Our entire move, former procrastinators, has been a matter of laying aside weight. The quantity of stuff we had was more than we could handle. (According to Take Your House Back, that’s the definition of “too much.”)
We’d cleaned out enough to help greatly. My husband astounded me. But as the van filled, we were overwhelmed with the fact that more had to go. So we hauled it to our new place (ugh) and eliminated again. When you see your new space cramped because you’re holding onto some unnecessary chair or seldom used doodad, it’s adios.
Ideas to consider if you have a move in your future:
- Get help. Accept help. A friend helped me eliminate, sort, pack. Though I had to make decisions, her presence moved me to action. She was able to do many jobs and brought dinner.
One child cleaned out a bin of supplies early on. By following her example, I was able to clean out more than I expected.
Two children were with us for the pack out. They sent us off one morning and upon returning, we found they had rented a ten foot truck and loaded it with stuff from the sheds. We asked no questions; we just waved good bye when they drove it to the dump. The relief was enormous. They gave us the gift of not having to make decisions. They gave us the blessing of their presence, encouragement, physical strength, and honest opinions.
- “Purge” so much that you do not pay to move unnecessary weight – or have unnecessary work on the other end.
- Start cleaning out very early. It may take several “passes” of elimination to reach your desired level of stuff. Make cuts as deep as you can because you may not get more passes.
- Advice from the truck driver: Sell or give away all you can. Keep only the most important things. At your new home, replace just what you need.
- To maintain energy, rest often, stay hydrated, eat healthy, avoid sugar.
If you were moving, what would you eliminate? Why not now?
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