Love this. When our kids left the nest, I struggled with our move from a big house in the burbs to a condo in the city. I sold almost 5000 books just to fit the remainer in our condo :(. But eventually I felt fantastic. I am reminded of a line from Mary Renault's The King Must Die, one of my favorite books: "You will walk lighter after, when there is no looking back."
When both my daughters were grown and had (supposedly) left home, so did I. Oregon was great, and I had a wonderful career there, but I'd always wanted to live in Hawaii, so I sorted, packed and donated scads of things, and flew off to hula land. I was there for the next 15 years. Downside was rarely getting to see my family, so I returned to the mainland. Once again, I was sorting and donating things to $ave moving costs. Found a job in Tucson AZ, close enough to my daughters and grandchildren. Many years later, ill health dominated. My youngest daughter sorted and sold boxes of my treasures, donated carloads of memories and beloved ephemera. She packed me up and here I am in Colorado, with two storage lockers full of things I still need to sell. (Anyone interested in owning a beautiful japanned china cabinet?) Someday, I'll make a final trip to Hawaii... but not for a very long time, I hope.
I’m going through this now, Tori. The packing, sorting, and donating. And I am completely overwhelmed.
When I was younger and healthier, I could pack an entire house in a week.
Our biggest move was from Virginia to northern Maine in 2016. We donated at least 1/3 of our belongings, including 5 vehicles. It all went to a good cause. It still took us two trips with the biggest Uhauls. The 7 1/2 years here, more has been accumulated. Unreal how quickly that can happen.
With Tim’s passing in 2021, the homestead no longer feels like home. I need to return to my mountains in either WV or VA. I trust it will happen, but the house is turning into a maze of boxes.
Good luck if y’all are about to move. We will need some luck, as well. Mainly for me to calm down.😊
Mahalo for sharing, Cindy. It sounds as if the mountains will have a nurturing and renewing effect. We'll both get through the mess and into a beautiful new place. In the meanwhile, you and I will breathe and tackle each step one task at a time. 🩵
Love this. When our kids left the nest, I struggled with our move from a big house in the burbs to a condo in the city. I sold almost 5000 books just to fit the remainer in our condo :(. But eventually I felt fantastic. I am reminded of a line from Mary Renault's The King Must Die, one of my favorite books: "You will walk lighter after, when there is no looking back."
By chance are you returning to Hawaii?
So very true! Perhaps one day I will return home to Hawai‘i. But not quite yet.
When both my daughters were grown and had (supposedly) left home, so did I. Oregon was great, and I had a wonderful career there, but I'd always wanted to live in Hawaii, so I sorted, packed and donated scads of things, and flew off to hula land. I was there for the next 15 years. Downside was rarely getting to see my family, so I returned to the mainland. Once again, I was sorting and donating things to $ave moving costs. Found a job in Tucson AZ, close enough to my daughters and grandchildren. Many years later, ill health dominated. My youngest daughter sorted and sold boxes of my treasures, donated carloads of memories and beloved ephemera. She packed me up and here I am in Colorado, with two storage lockers full of things I still need to sell. (Anyone interested in owning a beautiful japanned china cabinet?) Someday, I'll make a final trip to Hawaii... but not for a very long time, I hope.
So many life changes. You're handling it all with grace. :)
I’m going through this now, Tori. The packing, sorting, and donating. And I am completely overwhelmed.
When I was younger and healthier, I could pack an entire house in a week.
Our biggest move was from Virginia to northern Maine in 2016. We donated at least 1/3 of our belongings, including 5 vehicles. It all went to a good cause. It still took us two trips with the biggest Uhauls. The 7 1/2 years here, more has been accumulated. Unreal how quickly that can happen.
With Tim’s passing in 2021, the homestead no longer feels like home. I need to return to my mountains in either WV or VA. I trust it will happen, but the house is turning into a maze of boxes.
Good luck if y’all are about to move. We will need some luck, as well. Mainly for me to calm down.😊
Mahalo for sharing, Cindy. It sounds as if the mountains will have a nurturing and renewing effect. We'll both get through the mess and into a beautiful new place. In the meanwhile, you and I will breathe and tackle each step one task at a time. 🩵
🥰