To say that this move was rough is truly the understatement of the century. Every body part aches and is covered with bruises. My arms, hands and feet seem to look the worse for wear due to several accidental bone crushing incidents and also because the edges of the boxes dug into my arms.
19 Things I’ve Learned While Moving
- The ABC Liquor store gives you boxes for free. The boxes are small enough for weak, older redheaded women to carry after being packed.
- It is important to have lots of people to help with the move unless you hire movers to do all the work.
- Did I say that my whole body aches? If I were a man, this move would have been so much easier.
- It is possible to own too much stuff. It doesn’t matter if it is “nice” stuff or “expensive” stuff. Too much stuff is simply too much stuff.
- Moving during a hurricane makes everything harder. Not only is hurricane Sandy dumping rain, but the wind has blown so hard that I think it blew off all my freckles! 😉
- Saving every piece of paper my only child wrote or colored on is totally unnecessary and a bit obsessive.
- Moving Turtle first was a brilliant idea.
- I have enough material, sewing supplies, crafts supplies, old clothes, video tapes, baseball cards, CDs and books to open a store. I’m ready to burn them all, but I don’t remember which box holds the matches.
- Alyssa and I made at least 300 trips to the truck/cars carrying boxes/stuff.
- Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
- The move has exacerbated my PTSD. I seriously felt at one point that I was going to have a complete melt down. Too much stress at one time has not helped with my recovery.
- We threw away or gave away at least 200 large black garbage bags full of stuff. I’m still trying to figure out why I had five Christmas trees.
- I forgot to change my address at the post office. That is my number one priority tomorrow whether we have a hurricane ripping through Richmond or not.
- Alyssa is going to help me “purge” more stuff before the end of the year. I’m going to start using all those things that I’ve “saved” for later. When exactly was I thinking “later” was anyway (rolling my eyes at myself) Why own stuff if I’m not going to use it?!!!
- I feel lost in my new place like a lamb in the middle of a wheat field. Nothing is the same. Everything is still in boxes. My body aches. My brain has been frazzled. My heart hurts for all that I’ve lost over the past few years. This move made me realize exactly how truly sick I’ve been with PTSD. I’m even a bit shocked that I’ve made it to this point because my PTSD has been extremely bad. Yes, I feel humbled, tired, sad and lost.
- I appreciate everyone who gave me advice while I was struggling to have everything fall into place before I started moving and for all my friends who texted me words of encouragement over the past few days. Thank you sooooo much for thinking of me and caring!
- It was such a wonderful surprise to have Mom make us a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was all delicious and we both appreciate your thoughtful effort.
- I can’t thank the men at church and Alyssa’s friend, Matt, enough for their help in moving us. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
- Last, but truly the most important thing I’ve learned during this move is that Alyssa loves me. Yes, I knew that Alyssa loved me before, but now I know she REALLY loves me. She has been so helpful, thoughtful, responsible and protective during this whole ordeal. Alyssa, I love you so much and appreciate you more than words can say. {{{hugssss}}}
That just about says it all.
Redhead Riter. that was a wonderful and inspirational post! 🙂 I am so happy that you move is finally over, but I will say nothing about the boxes that you have to still unpack!
P.S. Has anyone ever told you that you make a beautiful lamb? 🙂
So, I have nothing more to say – that should make everyone happy! 🙂
Since Bev said that I cannot answer my own comments, but she would answer my comments since the Redhead Riter is too busy from her move – this is a call out to Bev. “Bev, please answer my comments!” 🙂
Oh my goodness sweetie, even in the eye of the storm your wonderful sense of humor prevails. Catch those freckles, take a hot bath and stay safe. Big hugs!!!
Blew your freckles off! lol! Now that you are moved, try to relax. Nothing is going anywhere and try to look at it this way. You’ll have fun discovering things you forgot you had and you are now making a new nest:)
It sounds like you have a great support system.
I have traveled my entire life; and managed to raise a family when I was still married with 4 kids. The feelings of loss of them after the divorce is what tore me apart. Moving is just what it is, moving. I never had to take an entire household to any of the jobs far from home with me, but I didn’t need that because I had that love inside me of those whom I was sacrificing for.
One of the problems of making a geographical relocation attempting to escape the past, I have encountered has been: I brought myself with me.
The knowledge of the love for you, your daughter and others who really do love you is really all you need to bring with you, anywhere you go, Sherry.
I’ve found that everything else is just the garbage of the past and that needs to be taken out and disposed of forever, burnt on a pyre and walked away from, both in my own psyche and elsewhere.
Be healed {{{hugs}}}
Ric
One of the hardest parts of this move is that I have too much stuff. With my daughter now grown and planning her own life, I just do not need, nor do I want all this stuff. Hopefully I will have all that extra gone in a few months and I will feel much better. Right now I am like a turtle with a shell that is just too big.
{{{hugsss}}}
LOL @ #5! I sure hope that’s not the case….you’re my freckle buddy!
moving is stressful even under the best circumstances. hoping you regain your footing soon.
Yes, we are freckle buddies still because as the hurricane blew them off, they all got caught against a building and I rescued them. 😉 They are all back where they belong.
It is a great feeling to get rid of all that stuff! I know, because I do it all the time. The worst thing is the paper that accumulates when you are not paying attention. One thing I have done while cleaning out my father’s house is to take pictures of some items and then get rid of them. At least I can look at the picture! LOL
LOL Taking pictures of things and then getting rid of it is funny!