Yesterday was tough. Moving out days almost always are. But yesterday was already full of final packing and a string of appointments at the Mayo Clinic for Calvin. (It’s a part of his regular check-ups and T1D care.) I tried to reschedule those appointments when I realized I had double-booked us, but we couldn’t get in until August and these appointments are a top priority. So, we figured out rides (I can’t drive with my broken foot) and had the tight day planned out. Calvin and I would be at Mayo and Jeff and Marshall would be at the house doing some final packing before the movers came.
We initially scheduled the movers for 8:00 am, but they asked if we would be willing to have our moved bumped to the afternoon with a 1:30 start time. That actually gave us a little more time in the morning to do some final packing, so we agreed. As a side note, we have never hired moving labor before other than paying some teenagers in the church youth group to give us a hand, but between 3/4 of our family being sick, my broken foot, and Jeff’s busy work schedule, we were feeling crunched. We looked at ways we could alleviate the stress and hiring a crew of movers was one of the things at the top of the list. No recruiting friends to help with the move on Memorial Day weekend and we could just let the pros handle it.
When Calvin and I arrived at the house around 12:30, we had time to eat a quick lunch and work on some final packing. I received a call a little after 1:00, letting us know that the moving crew was going to be late…probably arriving around 3:00. That actually gave us a bit more breathing room, which was welcome because all of the little undone things were adding up and we knew we weren’t as prepared as we usually are for moving day. 3:00 turned into 4:30 and the movers didn’t arrive until 5:30. Even though it was stressful waiting and worrisome to know that our move might not be done before dark, we knew that they likely got in the weeds on their morning move and were doing their very best to make ours happen the day it was scheduled.
They got straight to work filling the moving containers with boxes and furniture. I thought Jeff might have to direct the loading of the containers to make sure we used every inch, but these guys were (not surprisingly) pros and incredibly good at container Tetris. So, we did an incredibly unnatural thing (for us) and just sat back and let them do the work! We did computer work and packed some stragglers and answered questions. Jeff picked up a couple of pizzas for the guys and make a trip over to the Airbnb to drop off some more groceries from the pantry and fridge.
As the light was waning and the containers were filling, it became obvious that seven moving containers/ReloCubes were not going to hold all of our stuff. My heart sank. We had sold so many things. All of our deck, patio, and porch furniture. All of the bulky, awkward stuff like the treadmill, lawnmower, snowblower, grill, bikes, kayaks. We sold two sectionals, eight upholstered chairs, all of my office furniture, all of our dining room furniture, all of our kitchen furniture, six dressers, the drafting table, a huge bookcase, bunk bed, day bed, two desks, a rolling art cabinet, four tables, two TVs, and so much more. I mean, we sold over half of the contents of our house and it still wasn’t enough. We were pretty discouraged last night, but most of that was exhaustion and disappointment that the move wasn’t over.
This is all of the stuff that’s left. A move makes you see that you’re not as good of a housekeeper as you think you are and that you have more stuff than you realize.
As a side note, my mother-in-law said she thinks that God designed moves to be trying at the end so that it diminishes the sadness of leaving your home. You really do get to the point that you’re ready to just light the remaining stuff on fire so you don’t have to pack it! I am feeling pangs of missing this house already, but we are definitely ready for closing and looking toward the future.
If you’re wondering why were are using small containers instead of a trailer, well, that’s a good question! We moved here in two 1/2 trailers and everything fit easily. Since we have to have our stuff stored for an indefinite period of time, though, we have to use the smaller containers. There is a trailer shortage and they can’t have two half trailers sitting in storage for a few months. So, this was our best option to move our things the minimum amount of times.
The move was finished at 9:30 pm thanks to an extra crew member showing up to help and Jeff pitching in on the final push. Everything that didn’t fit in the containers was moved to the garage for easy loading into a truck or more containers, whatever we could line up. I was restless most of the night, thinking through different scenarios for the stuff sitting in our garage, but good news came in the morning when I called UPack and they confirmed they could deliver two more cubes today. We still have loading them ahead of us, but that should be an easy job since everything is in the garage and we now have two strapping teenagers to help!
Even though the process has been stressful, tiring, and nailbiting at times, I have been trying to focus on gratitude. Through the chaos and uncertainty, there have been so many blessings and gifts along the way. The evening was beautiful, clear, and dry. The moving crew was professional and caring of our things. Even though the timing was tight and I’ve been handicapped by crutches and a boot, we got everything packed and ready. There’s so much to be thankful for even when things don’t go as planned.
One moment that made me smile at the end of the long moving day was when one of the young men asked if I was a designer. I never know how to answer that question, but I said, “Yes…sort of.”
He smiled back, “Yeah, I saw all of the decorating books and I haven’t seen a new house with wallpaper and stuff!” He meant it as a compliment and I took it as that. It showed that the care we put into this house was evident and maybe even unique compared to other homes he moves furniture in and out of. Even when it was marred by boxes, shrink-wrapped furniture, and ghosts of bed frames left on the carpet in dust, it was still noticeable.
It doesn’t matter what your style is, what your budget is, or what things you are drawn to display. It’s the love and attention that’s put into a home that makes it special. This house is definitely special and we’re so glad it’s going to a special family who is excited to make it their own. We will be giving the house a good send-off before we officially transfer ownership and start a new chapter.
In a future post, I’ll share our short-term summer plans while we look for our new landing place and house. Until then, I will be resting first and then patching, painting, and doing some more packing! It will all be over soon…
37 Responses
Nate and I were just talking about moving and agree with your mother-in-law that “God designed moves to be trying at the end so that it diminishes the sadness of leaving your home.” I have felt this in previous moves and Nate just recently.
There is something oddly uplifting about having service people commenting on your home. It is always surprising.
I’ve received several compliments over the last couple of years as I’ve had my furnace and AC replaced and a pest control issue.
I was especially chuffed when the man I had hired to put up some wallpaper for me (it is up the wall of my stairwell and I’m not good with heights at the best of times) told me how much he liked my house – and my choice of wallpaper. I felt really good about that one since his job is all about the aesthetics of homes and he sees a lot.
Moving on the other hand is something I absolutely loathe and have no intention of doing it again willingly in my lifetime.
“You really do get to the point that you’re ready to just light the remaining stuff on fire so you don’t have to pack it!”
As a veteran of many (and recent) moves, this is So True!! lol
Looking forward to seeing your next home.
Oh boy, what an enormous amount you have accomplished! A little rest here and there helps a lot to rejuvenate physically and mentally, doesn’t it. I wish you and your family many, many happy times over the summer and while you take steps toward your new location.
We’ve moved pretty often, and in the last couple of years we’ve talked about moving again to be closer to family, but I remember too well the work involved.
During our most recent move, one of the move coordinators commented on the large number of books we have. I apologized but she said how nice it was to see because many of her other moves didn’t have any books at all.
As I work to get ready to do our annual garage sale this weekend, I am thinking that I don’t have as much stuff as I thought I did cluttering up this house. But maybe I’m wrong, because I know that like your experience, MOVING teaches us just how much stuff we actually do have!! And I can envision moving again in my future, so I would like to pare down even more before that happens. So thankful that despite all your recent setbacks, your moving day went so very well. Now it is on to new adventures and a wonderful new house that you will be able to share with us someday! In the meantime, enjoy this summer in your new locale with your extended families!
I have been told that the Germanic tribes moved every ten years and burned everything they didn’t take with them! I am in the middle of a 2 year cross-country move (transitioning to our second home) and I am getting closer and closer to adopting that philosophy! Your moving posts have been well-timed and I hope you continue to share details and advice. Good luck searching for your next home!
What a day! Just think, you are in the homestretch of that particular task….
When we have moved, we get to a stage at the end where anything not fragile gets chucked in to a black trash bag, with a strip of masking tape on it, such as “pillows/cups/pots & pans” ….LOL
Excited to hear more about your next stage of life 🙂
I got hives reading the list of things you sold! I read your post about choosing to let go but even so I found this tough to read. I’ll have to read your other post again.
Good luck with the move. It’s such a tough time and I get you on the wanting to set fire to things. This is my 21st place to live and I’ve gone the other way to you and ended up holding onto things.
These young men do notice! New flooring was being installed in my apartment and one of the young installers asked me if I was European. I thought it was so dear. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but recognized that my apartment was decorated differently than most of the others in the building, which was undergoing renovations. Best of luck to you going forward. So good that you have this out of the way.
Ack! It’s all coming back to me. The incredible stress and exhaustion of moving. I have been in my current home for 20 years and I do know there is one more move in me…to downsize to a more livable house. My husband and I keep dragging our feet in calling some local realtors in to give us ideas about the sale of our house…and I know exactly why we are procrastinating. We want to move but don’t want to go through the PROCESS!
Your wonderful attitude will get you through, I have no doubt. Can’t wait to hear more of your adventures. You do give me courage to tackle this monstrous job.
I was feeling the crunch from closing up our Florida property and moving back to New England for the summer/fall. After reading your post I feel a lot lighter. Those lucky people who got all of your amazing belongings. Best wishes on your new journey.
There NO ‘sort of’ when it comes to you being a designer!! You are!!!!!l
Sounds like a stressful day. But in the end it all worked out. I’ve moved TWICE in my whole life. I cannot imagine going through all my stuff. We got rid of a TON at the beginning of the pandemic. But there’s still so much more.
Good luck in the next few days. And safe travels!!
Moving can be so stressful and for pets as well. Hope everyone gets through it all and take care of those fur babies!!!
Yes, the kitties are with Jeff’s parents and Sebastian is with mine. Jeff drove them out a couple of weeks ago so they could miss all of the upheaval, empty house, traveling from place to place, etc. They will stay in those homes until we have a new house to go to. We miss them a lot, but it means a lot more stability for them. And the parents are loving having some temporary grand-animals to take care of.
I’m having a yard sale this weekend but I know I still have too much stuff. I don’t have any plans to move anytime soon, so I will slowly get rid of things the way. I know you are glad for this stage to be over. Get some rest and take care of yourself.
Made me smile ‘yes, sort of’…..at one time the Chimney Service Guy asked if I was ‘a painter or something’……he was the last person, full of soot that I thought would notice such a thing….’why yes, I am a painter or something!’….or something. Love it! …little things are the big things. 🙂 take care of yourself. excited for you!
When I moved in with my parents I only took the necessities, planning on returning ‘someday’. But then my parents decided to leave me their house for caring for them. After they were gone I decided to stay in their/my new home. After sorting and packing my previous home it came to a day where I piled everything into the carport that hadn’t been moved. I went to a local consignment shop & said “if you want to come and take it all you can HAVE it”. It took them two full vans with only a drivers’ seat but they took it all. I couldn’t bear making another decision or trip. But it was better than burning which was my first thought. Hang in there!
My last move was to downsize and purchased a ranch home, without the stairs that my aunt and I were having difficulty with. I told my grown children that this was to be my last move. Moving to me is horrible. All those boxes were the worst. I was able to hire a nice young women to help me get most of them put away.
We moved a year ago from beautiful Colorado Springs to a town in north TX to be near to our daughter and her family. I loved the mountains, but I love the faces of my grandchildren more. It was Hard to move and this new house still doesn’t feel quite like my own, but I’m getting there.
God speed to you all Marian and this part of the journey. We’re all in your corner as you find your next place to land.
When my husband and I built this home 23 years ago, once we were moved in, he said his next move would be to the mortuary.
My mother recently moved in with us. We are still trying to figure out how to fit the contents of two homes into one. I must say, burning has possibilities! Just kidding. Sort of…. Any way, we moved her ourselves, in a u-haul. Every time I see a u-haul or similar truck I pray for each and every one, Because I know from experience, that they are having a difficult day! Safe journey, Marion!
I am in the process of emptying our basement of EVERYTHING so we can do some renovations. I am getting to the point where burning the rest sounds like a fabulous idea! ?. 25 years of putting things in the basement so I wouldn’t have to make decisions on what to do with them has taught me a valuable lesson. ?
Thanks for the inspiration! God Bless you & your family.
Wow! I can’t believe you got rid of so much stuff. I’m gonna miss seeing some of it in your new home. May God guide you on all your new choices you have to make. Seek ye first…and the rest will be added. ?
Marian,
NO doubt about it…..YOU ARE A DESIGNER!!! ….NOT sort of!!!!
Well, at least you can say the worst is behind you. Can’t wait to read about finding the new place.
Rest up now and have a great summer.
Marian I so agree with Victoria about all the things you sold. So glad I have your book.When you told us you broke your foot on the steps I was so upset because I know you always want to do your best and even with your broken foot I know you have accomplished that.Oh and wouldn’t it be nice to see how the new owners have decorated your “old” house. Maybe in a yr or so they will send you pictures and you will share with us. Please take Good Care. Cannot wait to see where you land.
Oh Marian, we moved with two pods last summer and at the end of the packing the pods day, packed by professionals, we had stuff left over too, garage stuff. With intense pressure on his shoulders and no time to spare, my husband found a Uhaul big closet size pod and had it delivered. It was one of the most stressful days of our 48 years of marriage. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Enjoy the Airbnb.
Every day I think about moving…. then I read your post and I get
cold feet.. But time is clicking along. It is time to make up my mind and either go or stay and be sorry I didn’t go! Ha.. I admire you doing all you’ve done… and in the end with a broken foot. I only have 1450 sq feet to pack up. I don’t know how you did it for a family of four. Be safe and will be looking for any new posts from you. God Bless!
I had to take one more walk thru the rooms in your home via the pictures, remembering the projects and the transformation and the hard work, the good vision, the many goals set and met, the trips and adventures begun from this base, the new friends and experiences which must have occurred here, the thankfulness for Calvin’s having great care. It is a loaded cart of good. Thanks for taking me along! Hugs and prayers in the summer of 2022 as your next beginning emerges.
I love the very honest compliments done in passing.
Like the neighbor sprinting through our yard looking for his dog telling us “you have a beautiful yard “
I hope you have some time to relax and enjoy yourselves, and can look forward to making memories in your new home.
Thank you for inviting us in.
Anyone who has done a major move understands the emotions that you are feeling at this point in time. I wish you the best of luck in your move to your next home wherever that may take you. I’m sure your family will be so excited to have you back East closer to them. Safe travels this summer.
So thankful y’all were able to get two extra cubes, and that this leg of your journey is nearing the end. Praying for a wonderful time for y’all in the Airbnb and then to see where God calls you next. Bless you all.
Hoping Calvin’s appt went well in the middle of such a trying day.
We have been in our current home for 30 years this past April. I loathe even thinking about moving but being in our 60’s now, we have started discussing going to a patio or maintenance free home sometime in the next few years. Of course, there are pros and cons. We could stay put and hire out the yard work since we have a first floor master bedroom and renovated the master bath and put in a walk-in shower with bench. I was surprised at the things you sold versus what you kept. I think I would have tried getting rid of heavy gym/exercise and lawn equipment and kept that beautiful sectional.
Anyway, I wish you the best as you move forward and can’t wait to see where you land. I am sure you and Jeff have narrowed down some of your options.
We got rid of that stuff, too! We sold our lawn mower, snow blower, grill, treadmill, weight bench, all of our deck/patio furniture. We sold a lot!!
I really appreciate your candor in posting this description. We have an uncertain future ahead, possibly including packing up to store things for an undefined period of time. This was so helpful, both in the reality of its not being easy, but also you have shown the way to do it. We can do it if we must. Thank you, and we will pray for you in this move. Your courage in parting with things is most inspirational of all. I do not know how you do it. Trust and faith.
We have moved across the country twice just a year apart and this description is very true. Both move out days were high stress and extended. Moving IN however, though long and tiring in its own way, was laced with hope for our new life and relief at seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Congratulations on a hard job well done.
Moving is a lot of physical and mental work. Best of luck to you and your beautiful family.
Happy trails to you all.