Ah, the sweet smell of moving boxes
The packing supervisor
One set of obstacles cleared. On to the next. Anyone have any advice about moving a dog and a cat cross country?
Now that we know where we’ll be living (provided the inspection goes well on Tuesday, which we expect it will), I’ve begun to mentally arrange furniture and paint walls. I was thinking a cool olive shade in the entry hall and up the stairs and in the upstairs hallway, and a lighter cool green or maybe even a pale greenish gray in the living room and dining room. Now, though, I’m thinking about Portland weather and the way the light will be there, and wondering if I want warmer, brighter colors to balance out the gray overcast that I expect I’ll be seeing out the windows in much of the rainy season. None of this thinking is all that useful, since of course I won’t be choosing paint colors until we’ve lived in the space for a week or so and I’ve seen firsthand what the light looks like. I’m just thinking about paint colors to avoid thinking about the basement. Specifically, all the accumulated stuff that has to be sorted out in the basement.
There’s the stuff that we’ll clearly keep. There’s the stuff that we’ll clearly toss. The stuff we’ll clearly donate. But then there are the things I know I don’t want but that I feel an obligation to keep–like the box of my childhood dolls that my mom saved and gave to me recently. They weren’t anything I felt especially attached to as a kid or now, but somehow the idea of not keeping them feels cold-blooded. As I type this, now I’m thinking…yeah…let the dolls go. There are boxes and boxes of things like that, though. Boxes of family obligation. If I don’t keep my grandmother’s not-all-that-special glassware, it doesn’t mean I loved her any less. And yet… This is how we came to have a basement full of boxes. Billy travels light, so it’s almost all my stuff and it’s almost all family stuff I feel guilty about not wanting. I’ve moved most of it twice now. Some of it three times. Without opening those boxes.
I don’t want to be lugging these things around with me for the rest of my life. It’s so easy to say, “Right. If it isn’t beautiful or useful, it goes.” So much harder when you actually have to head down to that basement and sort through it all. But if by moving we’re paring down, simplifying, streamlining our life to bring it closer to the life we want to live as a family, I have to do the same with the material clutter I’ve built up around me. Not all the clutter–I like layers, I like piles and clusters, and that’s fine. But the things I don’t love or use…I can’t keep moving them from house to house, just because it’s hard to admit that I don’t want the furniture from my childhood dollhouse or the …well…I can’t even come up with another example right now. I’ve ignored that stuff for so long I’m not even sure what’s down there.
Advice welcome. I’m not looking forward to this. Or, rather, I’m looking forward to being done and having lightened the load. I’m not looking forward to the process that will get us there.
I know the sentimentality is hard to push away, but there is no reason to keep the stuff in the boxes you haven’t openned in years.
Posted by: Netter
It is OK to have your affection associated with something other than these things. Obviously, you don’t need them to remember and love the people. That is OK. There is a tendency for folks to think the things are precious but I think that is left over from when things were harder to get and space was aplenty. Now, things are easier to get and space is precious.
And just remember, you don’t love and cherish them but someone else will. And someone else may really need them.
Posted by: Laurie
If you haven’t opened the boxes in all this time, they’re probably safe to donate
As for paint colors, it does rain here (looks out window to rainy day) but I’ve gone and painted my rooms cool green anyway. If you like the color, doesn’t really matter, ne?
Posted by: Clare
We moved twice in 10 months with 2 kids and 2 dogs. (doing and undoing a corporate relocation) Letting go of the physical and emotional weight of sentimental objects was so wonderful. I like to imagine those old objects having a new life with someone else. Clearly they weren’t being very useful in boxes in our basement. You can always take a quick photo of something you might want to remember, but don’t need to own.
Posted by: Libby
I’ve moved a dog across country twice; once by plane (bad!) once by car (better). The key with the driving was making regular stops, which was very welcome for all involved. It’s nice having scheduled breaks to stretch your legs.
Posted by: Sabrina
I know the sentimentality is hard to push away, but there is no reason to keep the stuff in the boxes you haven’t openned in years.
Posted by: Netter
It is OK to have your affection associated with something other than these things. Obviously, you don’t need them to remember and love the people. That is OK. There is a tendency for folks to think the things are precious but I think that is left over from when things were harder to get and space was aplenty. Now, things are easier to get and space is precious.
And just remember, you don’t love and cherish them but someone else will. And someone else may really need them.
Posted by: Laurie
If you haven’t opened the boxes in all this time, they’re probably safe to donate
As for paint colors, it does rain here (looks out window to rainy day) but I’ve gone and painted my rooms cool green anyway. If you like the color, doesn’t really matter, ne?
Posted by: Clare
We moved twice in 10 months with 2 kids and 2 dogs. (doing and undoing a corporate relocation) Letting go of the physical and emotional weight of sentimental objects was so wonderful. I like to imagine those old objects having a new life with someone else. Clearly they weren’t being very useful in boxes in our basement. You can always take a quick photo of something you might want to remember, but don’t need to own.
Posted by: Libby
I’ve moved a dog across country twice; once by plane (bad!) once by car (better). The key with the driving was making regular stops, which was very welcome for all involved. It’s nice having scheduled breaks to stretch your legs.
Posted by: Sabrina
You can never pack too much.
and..
Don’t put the dog and the cat in the same box.
Posted by: Lawrence Quigley
Take pictures of the things. Take beauuuutiful photo spreads, post them on the blog for all of us to see, and then donate the stuff.
Posted by: Kat
My mom is a big believer in the sanctity of historical stuff. More and more I just think it’s a burden on the spirit. At least the stuff that you keep out of obligation rather than affection or taste.
Anything that was yours that is family stuff that you don’t want to take with you? Notify siblings and parents that it isn’t making the trip, and offer them a chance to claim those bits of history that may mean more to them? And then take a moment to think fondly of the grandparent or childhood that a piece represents and bid it a friendly goodbye.
You know how in art programs they sometimes ask students to destroy a favorite piece? Knowing how to let go is as important as knowing how to hold on and change can’t happen without destruction.
I can think of a thing or two in my own closets and attic I ought to take my own advice about though – it isn’t easy.
Posted by: Juno
First, the disclaimer. I am a pack rat and the family historian. I also come from a family that had very few “nice” things to pass from one generation to another, so I hang onto everything I can get that ties me to those people from long ago.
Like you, I keep most of that stuff boxed away, in the basement, in a closet, under the bed. But even if I don’t ever feel the need to see my blind grandmother’s ugly quilts (that no one else in the family wanted) or use the fru-fru glass plates that my mother got as a wedding present in the 1940s, I couldn’t bear to get rid of them.
The way I see it, once it’s gone, it’s gone. Before you get rid of this stuff, make sure you don’t want it–and try to be as certain that you won’t want this stuff once day.
Something else to think about is what your kids might want someday. My husband is not attached to family stuff the way I am, and when he was sorting through his father’s estate last year, I had to tell him over and over NOT to throw everything out that didn’t have an immediate value to him or his kids. But his kids are still young, and when they get older, they may wish to have had some tangible thing that belonged to their grandpa or grandma.
I know, I know, all the minimalists out there are probably cringing at the idea of saving things because someday, someone MAY want them. But the way I see it, when the stuff is gone, it’s gone. You should be really really sure about it before you get rid of it.
Good luck!
Posted by: Tracy WW
if it weighs you down then you have to do what ever it takes to let it go…
i always liked the (if a bit too aura induced) books by Karen Kingston
Posted by: stinkerbell
Keep a representative from each collection…for example, one childhood doll, one piece or two pieces of glassware…that way the ones you’ve kept will be more special and take up much less room. Then, down the line, if you decide you don’t even want those, it will mean at least you opened the boxes and thought about it and gave it a try.
Posted by: Ah Xia
Do you have a small family? Since you seem to have gotten most of this stuff, I’m wondering. If there is anyone starting out or getting divorced and in need of “things” surely you could put out a call to the family and say, “I have this stuff. I’m moving across the country. Does anyone else want it?” If no one else wants it, no one should blame you for not keeping it either. And if someone else is a die-hard historical object keeper, then let it sit in their basement.
I’ve never moved my cats, but I have heard of seat belts for dogs. I can only guess that lots of water breaks would be advised, but how to get a cat to take a potty break – no idea. They make disposable litter boxes that might fit on the floorboards, but cats do like their privacy. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
Posted by: Jenn
I saw a cute idea on the Discover Home show “Neat”- she took photographs of things and then let the things go. So there was still a record of the childhood toys, etc. but not the actual clutter of the items that weren’t going to ever be used.
I’ve moved cross country twice in a moving truck with a dog & cat & a baby (6 months old) and frequent stops are key. We did most of our traveling at night so that the little one slept most of the time and I had good music on hand to drown out the sounds of the cat (She’s a yowl-er on car trips)’talking’.
Posted by: mouse
We move almost annually due to job transfers. Your vet can give you tranquilizers for the animals if they don’t travel well. Use cages in the vehicle, it’s much safer for them and easier on the human passengers. The stuff I have from grandma & such has been winnowed down to a few boxes that are NEVER unpacked. They are labelled with our kids names. We figure when we die one day, they’ll have little antique or treasures from the ‘old days’ and there won’t be any confusion about which we wanted to have what. They may be more sentimental and into family history than we are. We keep it down to 2 copy paper size boxes per kid. That’s not too much to store or carry with only two kids.
Posted by: terri
If these things don’t mean anything to you, then I wouldn’t keep them. Belonging to someone special doesn’t automatically make an object special. If it belonged to someone you love, and the item reminds you of that person, then it is something to save and cherish. It’s all about quality and not quantity. Do you really need boxes of your grandmother’s dishes as a memento? I would check with the rest of your family and see if they want any of these things, but if not, I would toss or donate them.
Posted by: Cindy
You can never pack too much.
and..
Don’t put the dog and the cat in the same box.
Posted by: Lawrence Quigley
Take pictures of the things. Take beauuuutiful photo spreads, post them on the blog for all of us to see, and then donate the stuff.
Posted by: Kat
My mom is a big believer in the sanctity of historical stuff. More and more I just think it’s a burden on the spirit. At least the stuff that you keep out of obligation rather than affection or taste.
Anything that was yours that is family stuff that you don’t want to take with you? Notify siblings and parents that it isn’t making the trip, and offer them a chance to claim those bits of history that may mean more to them? And then take a moment to think fondly of the grandparent or childhood that a piece represents and bid it a friendly goodbye.
You know how in art programs they sometimes ask students to destroy a favorite piece? Knowing how to let go is as important as knowing how to hold on and change can’t happen without destruction.
I can think of a thing or two in my own closets and attic I ought to take my own advice about though – it isn’t easy.
Posted by: Juno
First, the disclaimer. I am a pack rat and the family historian. I also come from a family that had very few “nice” things to pass from one generation to another, so I hang onto everything I can get that ties me to those people from long ago.
Like you, I keep most of that stuff boxed away, in the basement, in a closet, under the bed. But even if I don’t ever feel the need to see my blind grandmother’s ugly quilts (that no one else in the family wanted) or use the fru-fru glass plates that my mother got as a wedding present in the 1940s, I couldn’t bear to get rid of them.
The way I see it, once it’s gone, it’s gone. Before you get rid of this stuff, make sure you don’t want it–and try to be as certain that you won’t want this stuff once day.
Something else to think about is what your kids might want someday. My husband is not attached to family stuff the way I am, and when he was sorting through his father’s estate last year, I had to tell him over and over NOT to throw everything out that didn’t have an immediate value to him or his kids. But his kids are still young, and when they get older, they may wish to have had some tangible thing that belonged to their grandpa or grandma.
I know, I know, all the minimalists out there are probably cringing at the idea of saving things because someday, someone MAY want them. But the way I see it, when the stuff is gone, it’s gone. You should be really really sure about it before you get rid of it.
Good luck!
Posted by: Tracy WW
if it weighs you down then you have to do what ever it takes to let it go…
i always liked the (if a bit too aura induced) books by Karen Kingston
Posted by: stinkerbell
Keep a representative from each collection…for example, one childhood doll, one piece or two pieces of glassware…that way the ones you’ve kept will be more special and take up much less room. Then, down the line, if you decide you don’t even want those, it will mean at least you opened the boxes and thought about it and gave it a try.
Posted by: Ah Xia
Do you have a small family? Since you seem to have gotten most of this stuff, I’m wondering. If there is anyone starting out or getting divorced and in need of “things” surely you could put out a call to the family and say, “I have this stuff. I’m moving across the country. Does anyone else want it?” If no one else wants it, no one should blame you for not keeping it either. And if someone else is a die-hard historical object keeper, then let it sit in their basement.
I’ve never moved my cats, but I have heard of seat belts for dogs. I can only guess that lots of water breaks would be advised, but how to get a cat to take a potty break – no idea. They make disposable litter boxes that might fit on the floorboards, but cats do like their privacy. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!
Posted by: Jenn
I saw a cute idea on the Discover Home show “Neat”- she took photographs of things and then let the things go. So there was still a record of the childhood toys, etc. but not the actual clutter of the items that weren’t going to ever be used.
I’ve moved cross country twice in a moving truck with a dog & cat & a baby (6 months old) and frequent stops are key. We did most of our traveling at night so that the little one slept most of the time and I had good music on hand to drown out the sounds of the cat (She’s a yowl-er on car trips)’talking’.
Posted by: mouse
We move almost annually due to job transfers. Your vet can give you tranquilizers for the animals if they don’t travel well. Use cages in the vehicle, it’s much safer for them and easier on the human passengers. The stuff I have from grandma & such has been winnowed down to a few boxes that are NEVER unpacked. They are labelled with our kids names. We figure when we die one day, they’ll have little antique or treasures from the ‘old days’ and there won’t be any confusion about which we wanted to have what. They may be more sentimental and into family history than we are. We keep it down to 2 copy paper size boxes per kid. That’s not too much to store or carry with only two kids.
Posted by: terri
If these things don’t mean anything to you, then I wouldn’t keep them. Belonging to someone special doesn’t automatically make an object special. If it belonged to someone you love, and the item reminds you of that person, then it is something to save and cherish. It’s all about quality and not quantity. Do you really need boxes of your grandmother’s dishes as a memento? I would check with the rest of your family and see if they want any of these things, but if not, I would toss or donate them.
Posted by: Cindy
Here is how I see the decision you have to make: Do you continue to care for the burdens that your family put on you, or do you shed them so you can care for yourself?
I’m on the side of shedding family burdens since that is what I have done so that I can better care for myself. I think it might be one of the most grown up things I’ve ever done.
Posted by: LaurieM
I’ve been there. In fact, I am there now, going through the last batch of boxes from our move. I’m keeping some stuff that I probably don’t really need, but I’ve gone the other way before, and tossed things that I wish I still had.
So my suggestion, put all of the things you think you’ll part with in one spot, and mull it over for a while once you know what’s there.
Posted by: Lia
the best thing we ever did in moving was give our cats valium (diazepam, from the vet, totally legit) before sticking them in the car for the 6 hours from Eugene to Seattle. I don’t think you can sedate them if you fly, but I’m not sure.
As for the excess stuff, my rule is: if I haven’t opened the box since the last time I packed it, I donate it, no questions asked. Someone will have a use for it. Those dolls will be wonderfully received at a shelter for families, those glasses will be used and loved every day at a soup kitchen, etc. We pared down enough that we got everything we own into a dodge neon, a ford aerostar, and a 6×8 uhaul trailer, because I was so hardass about getting rid of excess junk.
Posted by: jen
Consider thinking of this as freeing all the unloved stuff to be loved by a new person. How fair is it to the stuff in the boxes to be shut away? You are doing the stuff a great service by letting another person love it!
Posted by: claudia
Trust us, Cari, the boxes MUST GO. Moving each and every one of the boxes you do not need is EXPENSIVE, much more so that one thinks. And once you’ve started to part with these things it gets easier. Think of it as sharing, passing on to others. And yes, the dolls must go too. This is the chance you have to do it, seeing that the move is transcontinental…no time like the present!
Posted by: Carmen
I’m sure your ‘supervisor’ will be glad to provide all kinds of advice. The only advice I can give (and I’m a big pack rat so take it with a few grains of salt!) is to also think about Thumper and future brothers/sisters. Are there a few pieces you could use to illustrate stories about your family? Since you’re moving across country will you need a few physical reminders of family? But, if there aren’t that many memories there – take pictures and get rid of it.
Posted by: Toni K.
I used to be a terrible pack rat ( inherited from my parents who grew up in England during WWII.) Then I started watching “Clean Sweep” and “Neat” on TLC. I realized I don’t need everything to remind me of people so I started cleaning out. Things that are personal to me only I go through alone, but things that have meaning to other members of the family I put aside in a box and go through with the other person. Usually the things I think are important they couldn’t care less about, but get very upset if I throw out a ticket stub to a memorable concert.
I never throw out a box without looking inside first, especially if I haven’t opened it in a couple of years ( I have lost important documents that way, that I had stashed in a “safe place”)
Go through one box at a time and never leave one half done. Have 3 piles Keep, Donate and Toss. If you pick up something and can’t decide, you can defer the decision to later, but don’t put it off more than 2 days. If you have family members try and get them to take some of the family pieces. I try and donate to places I think have the most need, Habitat, Refugee organizations and homeless shelters. I also give books and craft supplies to the local schools,daycares.
The picture taking is a great idea, just remember to keep an album handy ( if you have hard copies) and put them in as you go, or you’ll be wondering what to do with those envelopes of pictures 6 months down the road!
The other thing I do is set a date for a garage sale. It gives you a deadline to work to and the money is always a nice bonus 😉
Hope that helps.
Posted by: Ella
I just happened on your page–dogfriendly.com. My sister and I are pros at moving/traveling with dogs.
Posted by: Jen
I agree with the posters who advised you to get rid of the unused items in the basement. The move will be very expensive and exhausting…don’t move anything that isn’t absolutely necessary or truly loved.
I’m not moving, but the comments have inspired me to clean my basement… 🙂
Posted by: jen
Here is how I see the decision you have to make: Do you continue to care for the burdens that your family put on you, or do you shed them so you can care for yourself?
I’m on the side of shedding family burdens since that is what I have done so that I can better care for myself. I think it might be one of the most grown up things I’ve ever done.
Posted by: LaurieM
I’ve been there. In fact, I am there now, going through the last batch of boxes from our move. I’m keeping some stuff that I probably don’t really need, but I’ve gone the other way before, and tossed things that I wish I still had.
So my suggestion, put all of the things you think you’ll part with in one spot, and mull it over for a while once you know what’s there.
Posted by: Lia
the best thing we ever did in moving was give our cats valium (diazepam, from the vet, totally legit) before sticking them in the car for the 6 hours from Eugene to Seattle. I don’t think you can sedate them if you fly, but I’m not sure.
As for the excess stuff, my rule is: if I haven’t opened the box since the last time I packed it, I donate it, no questions asked. Someone will have a use for it. Those dolls will be wonderfully received at a shelter for families, those glasses will be used and loved every day at a soup kitchen, etc. We pared down enough that we got everything we own into a dodge neon, a ford aerostar, and a 6×8 uhaul trailer, because I was so hardass about getting rid of excess junk.
Posted by: jen
Consider thinking of this as freeing all the unloved stuff to be loved by a new person. How fair is it to the stuff in the boxes to be shut away? You are doing the stuff a great service by letting another person love it!
Posted by: claudia
Trust us, Cari, the boxes MUST GO. Moving each and every one of the boxes you do not need is EXPENSIVE, much more so that one thinks. And once you’ve started to part with these things it gets easier. Think of it as sharing, passing on to others. And yes, the dolls must go too. This is the chance you have to do it, seeing that the move is transcontinental…no time like the present!
Posted by: Carmen
I’m sure your ‘supervisor’ will be glad to provide all kinds of advice. The only advice I can give (and I’m a big pack rat so take it with a few grains of salt!) is to also think about Thumper and future brothers/sisters. Are there a few pieces you could use to illustrate stories about your family? Since you’re moving across country will you need a few physical reminders of family? But, if there aren’t that many memories there – take pictures and get rid of it.
Posted by: Toni K.
I used to be a terrible pack rat ( inherited from my parents who grew up in England during WWII.) Then I started watching “Clean Sweep” and “Neat” on TLC. I realized I don’t need everything to remind me of people so I started cleaning out. Things that are personal to me only I go through alone, but things that have meaning to other members of the family I put aside in a box and go through with the other person. Usually the things I think are important they couldn’t care less about, but get very upset if I throw out a ticket stub to a memorable concert.
I never throw out a box without looking inside first, especially if I haven’t opened it in a couple of years ( I have lost important documents that way, that I had stashed in a “safe place”)
Go through one box at a time and never leave one half done. Have 3 piles Keep, Donate and Toss. If you pick up something and can’t decide, you can defer the decision to later, but don’t put it off more than 2 days. If you have family members try and get them to take some of the family pieces. I try and donate to places I think have the most need, Habitat, Refugee organizations and homeless shelters. I also give books and craft supplies to the local schools,daycares.
The picture taking is a great idea, just remember to keep an album handy ( if you have hard copies) and put them in as you go, or you’ll be wondering what to do with those envelopes of pictures 6 months down the road!
The other thing I do is set a date for a garage sale. It gives you a deadline to work to and the money is always a nice bonus 😉
Hope that helps.
Posted by: Ella
I just happened on your page–dogfriendly.com. My sister and I are pros at moving/traveling with dogs.
Posted by: Jen
I agree with the posters who advised you to get rid of the unused items in the basement. The move will be very expensive and exhausting…don’t move anything that isn’t absolutely necessary or truly loved.
I’m not moving, but the comments have inspired me to clean my basement… 🙂
Posted by: jen
Well, if it were me, I would take what really mattered to me and freecycle or sell the rest. It’s so refreshing to live with less shit. 🙂
Oh and if you’re going to make the drive cross country on I-70, you’re welcome to stay over with us in Lawrence, KS. We have lots of room and a good yarn store. Heh.
Posted by: Elinor
I second the recommendation of Karen Kingston’s books (minus the new-age commentary about the human digestive tract). As a reformed pack-rat, I understand the urge to preserve things for future generations. But it’s also worth remembering the present cost of ‘curating’ the stuff, from the price of moving it to the alternate opportunity cost of the space it occupies. After carrying around an enormous number of inherited things through several moves, I cut to the bone last time — and you know what? Because I have less memorabilia, the individual pieces have become more meaningful and I get more pleasure from them. I also now have only the amount that fits into the life I have.
Just wanted to share my experience.
Posted by: one more anonymous fan
When I moved to Europe from California I had to fit everything in 3 suitcases. While I don’t recommend paring down that much, I am definitely an advocate of getting rid of things that are just things. I like the idea of taking a picture of the items first though.
Posted by: Phoe
I have become very good at telling family members no when they want to give me stuff. I purposely did not register for china when we got married because I knew that I would have several sets to choose from between my MIL and my own mother. I know that it is hard to give up the family stuff and my advice would be to pass on everything except family photos. As for the house painting, as a native Oregonian I would encourage you to live a couple of seasons in your house before throwing color on the walls. It rains for at least nine months out of the year and everything outside is green pretty much year around, so bringing green into the house may be too monotonous for you. But, if you feel that the inside of your house in meant to be green, I think that houses tell you eventually what color they want to be, then I would go for a green that has red undertones in it rather than blue, so it will be warmer rather than cooler. Good luck with the purging, when you are done you will feel so much better and lighter you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Posted by: Toni
I think there is a value to keeping things tucked away in boxes – but only if they mean something to you. I kept these little framed pictures of my grandma’s dogs forever, both grandma and the dogs are long gone but I could never let go of the pictures. I was cleaning through my stuff again and I pulled them out and they now look great hanging in my kitchen. I’m glad I kept them.
And, like someone else mentioned, if Thumper might one day get a kick out of these items, it’s also worth keeping them. If they give some insight into the family he’s been born into, there is a value to them.
But, from what you say of the dolls and glassware, I doubt they qualify.
Good luck with the cat and dog.
Posted by: Sara
I just did that in my parents’ basement recently. I tried to keep what was really special. I enjoyed going through it all, but some of it was totally unfamiliar to me. It’s crazy. I set aside some things to donate and some of it was just junk so I tossed it. It felt good to do that when I left France and it felt good to do it at my parents’ house. I wish I had less stuff in our current house. I think a paring down of belongings is coming soon.
Posted by: kate
I second the idea of asking family if they want the items. You never know – you may have a cousin who has fond memories of drinking lemonade from those glasses sitting on a porch with Grandma. If no one else wants them, or if there are no cousins or other siblings, then they prolly aren’t that special to anyone. (After all, your own mother didn’t keep boxes of HER mother’s things – how can she expect you to keep them?)
I also like the idea, assuming no one wants the whole set of anything, of keeping a representative piece. You can arrange little balls of yarn or colorful buttons in one of Gramma’s glasses and it’s pretty and a nice little memory, instead of having a box of guilt. Good luck!
Posted by: Carrie
mmmmmm, lightening is tough…it is just so hard to let it go. my husband came to our life with a plastic box of bits of his life that tell me some of his life, but he does not live a sentimentally as i do. i recommend getting rid of anything you have not looked at for 2-3 years, then opening the boxes from the last year and visualizing the ‘stuff’ in the space you are going to. and paint wise, i painted one room green in our place and found it nice but a bit aquarium-like due to the light quality. i cannot wait to see where you and the family end up. do you mind me asking what neighborhood you will be in? good luck in the packing.
Posted by: mames
I am all for getting rid of the things that are not personally significant to you and that don’t make you smile every time you look at them. We live in a truck, but are getting ready to build a house and only have the contents of 2/3 of a 40 foot container. That includes all of my husbands tools and some building materials, etc. When we sold our house, we got rid of everything that didn’t mean something to us, and I am sure that when we open that container to start putting things in the house, there will be quite a bit of stuff that gets sold, ebayed, given away because we just don’t need it.
If your stuff makes you feel weighed down, it is not stuff that you need. You are moving to a new life and a new house, give away, take to the goodwill, or sell the stuff that you don’t want or need.
Just my .02 worth…if you need anymore encouragement got to http://www.flylady.net and read what she has to say about the stuff that weighs us down.
Posted by: Lynda
I am all for getting rid of the things that are not personally significant to you and that don’t make you smile every time you look at them. We live in a truck, but are getting ready to build a house and only have the contents of 2/3 of a 40 foot container. That includes all of my husbands tools and some building materials, etc. When we sold our house, we got rid of everything that didn’t mean something to us, and I am sure that when we open that container to start putting things in the house, there will be quite a bit of stuff that gets sold, ebayed, given away because we just don’t need it.
If your stuff makes you feel weighed down, it is not stuff that you need. You are moving to a new life and a new house, give away, take to the goodwill, or sell the stuff that you don’t want or need.
Just my .02 worth…if you need anymore encouragement got to http://www.flylady.net and read what she has to say about the stuff that weighs us down.
Posted by: Lynda
Well, if it were me, I would take what really mattered to me and freecycle or sell the rest. It’s so refreshing to live with less shit. 🙂
Oh and if you’re going to make the drive cross country on I-70, you’re welcome to stay over with us in Lawrence, KS. We have lots of room and a good yarn store. Heh.
Posted by: Elinor
I second the recommendation of Karen Kingston’s books (minus the new-age commentary about the human digestive tract). As a reformed pack-rat, I understand the urge to preserve things for future generations. But it’s also worth remembering the present cost of ‘curating’ the stuff, from the price of moving it to the alternate opportunity cost of the space it occupies. After carrying around an enormous number of inherited things through several moves, I cut to the bone last time — and you know what? Because I have less memorabilia, the individual pieces have become more meaningful and I get more pleasure from them. I also now have only the amount that fits into the life I have.
Just wanted to share my experience.
Posted by: one more anonymous fan
When I moved to Europe from California I had to fit everything in 3 suitcases. While I don’t recommend paring down that much, I am definitely an advocate of getting rid of things that are just things. I like the idea of taking a picture of the items first though.
Posted by: Phoe
I have become very good at telling family members no when they want to give me stuff. I purposely did not register for china when we got married because I knew that I would have several sets to choose from between my MIL and my own mother. I know that it is hard to give up the family stuff and my advice would be to pass on everything except family photos. As for the house painting, as a native Oregonian I would encourage you to live a couple of seasons in your house before throwing color on the walls. It rains for at least nine months out of the year and everything outside is green pretty much year around, so bringing green into the house may be too monotonous for you. But, if you feel that the inside of your house in meant to be green, I think that houses tell you eventually what color they want to be, then I would go for a green that has red undertones in it rather than blue, so it will be warmer rather than cooler. Good luck with the purging, when you are done you will feel so much better and lighter you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Posted by: Toni
I think there is a value to keeping things tucked away in boxes – but only if they mean something to you. I kept these little framed pictures of my grandma’s dogs forever, both grandma and the dogs are long gone but I could never let go of the pictures. I was cleaning through my stuff again and I pulled them out and they now look great hanging in my kitchen. I’m glad I kept them.
And, like someone else mentioned, if Thumper might one day get a kick out of these items, it’s also worth keeping them. If they give some insight into the family he’s been born into, there is a value to them.
But, from what you say of the dolls and glassware, I doubt they qualify.
Good luck with the cat and dog.
Posted by: Sara
I just did that in my parents’ basement recently. I tried to keep what was really special. I enjoyed going through it all, but some of it was totally unfamiliar to me. It’s crazy. I set aside some things to donate and some of it was just junk so I tossed it. It felt good to do that when I left France and it felt good to do it at my parents’ house. I wish I had less stuff in our current house. I think a paring down of belongings is coming soon.
Posted by: kate
I second the idea of asking family if they want the items. You never know – you may have a cousin who has fond memories of drinking lemonade from those glasses sitting on a porch with Grandma. If no one else wants them, or if there are no cousins or other siblings, then they prolly aren’t that special to anyone. (After all, your own mother didn’t keep boxes of HER mother’s things – how can she expect you to keep them?)
I also like the idea, assuming no one wants the whole set of anything, of keeping a representative piece. You can arrange little balls of yarn or colorful buttons in one of Gramma’s glasses and it’s pretty and a nice little memory, instead of having a box of guilt. Good luck!
Posted by: Carrie
mmmmmm, lightening is tough…it is just so hard to let it go. my husband came to our life with a plastic box of bits of his life that tell me some of his life, but he does not live a sentimentally as i do. i recommend getting rid of anything you have not looked at for 2-3 years, then opening the boxes from the last year and visualizing the ‘stuff’ in the space you are going to. and paint wise, i painted one room green in our place and found it nice but a bit aquarium-like due to the light quality. i cannot wait to see where you and the family end up. do you mind me asking what neighborhood you will be in? good luck in the packing.
Posted by: mames
I am all for getting rid of the things that are not personally significant to you and that don’t make you smile every time you look at them. We live in a truck, but are getting ready to build a house and only have the contents of 2/3 of a 40 foot container. That includes all of my husbands tools and some building materials, etc. When we sold our house, we got rid of everything that didn’t mean something to us, and I am sure that when we open that container to start putting things in the house, there will be quite a bit of stuff that gets sold, ebayed, given away because we just don’t need it.
If your stuff makes you feel weighed down, it is not stuff that you need. You are moving to a new life and a new house, give away, take to the goodwill, or sell the stuff that you don’t want or need.
Just my .02 worth…if you need anymore encouragement got to http://www.flylady.net and read what she has to say about the stuff that weighs us down.
Posted by: Lynda
I am all for getting rid of the things that are not personally significant to you and that don’t make you smile every time you look at them. We live in a truck, but are getting ready to build a house and only have the contents of 2/3 of a 40 foot container. That includes all of my husbands tools and some building materials, etc. When we sold our house, we got rid of everything that didn’t mean something to us, and I am sure that when we open that container to start putting things in the house, there will be quite a bit of stuff that gets sold, ebayed, given away because we just don’t need it.
If your stuff makes you feel weighed down, it is not stuff that you need. You are moving to a new life and a new house, give away, take to the goodwill, or sell the stuff that you don’t want or need.
Just my .02 worth…if you need anymore encouragement got to http://www.flylady.net and read what she has to say about the stuff that weighs us down.
Posted by: Lynda
As for moving the animals, I suggest taking them as carry-ons (I’m assuming you’re flying). I did that with my IG when I moved. I also had a baby with me, and my husband wasn’t with me on the flight. It was a pain in the butt, but I’d never put him in the cargo hold.
If you’re driving, the dog is easy. Just stop for breaks. I don’t know anything about driving with cats, though.
Posted by: Frith
I don’t know if anyone has suggested this yet, but maybe take pictures. Take the stuff out of the boxes one box at a time, take a picture (so that you can still access the associated memories that are triggered by seeing the items) and then donate or sell.
Good luck… I’m going through the same thing, about to get married and move out of my parents’ house. I have, literally, my entire life’s worth of accumulated stuff. Ugh.
Posted by: Jena (the yarnharpy)
I’ve driven & flown with cats & dogs. Regardless of whether you’re driving or flying, don’t sedate them (advice given to us by a vet). Make sure there’s water & food in their little carrier clip-on dishes. They may not want to eat, but that’s ok. At least they’ve got it if they want it. You also might want to put a t-shirt in each carrier–something with your scent on it–and something you won’t care if it gets chewed/peed on.
With all the flight restrictions these days, and since you’re traveling with a little one, you might not be able to bring them on as “carry ons.” Check with the airline to see what they recommend. If you are flying, make sure you’ve got airline-approved carriers.
If you’re driving, I *highly* recommend frequent stops to let the dog out. The cat needs to travel in a carrier. If you let it ride loose in the car, you run the risk of it darting out & getting away at rest stops or crawling under the driver’s seat. Kitty will keep in the carrier until you stop at night. He may not like it, but he’ll be fine. (Mine have ridden as long 12 hrs in the carrier on long moves.) And they have those lovely disposable litterboxes that you can use in the hotel. 🙂
Also very helpful regardless of whether you drive or fly with them–wee-wee pads in the carriers. Nothin’ worse than a carrier with a lot of pee sloshing around in the bottom. (Although my cats managed to hold it the entire time they were in their carriers.)
Good luck!!
Posted by: Mish
Ack! Sorry for being so lengthy!!
Posted by: Mish
another portlander with paint thoughts—we just moved into our first home, and the living room has a great, warm shade of olive green already. we love that, and plan to use shades of that color, plus shades of that in combination with gray (which would make sort of a silvery sage) throughout the home—so, almost exactly what you describe.
we’ll be painting over our sunny yellow kitchen (almost the same shade of goldenrod as your blog sidebars) in favor of something more muted, and we’re doing this will full knowledge of the impending gray season. I don’t think it will make things any more dreary—and it’s more important to us that we have colors we really love, as we end up spending a lot of time in those rooms in the rainy months!
(congrats on the move finally happening!)
Posted by: amy
Second (third? fourth?) the vote for taking pictures of the stuff, and letting the stuff itself go. It isn’t easy, but it is ultimately VERY freeing.
It’s also good practice for when Thumper inevitably pulls over some precious – and breakable – thing and ::smash!::. If you’ve got a little detachment going around material goods, he has a good chance of surviving the experience. 😉
Posted by: Mother Chaos
The moving advice my grandmother-in-law gave me: butter the cat. She was told to do this when she moved years ago, and actually did. The theory is that the cat will make itself busy licking off all the butter, and by the time it is done, feel at home in the new place. What really happens is, there is butter everywhere, and you have a really dirty, rancid, sick cat. Don’t butter your cat. Mine hid out in a bookcase in the basement for three days after we moved, but is now fine. In the car she yowls if the cage door is closed, but is fine and happy if the door is open so it is her choice to stay in the crate.
Posted by: Anne
Def. avoid gray out here. Warm colors are wonderful with the light changes througout the day. I love putting cozy neutrals (olive, warm khakis) in rooms where we spend a lot of time. We’re doing our bathroom in a steel gray but we don’t spend too much time there, plus it has a huge skylight.
Posted by: Shelley
As a recovering sentimental hoarder (I know that sounds harsh but the first step is to admit you have a problem!), I write to tell you that it is OK to not move things you don’t use or aren’t beautiful. I managed to rid myself of things I did not use and boxes I did not open by selecting just one or two items that meant something to me and donating the rest. Think of how appreciative the local women’s shelter would be to receive some of your items – where they will be used and appreciated, not lonely and moldy (oh dear, that mojito may have been stronger than I thought). Anyway, I think I’ve made my point – this move is a fresh start. Keep what you will use/dispay and find a good home for the rest. Good luck!
Posted by: Katie
As for moving the animals, I suggest taking them as carry-ons (I’m assuming you’re flying). I did that with my IG when I moved. I also had a baby with me, and my husband wasn’t with me on the flight. It was a pain in the butt, but I’d never put him in the cargo hold.
If you’re driving, the dog is easy. Just stop for breaks. I don’t know anything about driving with cats, though.
Posted by: Frith
I don’t know if anyone has suggested this yet, but maybe take pictures. Take the stuff out of the boxes one box at a time, take a picture (so that you can still access the associated memories that are triggered by seeing the items) and then donate or sell.
Good luck… I’m going through the same thing, about to get married and move out of my parents’ house. I have, literally, my entire life’s worth of accumulated stuff. Ugh.
Posted by: Jena (the yarnharpy)
I’ve driven & flown with cats & dogs. Regardless of whether you’re driving or flying, don’t sedate them (advice given to us by a vet). Make sure there’s water & food in their little carrier clip-on dishes. They may not want to eat, but that’s ok. At least they’ve got it if they want it. You also might want to put a t-shirt in each carrier–something with your scent on it–and something you won’t care if it gets chewed/peed on.
With all the flight restrictions these days, and since you’re traveling with a little one, you might not be able to bring them on as “carry ons.” Check with the airline to see what they recommend. If you are flying, make sure you’ve got airline-approved carriers.
If you’re driving, I *highly* recommend frequent stops to let the dog out. The cat needs to travel in a carrier. If you let it ride loose in the car, you run the risk of it darting out & getting away at rest stops or crawling under the driver’s seat. Kitty will keep in the carrier until you stop at night. He may not like it, but he’ll be fine. (Mine have ridden as long 12 hrs in the carrier on long moves.) And they have those lovely disposable litterboxes that you can use in the hotel. 🙂
Also very helpful regardless of whether you drive or fly with them–wee-wee pads in the carriers. Nothin’ worse than a carrier with a lot of pee sloshing around in the bottom. (Although my cats managed to hold it the entire time they were in their carriers.)
Good luck!!
Posted by: Mish
Ack! Sorry for being so lengthy!!
Posted by: Mish
another portlander with paint thoughts—we just moved into our first home, and the living room has a great, warm shade of olive green already. we love that, and plan to use shades of that color, plus shades of that in combination with gray (which would make sort of a silvery sage) throughout the home—so, almost exactly what you describe.
we’ll be painting over our sunny yellow kitchen (almost the same shade of goldenrod as your blog sidebars) in favor of something more muted, and we’re doing this will full knowledge of the impending gray season. I don’t think it will make things any more dreary—and it’s more important to us that we have colors we really love, as we end up spending a lot of time in those rooms in the rainy months!
(congrats on the move finally happening!)
Posted by: amy
Second (third? fourth?) the vote for taking pictures of the stuff, and letting the stuff itself go. It isn’t easy, but it is ultimately VERY freeing.
It’s also good practice for when Thumper inevitably pulls over some precious – and breakable – thing and ::smash!::. If you’ve got a little detachment going around material goods, he has a good chance of surviving the experience. 😉
Posted by: Mother Chaos
The moving advice my grandmother-in-law gave me: butter the cat. She was told to do this when she moved years ago, and actually did. The theory is that the cat will make itself busy licking off all the butter, and by the time it is done, feel at home in the new place. What really happens is, there is butter everywhere, and you have a really dirty, rancid, sick cat. Don’t butter your cat. Mine hid out in a bookcase in the basement for three days after we moved, but is now fine. In the car she yowls if the cage door is closed, but is fine and happy if the door is open so it is her choice to stay in the crate.
Posted by: Anne
Def. avoid gray out here. Warm colors are wonderful with the light changes througout the day. I love putting cozy neutrals (olive, warm khakis) in rooms where we spend a lot of time. We’re doing our bathroom in a steel gray but we don’t spend too much time there, plus it has a huge skylight.
Posted by: Shelley
As a recovering sentimental hoarder (I know that sounds harsh but the first step is to admit you have a problem!), I write to tell you that it is OK to not move things you don’t use or aren’t beautiful. I managed to rid myself of things I did not use and boxes I did not open by selecting just one or two items that meant something to me and donating the rest. Think of how appreciative the local women’s shelter would be to receive some of your items – where they will be used and appreciated, not lonely and moldy (oh dear, that mojito may have been stronger than I thought). Anyway, I think I’ve made my point – this move is a fresh start. Keep what you will use/dispay and find a good home for the rest. Good luck!
Posted by: Katie
Hurray, you’re on your way. We hope to be moving to portland in december. as for the baggage, I know what you’re going through. I think all of that emotional stuff we cart around from house to house is actually a physical manifestation of our emotional baggage – for example, I can’t seem to get rid of gifts from some friends I had to walk away from, because I’m still punishing myself for doing what was right for me. If I let go of that guilt, I can let the stuff go, or at least be in a clearer position to decide to keep it. Sometimes looking at our things and asking if we have an emotional reason for keeping it, does it represent something I’m avoiding addressing – we can get to a place where we can not only let the physical items go without guilt, but lose some emotional ‘baggage’ as well. At least that’s where I’m at with all my boxes of stuff. Dunno if that helps or not?
Posted by: gaile
I moved 2 cats… Keep the cat in the carrier. He probably won’t want to eat, drink, or use the litter box while on the road. Try not to be on the road more than 8-10 hours/day. You may not want to feed the cat immediately before driving unless he barfs. Try to choose a hotel room with an interior corridor (as opposed to opening outside) and where the beds go down to the floor. (You don’t want to be spending precious time in the morning trying to get the cat out from under the bed.)
You might try contacting movers in Portland and seeing if any reliable ones are making East Coast trips when you want you go out. You might get a discount (they have to get the truck home anyway), and NYC movers are so unreliable.
Posted by: Anne
I would avoid tranquilizers for the cat and dog. And Anne is right, cat will probably not eat or drink, although at night bring out food, water, and litter. AND find hotels that are animal friendly. If you stop in the information centers as you enter states you can get a general idea of how far you will go in any given day. Most of the centers have hotel books. Those books, have animal friendly listings.
Send me St. Joseph so I can bury him! 🙂
Posted by: shannon in oregon
Long-time lurker who just moved cross-country (pet-free. no advice on that). I am a bit of a packrat myself, and my best advice on the basement would be to bring in a few of your friends to help you get started. Once you have help sorting through stuff, you can lighten your load a lot easier. One of my friends who helped me was a ruthless organizer. And I gave her permission to go through my quilting stuff and toss anything she thought wouldn’t be useable.
Friends are the best for this kind of stuff. There isn’t much they can do to help, but the little they can do is worth its weight in gold. Best of luck!
Posted by: amy
Well, either you can keep all these family treasures in boxes where no one can enjoy them or give them to someone who will use and live the items.
Posted by: Diane
Well, after moving three or four times and growing out of my pack ratyness, here are the techniques I’ve used to help me clean out the clutter:
1. Do you remember the event in which the item came? If not, do you remember who gave it to you? If not, give it away.
2. When you opened the box and say “Hey, I’ve been looking for this!” Why have you been looking for it? Was it the first time you’d missed it in 6 months? 1 year? longer???
3. If this is sentimental, why is it sentimental and do you have something better and beautiful and more useful from the same sentimentality?
4. If this is something you don’t want but you also don’t want to get rid of it, take it (in my case), to a used book store and keep getting new books with the same book money that someone spent on you. Think of it as recycling the money and the person gives you new things each time. It’s like a present!!!
Maybe this helps, maybe not. Good luck, moving sucks.
Posted by: Abbey
Hey Cari, I’m coming in kind of late on all this but first big congratulations on selling your house and buying your portland house!
I have a bit of advice on the whole de-cluttering issue, which is read Rob Helpy-Chalk’s blog posts about The Great Simplification (link to big monkey. helpy-chalk on my blog). There are some good links on there, also. He and his family are also getting ready to move. He is also dealing with some sentimental stuff- from his grandfather, etc.
Its interesting.
Posted by: Pippy
I used to favor getting rid of stuff. I moved, by suitcase quite often, almost every year. Lately, however, I’ve been looking at stuff left at my mother’s for something like 15 years and realizing I want to keep it. My life should accomodate my stuff and not the other way around. If you can’t let go of your childhood dollhouse, don’t. You’ll send it away when you’re ready.
Posted by: Marie
Has the dog ever been in a car before? If not I’d suggest some short trips to see how he does. If he does not do well, (eg panting and pacing) vailum or valerian. Same with the cat. The dog (loved to go for a ride) drove cross country in one car, free to move about the cabin as it were. The cats (not too keen on the ride thing) drove cross country with me, and they were housed in the dogs crate. By hour 12 I had gotten used to the meowing.
I’ve heard horror stories about flying dogs. And had the unfortunate experience to be on a flight from Japan to Boston sitting behind someone (moving back to the states) brought back a cat, in the cabin with someone allergic to cats also sitting near me.
You have a long drive ahead of you, if thats the route you choose. It could be grand fun to “Family Vacation” across the US for a week. It could also be tedious.
My parents moved us 1/2 way across country with poultry housed in a UHaul, the dog and the cats in the station wago. It can be done, and has been done. Just takes patients and planning.
Best of luck!!!
Posted by: Beth
Hurray, you’re on your way. We hope to be moving to portland in december. as for the baggage, I know what you’re going through. I think all of that emotional stuff we cart around from house to house is actually a physical manifestation of our emotional baggage – for example, I can’t seem to get rid of gifts from some friends I had to walk away from, because I’m still punishing myself for doing what was right for me. If I let go of that guilt, I can let the stuff go, or at least be in a clearer position to decide to keep it. Sometimes looking at our things and asking if we have an emotional reason for keeping it, does it represent something I’m avoiding addressing – we can get to a place where we can not only let the physical items go without guilt, but lose some emotional ‘baggage’ as well. At least that’s where I’m at with all my boxes of stuff. Dunno if that helps or not?
Posted by: gaile
I moved 2 cats… Keep the cat in the carrier. He probably won’t want to eat, drink, or use the litter box while on the road. Try not to be on the road more than 8-10 hours/day. You may not want to feed the cat immediately before driving unless he barfs. Try to choose a hotel room with an interior corridor (as opposed to opening outside) and where the beds go down to the floor. (You don’t want to be spending precious time in the morning trying to get the cat out from under the bed.)
You might try contacting movers in Portland and seeing if any reliable ones are making East Coast trips when you want you go out. You might get a discount (they have to get the truck home anyway), and NYC movers are so unreliable.
Posted by: Anne
I would avoid tranquilizers for the cat and dog. And Anne is right, cat will probably not eat or drink, although at night bring out food, water, and litter. AND find hotels that are animal friendly. If you stop in the information centers as you enter states you can get a general idea of how far you will go in any given day. Most of the centers have hotel books. Those books, have animal friendly listings.
Send me St. Joseph so I can bury him! 🙂
Posted by: shannon in oregon
Long-time lurker who just moved cross-country (pet-free. no advice on that). I am a bit of a packrat myself, and my best advice on the basement would be to bring in a few of your friends to help you get started. Once you have help sorting through stuff, you can lighten your load a lot easier. One of my friends who helped me was a ruthless organizer. And I gave her permission to go through my quilting stuff and toss anything she thought wouldn’t be useable.
Friends are the best for this kind of stuff. There isn’t much they can do to help, but the little they can do is worth its weight in gold. Best of luck!
Posted by: amy
Well, either you can keep all these family treasures in boxes where no one can enjoy them or give them to someone who will use and live the items.
Posted by: Diane
Well, after moving three or four times and growing out of my pack ratyness, here are the techniques I’ve used to help me clean out the clutter:
1. Do you remember the event in which the item came? If not, do you remember who gave it to you? If not, give it away.
2. When you opened the box and say “Hey, I’ve been looking for this!” Why have you been looking for it? Was it the first time you’d missed it in 6 months? 1 year? longer???
3. If this is sentimental, why is it sentimental and do you have something better and beautiful and more useful from the same sentimentality?
4. If this is something you don’t want but you also don’t want to get rid of it, take it (in my case), to a used book store and keep getting new books with the same book money that someone spent on you. Think of it as recycling the money and the person gives you new things each time. It’s like a present!!!
Maybe this helps, maybe not. Good luck, moving sucks.
Posted by: Abbey
Hey Cari, I’m coming in kind of late on all this but first big congratulations on selling your house and buying your portland house!
I have a bit of advice on the whole de-cluttering issue, which is read Rob Helpy-Chalk’s blog posts about The Great Simplification (link to big monkey. helpy-chalk on my blog). There are some good links on there, also. He and his family are also getting ready to move. He is also dealing with some sentimental stuff- from his grandfather, etc.
Its interesting.
Posted by: Pippy
I used to favor getting rid of stuff. I moved, by suitcase quite often, almost every year. Lately, however, I’ve been looking at stuff left at my mother’s for something like 15 years and realizing I want to keep it. My life should accomodate my stuff and not the other way around. If you can’t let go of your childhood dollhouse, don’t. You’ll send it away when you’re ready.
Posted by: Marie
Has the dog ever been in a car before? If not I’d suggest some short trips to see how he does. If he does not do well, (eg panting and pacing) vailum or valerian. Same with the cat. The dog (loved to go for a ride) drove cross country in one car, free to move about the cabin as it were. The cats (not too keen on the ride thing) drove cross country with me, and they were housed in the dogs crate. By hour 12 I had gotten used to the meowing.
I’ve heard horror stories about flying dogs. And had the unfortunate experience to be on a flight from Japan to Boston sitting behind someone (moving back to the states) brought back a cat, in the cabin with someone allergic to cats also sitting near me.
You have a long drive ahead of you, if thats the route you choose. It could be grand fun to “Family Vacation” across the US for a week. It could also be tedious.
My parents moved us 1/2 way across country with poultry housed in a UHaul, the dog and the cats in the station wago. It can be done, and has been done. Just takes patients and planning.
Best of luck!!!
Posted by: Beth
Thumper is the cutest.
For about six months, Jon and I (neither of whom are packrats) had this obsession with a show called “Clean Sweep”. Families quite literally buried with stuff called the show, who sent professional organizers to help them get rid of it all. Some of their most effective suggestions for family stuff included keeping one or two items of someone’s collection and displaying them well, donating the rest; giving items to family members that really want them… I can’t remember others right now, those two got a lot of use.
If it’s just guilt that’s stopping you, though, how about a talk with the person you feel most guilty towards? (I’m guessing your mom?)
Posted by: Amy
Oh—and another thing they did which seemed to help the pain of the actual process was to set a (ridiculously low) time limit on an “initial sort”. Like, take a half-hour to put all of the stuff into three piles: Definitely keep, definitely toss, requires more thought. So the sorters didn’t have time to get past their initial hunch about an item.
Posted by: Amy
Have a “yard sale” for family members who may be interested in some of the items you won’t be able to take with you. It is surprising how many of your relatives will be willing to give a home to “family heirlooms”.
Drive animals…it may take a few days, but your animals will remain sane!
Posted by: Carrie Mc
Have a “yard sale” for family members who may be interested in some of the items you won’t be able to take with you. It is surprising how many of your relatives will be willing to give a home to “family heirlooms”.
Drive animals…it may take a few days, but your animals will remain sane!
Posted by: Carrie Mc
Have a “yard sale” for family members who may be interested in some of the items you won’t be able to take with you. It is surprising how many of your relatives will be willing to give a home to “family heirlooms”.
Drive animals…it may take a few days, but your animals will remain sane!
Posted by: Carrie Mc
Just pick colors you love that aren’t too close to grey. We have a lovely blue bedroom and the first shade I chose was a little grey, so I went to a slightly deeper shade and we are very happy. As for all the talk about how much time you’ll spend indoors because of the rain — that’s really up to you. Get some good waterproof jackets (with hoods — don’t bother with umbrellas)and shoes, and be on your way. Only the most torrential downpours stop us and they aren’t that frequent. And welcome to Portland. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have as much help unpacking and such as you could want or need thanks to the blog! Safe travels.
Posted by: Janice in Camas
Why not keep a couple items from each box/family member if you really can’t get rid of it all?
I have no problem telling my mum, “for crying out loud, I don’t want it now and won’t want it later, THROW IT OUT!” So luckily I don’t have that problem.
Posted by: Marisa
Don’t feel guilty about the family stuff. It’s only worth keeping if it brings pleasure not stress. Take a look at your own possessions and ask yourself whether you would want your own grandkids to have boxes of your stuff in their basements in fifty or sixty years time.
As for the dolls, I believe the best legacy from childhood is the way it informs and shapes your own parenting – you will recreate the best of it in the way you bring up that gorgeous boy of yours. Having said that I have to admit I do still have my teddy bear …
Posted by: Eve
You don’t need the stuff, you need the memories the stuff brings. Take lots of good pictures, write the stories that go with the stuff down, and make a great family history scrapbook. When the kids grow up, they will have the stories and the pictures, and believe me, that is all they will need. Scrapbooks are way easier to move (and live) around than moldy boxes of dusty things.
Posted by: Patty
Let it go. 🙂 At least, the stuff you’re not attached to – sthe stuff that you have and feel like, for some reason, you should keep. I did this myself last fall (I moved) and I know it’s difficult. This was my first house, too, so I had a lot of family members giving me things that they thought I “needed.” In other words, they saw it as an opportunity to clean out all those semi-sentimental, guilt laden things from their basements to give me a head start on mine. *L*
Do it a little at a time – it makes it easier. Once you get rid of the first box, the others get easier. I reccoment a yard sale, followed by donating the leftovers. I gave most of mine to the thrift shop run by the local no-kill shelter. 🙂
Posted by: Jean
Thumper is the cutest.
For about six months, Jon and I (neither of whom are packrats) had this obsession with a show called “Clean Sweep”. Families quite literally buried with stuff called the show, who sent professional organizers to help them get rid of it all. Some of their most effective suggestions for family stuff included keeping one or two items of someone’s collection and displaying them well, donating the rest; giving items to family members that really want them… I can’t remember others right now, those two got a lot of use.
If it’s just guilt that’s stopping you, though, how about a talk with the person you feel most guilty towards? (I’m guessing your mom?)
Posted by: Amy
Oh—and another thing they did which seemed to help the pain of the actual process was to set a (ridiculously low) time limit on an “initial sort”. Like, take a half-hour to put all of the stuff into three piles: Definitely keep, definitely toss, requires more thought. So the sorters didn’t have time to get past their initial hunch about an item.
Posted by: Amy
Have a “yard sale” for family members who may be interested in some of the items you won’t be able to take with you. It is surprising how many of your relatives will be willing to give a home to “family heirlooms”.
Drive animals…it may take a few days, but your animals will remain sane!
Posted by: Carrie Mc
Have a “yard sale” for family members who may be interested in some of the items you won’t be able to take with you. It is surprising how many of your relatives will be willing to give a home to “family heirlooms”.
Drive animals…it may take a few days, but your animals will remain sane!
Posted by: Carrie Mc
Have a “yard sale” for family members who may be interested in some of the items you won’t be able to take with you. It is surprising how many of your relatives will be willing to give a home to “family heirlooms”.
Drive animals…it may take a few days, but your animals will remain sane!
Posted by: Carrie Mc
Just pick colors you love that aren’t too close to grey. We have a lovely blue bedroom and the first shade I chose was a little grey, so I went to a slightly deeper shade and we are very happy. As for all the talk about how much time you’ll spend indoors because of the rain — that’s really up to you. Get some good waterproof jackets (with hoods — don’t bother with umbrellas)and shoes, and be on your way. Only the most torrential downpours stop us and they aren’t that frequent. And welcome to Portland. One thing’s for sure, you’ll have as much help unpacking and such as you could want or need thanks to the blog! Safe travels.
Posted by: Janice in Camas
Why not keep a couple items from each box/family member if you really can’t get rid of it all?
I have no problem telling my mum, “for crying out loud, I don’t want it now and won’t want it later, THROW IT OUT!” So luckily I don’t have that problem.
Posted by: Marisa
Don’t feel guilty about the family stuff. It’s only worth keeping if it brings pleasure not stress. Take a look at your own possessions and ask yourself whether you would want your own grandkids to have boxes of your stuff in their basements in fifty or sixty years time.
As for the dolls, I believe the best legacy from childhood is the way it informs and shapes your own parenting – you will recreate the best of it in the way you bring up that gorgeous boy of yours. Having said that I have to admit I do still have my teddy bear …
Posted by: Eve
You don’t need the stuff, you need the memories the stuff brings. Take lots of good pictures, write the stories that go with the stuff down, and make a great family history scrapbook. When the kids grow up, they will have the stories and the pictures, and believe me, that is all they will need. Scrapbooks are way easier to move (and live) around than moldy boxes of dusty things.
Posted by: Patty
Let it go. 🙂 At least, the stuff you’re not attached to – sthe stuff that you have and feel like, for some reason, you should keep. I did this myself last fall (I moved) and I know it’s difficult. This was my first house, too, so I had a lot of family members giving me things that they thought I “needed.” In other words, they saw it as an opportunity to clean out all those semi-sentimental, guilt laden things from their basements to give me a head start on mine. *L*
Do it a little at a time – it makes it easier. Once you get rid of the first box, the others get easier. I reccoment a yard sale, followed by donating the leftovers. I gave most of mine to the thrift shop run by the local no-kill shelter. 🙂
Posted by: Jean
Let it go. 🙂 At least, the stuff you’re not attached to – sthe stuff that you have and feel like, for some reason, you should keep. I did this myself last fall (I moved) and I know it’s difficult. This was my first house, too, so I had a lot of family members giving me things that they thought I “needed.” In other words, they saw it as an opportunity to clean out all those semi-sentimental, guilt laden things from their basements to give me a head start on mine. *L*
Do it a little at a time – it makes it easier. Once you get rid of the first box, the others get easier. I reccoment a yard sale, followed by donating the leftovers. I gave most of mine to the thrift shop run by the local no-kill shelter. 🙂
Posted by: Jean
Check out this post from Gwibbles:
http://gwibbles.shaneck.com/2007/06/27/moving-philosophy/
Gwen’s neighbors know how to move! Good luck.
Posted by: Johanna
I’m in the “go through the boxes and let it go” camp. Look through the boxes, quickly, because there may be something in there that you forgot about and DOES mean a lot to you. But the rest let go. I like the idea of a family yard sale or family freecycle – just make up an email list of family members and send out a list of stuff you are getting rid of. Don’t get too bogged down in the descriptions – Grandma’s glasses, dolls from the 1980s, etc.
As far as your dolls go, I’m guessing your mom gave them back to you to clear out *her* house. Since Thumper is a boy, I’m guessing she didn’t give them to you so he could play with him (not that there’s anything wrong with that – my 2yo has a “baby”!) But I’d say the dolls are yours alone to decide.
I love the “take pictures and make a scrapbook” but you won’t have time to scrapbook the pictures before you move, and that can be a guilt-inducing project in itself.
good luck, we’re all cheering for you!
Posted by: heather t
I’m not sure if someone suggested this already – but for childhood/family keepsakes that you aren’t attached to and would rather not keep – take pictures of them. You can have a special album just for any memorabilia that was yours as a child, your mother’s, your Aunt Clara’s, etc. Then donate or give away without guilt. Lugging them from house to house in boxes for life is no fun. It took me many years and more than a few moves to realize this.
Good luck and happy house painting and decorating! That’s the fun part.
Posted by: Bliss
Before donating – check to see if your things sell on ebay. I’m amazed at what people collect (and what they’re willing to pay for those collectibles!) A little extra cash when moving never hurts . . .
Posted by: Karen Olson
I’m sorting through all of the shit that I’ve accumulated in my 25 years in preparation for a Canada – England move. If you have time (you didn’t mention how soon your closing is), I’ve found it incredibly helpful to do the sorting in stages. The first one was the hardest, and I kept a LOT of things. Having my mom or sister with me kept me honest, but also made things a little more difficult in some respects (‘You’re throwing WHAT away?!’) But I had at least gone through all of the boxes, seen and touched every item. Two months later I am now on the final winnowing. Some things stayed on my mind (like my grandmother’s commemorative bowling league lowball glasses), others were forgotten as soon as the boxes were closed again, and that’s how I’ve been making the second (and third…and fourth) round cuts. I didn’t adhere to a ‘box a day’ schedule though. It’s been an emotional process, putting my life into crates, so I’ve been attacking it as I’ve felt ok with the idea of throwing things out. Days when I was sad and depressed about moving = bad days to sort and pack! Of course, this is all just my slowly reforming packrat opinions, but with any luck at least hearing that others also have trouble parting with crap they didn’t know they had will be good for the spirit.
Also – for things which I can’t quite bring myself to donate into anonymity, or which still have a lot of value both emotionally and monetarily, I am having a friends only garage sale. Slightly higher than garage sale prices, invitation only for friends who’d like to pick up some lovely things at bargain prices. I trust my friends to enjoy and love everything (like sixteen years of Avon costume jewellery…and my hair dryer!), they’re getting a bargain, and I’m making back some of my moving expenses. This may not be for everyone though, if it feels in the least bit uncomfortable to be exchanging money with those near and dear. My friends are thrilled to help with the cost of my move, and we’re combining the sale with a dinner party, so I’m quite thrilled with the idea.
Congratulations, and good luck!
Posted by: Danielle B
One of the things that I have learned after many moves is to try and think of the material things as add ons to the memories I have in my heart and my head. However the “stuff” doesn’t keep the memories closer especially if they are always in a box. Having “purged” quite substantially a couple of years ago, has not had any great impact on my life as it moves forward. My memories are still in tact and I have taken to writing alot of notes and short stories (not as a writer would, just as family notes) to help preserve the memories. Perhaps as a writer you could embark on such a project, (in your spare time:)!)
If you haven’t used it, or wished you had it, then get rid of it! imho anyway, good luck with the move!
Posted by: susanne
I once moved cross-country via car with one cat. Knowing this cat didn’t travel well, I got a script for tranquilizers from the vet. He was sleepy and relaxed the whole way – sometimes glassy eyes, which was disconcerting. But he didn’t feel anxious and mostly slept the whole way. It was also much easier to move him in and out of hotels and take breaks without him zooming off.
Posted by: jillian
Are you planning to transport the animals by plane or car (or train?) It is a stressful experience for them, but i recommend NOT giving them any drugs. It keeps their bodies calm, yes, but their brains will be even more terrified by the fact that they can’t control their own limbs and it makes the experience worse. I’ve moved a dog by plane once (one hour flight), she has a strong psyche and handled it very well. I have owned dogs that I would never have sent by plane though. You know your life and your animals and what you and they can handle.
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter
Let it go. 🙂 At least, the stuff you’re not attached to – sthe stuff that you have and feel like, for some reason, you should keep. I did this myself last fall (I moved) and I know it’s difficult. This was my first house, too, so I had a lot of family members giving me things that they thought I “needed.” In other words, they saw it as an opportunity to clean out all those semi-sentimental, guilt laden things from their basements to give me a head start on mine. *L*
Do it a little at a time – it makes it easier. Once you get rid of the first box, the others get easier. I reccoment a yard sale, followed by donating the leftovers. I gave most of mine to the thrift shop run by the local no-kill shelter. 🙂
Posted by: Jean
Check out this post from Gwibbles:
http://gwibbles.shaneck.com/2007/06/27/moving-philosophy/
Gwen’s neighbors know how to move! Good luck.
Posted by: Johanna
I’m in the “go through the boxes and let it go” camp. Look through the boxes, quickly, because there may be something in there that you forgot about and DOES mean a lot to you. But the rest let go. I like the idea of a family yard sale or family freecycle – just make up an email list of family members and send out a list of stuff you are getting rid of. Don’t get too bogged down in the descriptions – Grandma’s glasses, dolls from the 1980s, etc.
As far as your dolls go, I’m guessing your mom gave them back to you to clear out *her* house. Since Thumper is a boy, I’m guessing she didn’t give them to you so he could play with him (not that there’s anything wrong with that – my 2yo has a “baby”!) But I’d say the dolls are yours alone to decide.
I love the “take pictures and make a scrapbook” but you won’t have time to scrapbook the pictures before you move, and that can be a guilt-inducing project in itself.
good luck, we’re all cheering for you!
Posted by: heather t
I’m not sure if someone suggested this already – but for childhood/family keepsakes that you aren’t attached to and would rather not keep – take pictures of them. You can have a special album just for any memorabilia that was yours as a child, your mother’s, your Aunt Clara’s, etc. Then donate or give away without guilt. Lugging them from house to house in boxes for life is no fun. It took me many years and more than a few moves to realize this.
Good luck and happy house painting and decorating! That’s the fun part.
Posted by: Bliss
Before donating – check to see if your things sell on ebay. I’m amazed at what people collect (and what they’re willing to pay for those collectibles!) A little extra cash when moving never hurts . . .
Posted by: Karen Olson
I’m sorting through all of the shit that I’ve accumulated in my 25 years in preparation for a Canada – England move. If you have time (you didn’t mention how soon your closing is), I’ve found it incredibly helpful to do the sorting in stages. The first one was the hardest, and I kept a LOT of things. Having my mom or sister with me kept me honest, but also made things a little more difficult in some respects (‘You’re throwing WHAT away?!’) But I had at least gone through all of the boxes, seen and touched every item. Two months later I am now on the final winnowing. Some things stayed on my mind (like my grandmother’s commemorative bowling league lowball glasses), others were forgotten as soon as the boxes were closed again, and that’s how I’ve been making the second (and third…and fourth) round cuts. I didn’t adhere to a ‘box a day’ schedule though. It’s been an emotional process, putting my life into crates, so I’ve been attacking it as I’ve felt ok with the idea of throwing things out. Days when I was sad and depressed about moving = bad days to sort and pack! Of course, this is all just my slowly reforming packrat opinions, but with any luck at least hearing that others also have trouble parting with crap they didn’t know they had will be good for the spirit.
Also – for things which I can’t quite bring myself to donate into anonymity, or which still have a lot of value both emotionally and monetarily, I am having a friends only garage sale. Slightly higher than garage sale prices, invitation only for friends who’d like to pick up some lovely things at bargain prices. I trust my friends to enjoy and love everything (like sixteen years of Avon costume jewellery…and my hair dryer!), they’re getting a bargain, and I’m making back some of my moving expenses. This may not be for everyone though, if it feels in the least bit uncomfortable to be exchanging money with those near and dear. My friends are thrilled to help with the cost of my move, and we’re combining the sale with a dinner party, so I’m quite thrilled with the idea.
Congratulations, and good luck!
Posted by: Danielle B
One of the things that I have learned after many moves is to try and think of the material things as add ons to the memories I have in my heart and my head. However the “stuff” doesn’t keep the memories closer especially if they are always in a box. Having “purged” quite substantially a couple of years ago, has not had any great impact on my life as it moves forward. My memories are still in tact and I have taken to writing alot of notes and short stories (not as a writer would, just as family notes) to help preserve the memories. Perhaps as a writer you could embark on such a project, (in your spare time:)!)
If you haven’t used it, or wished you had it, then get rid of it! imho anyway, good luck with the move!
Posted by: susanne
I once moved cross-country via car with one cat. Knowing this cat didn’t travel well, I got a script for tranquilizers from the vet. He was sleepy and relaxed the whole way – sometimes glassy eyes, which was disconcerting. But he didn’t feel anxious and mostly slept the whole way. It was also much easier to move him in and out of hotels and take breaks without him zooming off.
Posted by: jillian
Are you planning to transport the animals by plane or car (or train?) It is a stressful experience for them, but i recommend NOT giving them any drugs. It keeps their bodies calm, yes, but their brains will be even more terrified by the fact that they can’t control their own limbs and it makes the experience worse. I’ve moved a dog by plane once (one hour flight), she has a strong psyche and handled it very well. I have owned dogs that I would never have sent by plane though. You know your life and your animals and what you and they can handle.
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter
You’re getting lots of pros and cons on tranquilizing the animals, but I will tell you that for my own recent 1100 mile move, I gave my cat 1/4 of a tranquilizer (crushed and mixed into baby food) each of the two mornings. It didn’t knock her out at all – she rode in her carrier in the seat next to me and alternately dozed and looked around, pretty much like she does all day – but it did make her quiet, which was a godsend. Usually in the car she meows and whines incessantly, but the tranquilizer just calmed her. Each day in the car was 8 or 9 hours, and she wasn’t interested in eating (I tried the first day) or, apparently, using the litter box. At night, I shut her and all her stuff (carrier, food, water, toys, litter box) in the bathroom first, then opened the door once I was sure the room was cat-proof.
As for “stuff” — I’m not so much a packrat as a 50 year old woman who has lived a life and loved her family. I agree with the people who advise you to think about the future and to ask other relatives what they want. I left my piano (the piano my parents bought for me when I was 6) and china cabinet with my sister. If she hadn’t wanted them, I would have brought them, even though I have about 35% less space than I did before I moved. Although there’s nothing wrong with getting rid of stuff that’s truly junk — I gave a lot of costume jewelry that was mine (not my grandmother’s) away and I realized I had more sheet sets than one person really needs –if you have any doubt that you’ll wish you hadn’t gotten rid of something in the future, don’t.
There’s not a single rule that works for everyone. It’s really fashionable at the moment to be (or say you are) minimalist, but that’s not for everyone. For some of us, things like Grandma’s embroidered hankies with the crocheted edges connect us to Grandma, even if they stay folded up in a drawer all the time.
Posted by: janna
The “stuff” I cling to, and I do cling, reminds me of so many events and people that otherwise I would forget. It’s bittersweet to travel back in time, but I personally choose to keep the stuff and to remember.It will be for my kids to do the tossing when they have to clean out our cellar, but along the way I imagine their saying to each other, “Remember when Dad took us there? Remember when Mom made us these Halloween costumes?” As for your old dolls, you might have a girl child of your own some day.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
As for the animal companions, ask the vet for a wee sedative for each — just enough to make them feel drowsy. I made sure I gave them each a half to minimize the risk of some rare and unforseen allergy, sort of a practice run. Then on moving day, let them doze through the whole mess. They’ll have plenty of energy to explore the new place when they get there.
Posted by: Perexiguus
As for the animal companions, ask the vet for a wee sedative for each — just enough to make them feel drowsy. I made sure I gave them each a half to minimize the risk of some rare and unforseen allergy, sort of a practice run. Then on moving day, let them doze through the whole mess. They’ll have plenty of energy to explore the new place when they get there.
Posted by: Perexiguus
Are your greyhounds crate trained? I assumed they were because they were rescue’s but perhaps not. If they are crate trained and you decide to ship them I can recommend Delta Dash. That’s how Mr. Smither’s came to us in New York. Of course that may require a split family. One adult here at JFK for drop off and one in Portland for pick up. If your cat’s like mine, she will be miserable either way so you might as well sedate her and fly her than torture her for days on the road. Stay Strong Sista, H
Posted by: Heidi
I moved cross country (Los Angeles to Massachusetts) almost 2 years ago with my cat. We drove, and the passenger sat with the cat carrier (more like a small bag) on their lap. We let the kitty peek out and look around, and let her out in the hotels in the evening. She only went to the bathroom a few times (we used a plastic container with a lid for a litter box) because she wasn’t very comfortable, and didn’t eat as much as usual, but she was fine and slept most of the time in the car. I don’t think that this arrangement would be very useful, however, with 2 animals and a baby! Just want to let you know that it can be done. The kitty was just fine, but certainly happy to be out of the car when it was over with.
Posted by: Laina
Keep what you love and will use. Things you don’t use or have not used in years or will never use offer to family then donate.
Packing is hard getting rid of stuff is like you said not a sign you loved the owner less.
D
Posted by: Miss Purl
Having just moved (into a smaller house) I wish I had done more paring down. And I only moved a 5 minute walk from our old place.
Just sayin’. Find a dispassionate person to help–it makes the decisions a bit easier.
Posted by: Steph
Hmmm, having moved cross country 2 years ago, I remember the special hellishness quite well.
There are things that I look at here as I unpack (still!) and wonder, did I pay $1.25/lb to move this?!! Thinking of the sentimentalia in monetary terms really helped me get rid of the ridiculous. (I’m heavily prone to nostalgia so thinking of whether I could ‘afford’ to pay $75 or what have you, to move a bunch of musty old books I never read, really helped me make painful decisions)
Pet wise? My only piece of adice is, if you let the cat out in the car once he/she is ‘on the other side’ make SURE that the automatic windows are locked! We learned this the hard way (though luckily after 3 weeks of roaming the streets of a strange city our sweet, elderly cat was found!)!!
Good luck!
Laura
Posted by: Laura
You’re getting lots of pros and cons on tranquilizing the animals, but I will tell you that for my own recent 1100 mile move, I gave my cat 1/4 of a tranquilizer (crushed and mixed into baby food) each of the two mornings. It didn’t knock her out at all – she rode in her carrier in the seat next to me and alternately dozed and looked around, pretty much like she does all day – but it did make her quiet, which was a godsend. Usually in the car she meows and whines incessantly, but the tranquilizer just calmed her. Each day in the car was 8 or 9 hours, and she wasn’t interested in eating (I tried the first day) or, apparently, using the litter box. At night, I shut her and all her stuff (carrier, food, water, toys, litter box) in the bathroom first, then opened the door once I was sure the room was cat-proof.
As for “stuff” — I’m not so much a packrat as a 50 year old woman who has lived a life and loved her family. I agree with the people who advise you to think about the future and to ask other relatives what they want. I left my piano (the piano my parents bought for me when I was 6) and china cabinet with my sister. If she hadn’t wanted them, I would have brought them, even though I have about 35% less space than I did before I moved. Although there’s nothing wrong with getting rid of stuff that’s truly junk — I gave a lot of costume jewelry that was mine (not my grandmother’s) away and I realized I had more sheet sets than one person really needs –if you have any doubt that you’ll wish you hadn’t gotten rid of something in the future, don’t.
There’s not a single rule that works for everyone. It’s really fashionable at the moment to be (or say you are) minimalist, but that’s not for everyone. For some of us, things like Grandma’s embroidered hankies with the crocheted edges connect us to Grandma, even if they stay folded up in a drawer all the time.
Posted by: janna
The “stuff” I cling to, and I do cling, reminds me of so many events and people that otherwise I would forget. It’s bittersweet to travel back in time, but I personally choose to keep the stuff and to remember.It will be for my kids to do the tossing when they have to clean out our cellar, but along the way I imagine their saying to each other, “Remember when Dad took us there? Remember when Mom made us these Halloween costumes?” As for your old dolls, you might have a girl child of your own some day.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
As for the animal companions, ask the vet for a wee sedative for each — just enough to make them feel drowsy. I made sure I gave them each a half to minimize the risk of some rare and unforseen allergy, sort of a practice run. Then on moving day, let them doze through the whole mess. They’ll have plenty of energy to explore the new place when they get there.
Posted by: Perexiguus
As for the animal companions, ask the vet for a wee sedative for each — just enough to make them feel drowsy. I made sure I gave them each a half to minimize the risk of some rare and unforseen allergy, sort of a practice run. Then on moving day, let them doze through the whole mess. They’ll have plenty of energy to explore the new place when they get there.
Posted by: Perexiguus
Are your greyhounds crate trained? I assumed they were because they were rescue’s but perhaps not. If they are crate trained and you decide to ship them I can recommend Delta Dash. That’s how Mr. Smither’s came to us in New York. Of course that may require a split family. One adult here at JFK for drop off and one in Portland for pick up. If your cat’s like mine, she will be miserable either way so you might as well sedate her and fly her than torture her for days on the road. Stay Strong Sista, H
Posted by: Heidi
I moved cross country (Los Angeles to Massachusetts) almost 2 years ago with my cat. We drove, and the passenger sat with the cat carrier (more like a small bag) on their lap. We let the kitty peek out and look around, and let her out in the hotels in the evening. She only went to the bathroom a few times (we used a plastic container with a lid for a litter box) because she wasn’t very comfortable, and didn’t eat as much as usual, but she was fine and slept most of the time in the car. I don’t think that this arrangement would be very useful, however, with 2 animals and a baby! Just want to let you know that it can be done. The kitty was just fine, but certainly happy to be out of the car when it was over with.
Posted by: Laina
Keep what you love and will use. Things you don’t use or have not used in years or will never use offer to family then donate.
Packing is hard getting rid of stuff is like you said not a sign you loved the owner less.
D
Posted by: Miss Purl
Having just moved (into a smaller house) I wish I had done more paring down. And I only moved a 5 minute walk from our old place.
Just sayin’. Find a dispassionate person to help–it makes the decisions a bit easier.
Posted by: Steph
Hmmm, having moved cross country 2 years ago, I remember the special hellishness quite well.
There are things that I look at here as I unpack (still!) and wonder, did I pay $1.25/lb to move this?!! Thinking of the sentimentalia in monetary terms really helped me get rid of the ridiculous. (I’m heavily prone to nostalgia so thinking of whether I could ‘afford’ to pay $75 or what have you, to move a bunch of musty old books I never read, really helped me make painful decisions)
Pet wise? My only piece of adice is, if you let the cat out in the car once he/she is ‘on the other side’ make SURE that the automatic windows are locked! We learned this the hard way (though luckily after 3 weeks of roaming the streets of a strange city our sweet, elderly cat was found!)!!
Good luck!
Laura
Posted by: Laura
Right now we are going through my partner’s mom’s house, getting it ready to sell in order to move her to a smaller place. She’s been a packrat for decades and it’s been so, so much work. Just look at every box that hasn’t been opened in years, every thing that you only care a little bit about, and ask yourself if it’s worth leaving for Thumper to deal with some day. I’m determined now to declutter my own home and get back to the bare minimum, since I don’t have any kids to slog through it all when I’m old, or when I’m gone.
Gah. Didn’t mean to get all morbid when you’re embarking on a new beginning here. But it seems such a great chance to start fresh and unencumbered.
Posted by: jodi
As a writer, I’m leery of the slash and burn, get rid of everything not useful approach. I want at least some random detritus from different points in my life — like early school, etc. — to use as spinning-off points if I want.
That said, my mother and I were faced with a sort of acid-test moment where this sort of thing is concerned, when, after my grandmother’s death, we were standing in her apartment in Germany realizing this was the last access we would have to her stuff. After we left, the “apartment cleaners” would come and whatever was left would get trashed. There were knickknacks, photo/travel albums, Hummel dolls, etc. We quickly realized the pointlessness of taking ALL the albums, all the knickknacks, etc. and so we all just picked out a couple of representative items. Now, that one album is a prized belonging, as opposed to the whole set becoming this huge obligation…
Posted by: sutton
Well, I haven’t moved cross country before, but I have moved between states with three cats on a couple of occasions. I have found it to be easiest when the cats follow me by a week or so after I’ve had the chance to organize some of the furniture and unpack some of the boxes. They seem to become less territorial and anxious (not to mention the fact that they are out of the way for some of the furniture placement and unpacking, which equals fewer stepped on tails) when I have done it this way, and the whole process was easier for all of us…Of course, this can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, but if a family member will be visiting you shortly after your move then maybe it could work…Good luck with the packing!
Posted by: Mandy
Jump from Romi’s blog.
Ship the cat via the airline.
If the dog is a good traveller, take them in the car with you.
Else ship them all via the airline, with a boarding facility to pick them up and keep them on the other end until you get there. Or have a friend stay local with them and have them shipped to arrive when you arrive, else your darling kitty is going to have a fit.
Posted by: Tiny Tyrant
Before moved 700 miles back in December, our vet gave our dog the innoculations that kennels require – kennel cough, etc – even though we had no plans to board him; she also advised us to travel with his health records in the car. The point was that if something went wrong while we were on the road, we’d be able to board the dog until things were sorted out.
Posted by: Kelly
Right now we are going through my partner’s mom’s house, getting it ready to sell in order to move her to a smaller place. She’s been a packrat for decades and it’s been so, so much work. Just look at every box that hasn’t been opened in years, every thing that you only care a little bit about, and ask yourself if it’s worth leaving for Thumper to deal with some day. I’m determined now to declutter my own home and get back to the bare minimum, since I don’t have any kids to slog through it all when I’m old, or when I’m gone.
Gah. Didn’t mean to get all morbid when you’re embarking on a new beginning here. But it seems such a great chance to start fresh and unencumbered.
Posted by: jodi
As a writer, I’m leery of the slash and burn, get rid of everything not useful approach. I want at least some random detritus from different points in my life — like early school, etc. — to use as spinning-off points if I want.
That said, my mother and I were faced with a sort of acid-test moment where this sort of thing is concerned, when, after my grandmother’s death, we were standing in her apartment in Germany realizing this was the last access we would have to her stuff. After we left, the “apartment cleaners” would come and whatever was left would get trashed. There were knickknacks, photo/travel albums, Hummel dolls, etc. We quickly realized the pointlessness of taking ALL the albums, all the knickknacks, etc. and so we all just picked out a couple of representative items. Now, that one album is a prized belonging, as opposed to the whole set becoming this huge obligation…
Posted by: sutton
Well, I haven’t moved cross country before, but I have moved between states with three cats on a couple of occasions. I have found it to be easiest when the cats follow me by a week or so after I’ve had the chance to organize some of the furniture and unpack some of the boxes. They seem to become less territorial and anxious (not to mention the fact that they are out of the way for some of the furniture placement and unpacking, which equals fewer stepped on tails) when I have done it this way, and the whole process was easier for all of us…Of course, this can be a bit of a logistical nightmare, but if a family member will be visiting you shortly after your move then maybe it could work…Good luck with the packing!
Posted by: Mandy
Jump from Romi’s blog.
Ship the cat via the airline.
If the dog is a good traveller, take them in the car with you.
Else ship them all via the airline, with a boarding facility to pick them up and keep them on the other end until you get there. Or have a friend stay local with them and have them shipped to arrive when you arrive, else your darling kitty is going to have a fit.
Posted by: Tiny Tyrant
Before moved 700 miles back in December, our vet gave our dog the innoculations that kennels require – kennel cough, etc – even though we had no plans to board him; she also advised us to travel with his health records in the car. The point was that if something went wrong while we were on the road, we’d be able to board the dog until things were sorted out.
Posted by: Kelly