Downsizing

If all goes well, I will move into a new apartment by the end of January. The new digs is a roomy one bedroom, one bath condo/apartment with in-unit laundry, a terrace with surrounding lawn, HVAC, garage and ample storage.

Rising rents forced me out of my 2 bed/2 bath unit. The roominess of the new space, however, will allow me to keep most of my stuff although I am doing my best to dump, donate or sell things to make life simpler and cheaper. Sounds easy, but not always possible.

First to go were the CDs and DVDs. Amazing how that collection grew but no longer of much value. I did share my Harry Potter, and some music collections with the building. Others can have them or share them in our lending library.

Second to go are papers, especially Rocky’s now that he is gone. Then some more books; may share them with our lending library in the building.

Third is clothing. This will be shared with a local charity to benefit others. I can longer fit into these things, so they are taking up space. Of course, I saved them for the day I would lose weight and wear them again. That day never arrived!

Fourth are household stuff that others may want but not hardly. The dumpster will get most of this.

Fifth are furniture items not needed by me. Dresser with mirror is one. Three cherry bookcases are others. A chair or two, including a fairly new electric recliner. A china cabinet is available, as well as a granite topped dining table with four oak chairs.

Art pieces will be kept as I struggle to find places to display them and keep me company in coming years. I jettisoned some art in my last move 11 years ago. That selection process was easy then. This time not; these are the best pieces that still stimulate my brain.

It is amazing how much junk we keep. Drawers full. Some closet space, too. Screws, nuts and washers are the base of this collection; so too, pencils and pens that will never write again! All out. Good riddance!

As I searched for cheaper space, I realized that moving would give up much of what makes life manageable for me here. Garage, in-unit laundry, microwave, dishwasher, disposer, storage bin, storage closet, and elevator building. As a condo building, units are well built and sound worthy. And the new unit comes with both floor and ceiling made of concrete. This is a tornado shelter!

So, wish me well on this course of action. A lot of work and fretting, but needed and positive.

January 17, 2025

 

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