Packing, Pitching, and Donating: 14 Years to Sort Through
Moving, it's a necessity of life. The pure logistics of doing so is a nightmare in itself. All of the organizing, quick decision-making, and dealing with, "No, not that!" and other sundry reactions is enough to make one's head spin. There is even the let's do this while a certain family member is not present/looking, who isn't even a member of this household, mind you.
Fortunately, for me, most of my children are at a much more reasonable age. While there are some treasures, we were able to move out 8 bags of mostly toys. You read right, 8 bags just this morning.
So how does one accumulate so much? Think dollar stores. Think McDonald's happy meals stretched out over more than a decade with four children. Think well-meaning relatives who think that more is more and love to bury the children underneath them all every birthday and Christmas.
And then there's me. Buying books brand new, at discounts, at yard sales, online and at bookstores all adds up over the years. My office has a section of packed-up books even after giving away 3 1/2 cases worth. I anticipate taking out my favorites and leaving the rest boxed up. Soon, I will realize how much I don't miss them and give them to someone who will actually read them, benefit from them and share with others, rather than hoard them.
Well, today has been very productive and this break will soon be over. So, off to Facebook for a quick look, perhaps a spot of news and back to work. Maybe, I'll make time for a quick sandwich. I hope to accomplish all of that within a half-hour and then get back to work. Thanks for reading. God bless you and yours.
Fortunately, for me, most of my children are at a much more reasonable age. While there are some treasures, we were able to move out 8 bags of mostly toys. You read right, 8 bags just this morning.
So how does one accumulate so much? Think dollar stores. Think McDonald's happy meals stretched out over more than a decade with four children. Think well-meaning relatives who think that more is more and love to bury the children underneath them all every birthday and Christmas.
And then there's me. Buying books brand new, at discounts, at yard sales, online and at bookstores all adds up over the years. My office has a section of packed-up books even after giving away 3 1/2 cases worth. I anticipate taking out my favorites and leaving the rest boxed up. Soon, I will realize how much I don't miss them and give them to someone who will actually read them, benefit from them and share with others, rather than hoard them.
Well, today has been very productive and this break will soon be over. So, off to Facebook for a quick look, perhaps a spot of news and back to work. Maybe, I'll make time for a quick sandwich. I hope to accomplish all of that within a half-hour and then get back to work. Thanks for reading. God bless you and yours.
When this process is over, you will be glad you purged, packed, and gave away many things. I did this plenty of times in my life. In 45 years, we packed, purged, and gave away many things, having moved 16 times. Most with the military. When all is said and done, if you purged something that later you wanted, it can usually be purchased again if you really need it. I never found anything that I wanted later enough to buy again.
ReplyDeleteBonnie
Keep pitching, brother! I'll be there with my super-size, heavy-duty trash bags and packing expertise next week :-). The whole process really is no fun, especially for pack rats, but it'll be over soon and you'll be amazed at how much space you have and how neat everything is (well, till your little tornado blows through!) with fewer things.
ReplyDeleteI've been more of a book pack-rat than any other kind. Although, having this Logos 4 program is really helping me to let go as well as the move. Sometimes, we get complacent in our accumulations though volumes have sat on my shelves untouched for years. I will set many free to those who can use them.
ReplyDelete