17 Comments

Old soldiers that we are, it all in muscle memory. Unpacking is a slog, because there no pre-established place to put stuff, except the basement, the garage, or the attic. That's just an invitation to let it slide, and then the job never gets done. It's a displaced persons camp for stuff you don't know what to do with, and you can't bear to part with it either. Like all those model kits I have out in the garage that I swore I will build someday. Eventually you'll figure it out, so don't waste time worrying about it. That's why we invented estate sales and let it become somebody else's problem.

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At some point you will probably need a "weekend" dumpster. Affordable Dumpsters drops it off on Friday and picks it up on Monday. it's their smallest size but it holds a lot of stuff, and if you can't fill it yourself, let your neighbors know and they will. Or if you knock on some doors maybe they can chip in on the cost, and even if they don't, you'll get to know some of them. Welcome to the neighborhood. 

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Good luck with this big transition. We have a home I would love to sell but my hubby can’t stand the thought of doing what you are. Look forward to stories about how you survive this big, very big, transition.

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When we were getting ready to move to Texas, I found a sealed box from our 14 years in Naperville that we brought from Benton, Illinois. I was going to throw it out but had to open it. Tupperware lids and bowls that didn't match and I evidently never missed in all this years. Moral of story...

Open all of the boxes from your move.

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Tracy paintngs on wall asap to channel great cosmic energy into all projects.

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Nice rug, Mate.

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I looked at my Dad's army footlockers with his stenciled name and ID #049667 dating from WWII for many years.

Part of our heritage, I guess.

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Isn't it amazing that all that stuff came out of the smaller space, and you never noticed it? I find that when I go into the back room of my place, I don't even want to start to throw stuff out because there's too much stuff to unpack. I never do unpack completely, knowing I'll have to move again-being a perennial renter.

I know I'll have to move someday, but boy, I hope have those box cutters! I'll need them-but first I have to box the stuff up.

I don't know how my parents (or any military family) did it repeatedly for 20 or more years. It's just so overwhelming.

But at least where you are, Lucian, you'll be for a long time. You can unpack your treasures safely knowing they'll be in their forever home. Have fun!

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For one quick second I thought you bought two because of Abbott's deliberate supply chain stunt! Shows you where my mind is these days. Carry on and watch the blades!

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from this distance and what I can see, it looks great

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Good luck!!

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Best wishes on this new home move-in occasion.

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Don’t work all weekend - make time for some fun. Happy Easter! 🌼

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Be careful. I really don't want to start addressing you by a nickname associated with missing fingers. 🙂

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Good luck with the cutters. It took weeks for Barbara and I to get all our boxes unpacked.

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I’ve really enjoyed the replies that alluded to this being your “forever home.” We, you and I, are the same age…at least until next month when I become your elder! But after 17 moves in 53 years, I never see anything as a “forever home.” Everything is open, put away, and on the wall within a few days. I have to be settled ASAP. And…we were dumb enough to presume that we had to purchase a home. Our realty philosophy: buy high, sell low! But make sure you are unpacked the day after you move in!

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