I am experiencing a great aversion to stuff. This is my garage pre-moving sale and there are even more piles inside.My good friend and neighbor came over and helped me pack up my kitchen today. She is Bulgarian and was able to share practical sense with me as I dusted out the cupboards deciding what would be wrapped and packed and what should be set aside for the moving sale. She described the simple living arrangements in which she was raised and how it enabled her to focus on hard work and education.
This was enough to give me the courage to let go of the fancy serving dishes I use only a couple times a year and even all the trinkets I picked up in China several years ago. As I saw them sitting in the open box awaiting their unknown destiny I asked myself, "did they really enhance my life"? The answer was a definite "NO"!
When one sister saw how much stuff we were unloading she asked if both Paul and I were experiencing a mid-life crisis. Another one commented, "you're just cracking early". I will argue it is just the opposite, we are wising up early. But I'm not all the way there yet because I still plan on dragging 5 plastic bins of fabric and 10+ boxes of books across the country with us.
Moving is a great time to re-evaluate what you really need. It's the best time to get rid of stuff because the thought of dragging EVERYTHING along to a new home seemse so daunting. Starting simple and fresh in a new home on the other hand is very exciting!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move!
That is starting to look impressive. Can I have preferred early entry tickets to your garage sale? Your unpacking is going to be quicker because you have less stuff, which means you will be able to start sewing sooner.
ReplyDeleteMy MIL has always said one should move every three years just so you can get rid of all the junk and clutter that's filled your life during that time. I'm thinking a big clean up this summer would be nice. Going through the house as if we were moving.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything! Hope you have a massively successful yard sale.
I love to de-clutter. It gets my blood pumping. That said, when is your garage sale? Any chance you are selling tricycles or small boys stuff?
ReplyDeleteWay to go Al! Our basement flood was a great motivation to clean out. I think it is so liberating to get rid of junk! Good luck with the garage sale.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice of your friend to give you moral support as you sorted. What are you going to do with all of your garage sale cash?
ReplyDeletethat cooler and those sleeping bags might be good for road trips.
ReplyDeleteSave me some of that JUNK!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAl--it was fun to go to your pre-sale. If you miss some of your stuff you can come see it at my house. Ha ha--thanks for selling my chairs.
ReplyDeleteAl--I am eyeing some of the little kid/baby stuff you sold and wishing I could have bought it from your sale! But really I am looking forward to replacing some stuff that you find you do need when you are here in Michigan!!!! I can't wait!!! Karen (I couldn't remember my account name so I am signed in as Josh)
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