I have been running a portable generator when we have power outages. I just finished a 3.5 hour stint due to the severe weather here.
When there is a chance of outages, I bring my generator in the garage. This way it is close and ready. When the power quits, I disconnect my dryer hose and run the 2 heavy power cords into the basement. I have 2 outlets closeby of which one is on the A side of the breaker box, the other on the B side. I start the generator...with nothing plugged in, so it can warm up to operating temperature. In the meantime, I switch off the main breaker and turn off what I do not need to power. Then I plug in the cords to the outlets described before and the generator. Hot damn...I got 220 power. Furnace and sump are primary circuits, well pump, refrigerator, and a few lights next. With the 220 I can dry clothes or run the stove. Those I can switch on if needed at the cost of turning off a couple others temporarily. I do all this on a 5k portable generator, and have been for 23 years.

I do long for a transfer switch though. It would make things much easier.