It has been 77 days since my last posting. I’ve been consumed with checklist after checklist. Simplifying your life takes great organization plus a trip to the dump, 2 single day yard sales (made $1400), many requests for bulk pick up to the city (free in Virginia Beach), many items just thrown in our trash cans, one trip to Ashley’s to drop off things she wanted, and many hours going through all the stuff we have accumulated and deciding if it has a space our new lives.
As I type this we have one kitchen table with 4 chairs, a sofa, 2 chairs, 2 ottomans, 3 TV’s, a coffee table, 2 end tables, the huge TV table, Destinee’s bed, side tables, dresser, huge room shelving unit, our bed (going to Ashley after our last night of sleep in it), our dresser and two side tables. It seems like a lot and far too much for an RV.
Jeff’s truck arrives next week and we say goodbye the BMW.
Our plans have changed a bit as the move out date has drawn nearer. We are doing a bit of traveling separately for a few weeks this summer (I still need to work a few sporadic days in an accounting position in Chesapeake after the move on 6/18 so will need to fly or drive back here every now and then).
We have reconsidered our RV length and decided we don’t need the space of a 44’. Plus it allows us a smaller truck so less of a hassle.
Everything that is left will go into storage (already rented a unit and insured the contents). We will hop in our respective automobiles on June 18 and drive away from Virginia Beach and start our adventure.
Our plan is to find a small house or cabin to rent in the Salem/Roanoke area for a few months or at most until next spring. That will keep us close to Destinee for her first year of college so we can be sure things are going smoothly for her. We will have more time to search for a smaller RV that meets our needs and towing capacity.
Wintering in the Blue Ridge Mountains is not on my bucket list but I have planned at least 3 short tropical vacations to warmer locations to get me through. Hahaha.
It has been very liberating getting rid of all the things we have manage to accumulate. It has definitely changed the way I shop. I don’t buy things that take up permanent space any more, well except for that French butter crock I bought about a month ago but it only takes up a 4”x4” space on the counter and keeps the butter silky smooth and spreadable. Hahahaha.
Even grocery shopping is not the huge chore it used to be. I no longer feel compelled to have 50 rolls of TP in the linen closet “just in case”. Just in case there is a TP shortage??? What ever do we say to ourselves to consume so much as Americans? I’m done listening to that voice.
I only buy just what I need. Of course my idea of what I need is a bit convoluted and needs trimming down but my needs have certainly taken a change for the better.
The last few things that are still around are going into storage, to Ashley’s house or CHKD will come pick it up and it will go to help a good cause.
As for our travel plans I’m keeping those pretty close to the vest. No sense letting people get their hopes up of seeing my smiling face. My email address and phone will remain the same. Mail will be forwarded to Ashley’s until we settle into our new temporary home.
I will try to be more consistent about my postings but my time so far has been consumed with this change and I haven’t wanted to alter my momentum or deter from the path. This has been no simple task to simplify our lives.
Things removed from my life: Everything but necessary items.
14 Days and counting.