Moving 18 years worth of stuff to New Home, how can I do it and survive to tell about it?

Question

I know I'm a pack rat. But, with all of my crafts and hobbies, I've got ALOT of stuff. Plus, clothes, keepsakes, many cats, 3 large dogs, and 2 kids who've inherited the pack rat gene. I know it would be best to go through everything before I move it and get really organized and throw out stuff, but I just don't think I'm up to it. My husband died tragicaly 4 months ago, and, due to the circumstances, I thinks it's best that I get the kids and me into our new home. The new place isn't that far away, and in fact, my kids are already attending school there, and the traveling back and forth twice a day is another reason I need to go ahead and get us over there. I thought about hiring someone to come in and help me pack up, but with my recent very painful loss, I have to admit I've let the house go alot, and I'd really be embarassed. Moving is difficult anyway, but with 18 years accumulated, and probably a good bit of depression, I just don't have any idea how to even start.

Answer 1

Yes, you do need help! You are (as I understand you) saying that you are embarrassed about being embarrassed? Come on! That's plain crazy!

Hire some help! There are organisations which do that sort of thing and are trained not to comment on your lack of organisation (which is QUITE understandable, by the way ... pack rats are pack rats and depressed pack rats simply can't cope without help!). Look in Yellow Pages, contact Social Services to see if they know of any firms that do this ... even hire some organised friends (I mean, offer to pay them!).

Ideally, it would be best to have a session with the people explaining what is what and then to take your courage in both hands and TAKE A VACATION! If you can't do that, then limit yourself strictly to a 'Yes-No' role, when asked if you want to keep/sell/give to charity/throw away.

It is VERY stressfull. You owe it to yourself and your kids (and your husband would have been adamant about it, I'm sure) to afford the luxury of help!

Take good care of yourself always! Oh ... Sleepwalker's advice is dangerous! Stay OFF the alcohol (except in moderation as a reward). You might, perhaps, see a doctor and ask for a mild antidepressant to help you through. The more people you talk to who are able to help, the better. The doctor may not prescribe medication but he will certainly have some very helpful advice.

I wish you the very best of luck ... (and I would love to hear how it went when you are settled in your new home!)

Answer 2

Do you have the new house already?

If you do how long can you keep two homes up?

Move in to new home & only bring what you realy need.
Keep it neat.

Next bring the things you realy, realy want.
Keep it neat.

I am sure that there will be lots of stuff left yet.
Ask your self will I realy realy need this & how can I keep it & keep it neat.

You have to turn over a complete new leaf, You can't take your old habits with you. If you don't want to do that you should stay where your at until you a realy sure that you want to change.

I am a pack rat & have been here for 12 years & brought most of 30 years from the old house. I don't think I am ready for a new leaf
my self.

When I was 8 or 9 years old I had alot of toys & we were moving to the country. So I thought I won't need all those toys so I sold them for pennies to my friends. It wasn't to much later at the new home when I was sitting around doing nothing that I wished I haden't got rid of my toys. I think that is a big part of why I find it so hard to part with things.

So if you can look in to your self You may find the reason you want to save things, This just may help you in saving what you realy need to save & let you to start getting rid of other stuff.

While sorting what to bring to new house sort out what is realy trash & things you don't want but someone else might.

If you have a lot of things that are reasonably good you may want to have a rummage sale. Once you have enough for a rummage sale & you start to sell things you & the kids may find that there are even more things that you would take some money for.

Before you start the sale tell, no promise your that the stuff either
sells, you give it away or you thow it out.

Set up a reasonable timetable to do all of this within.

Answer 3

Three years ago we moved after living 25 years in the same spot, the time to pitch stuff is before you move, less to move and less to put away after you move, any clothes you haven't wore in the past year get rid of them, same with craft supplies or anything else. Do the same with the kids stuff.
Pack and label all boxes that are going to the new house, what is in the box and what rooms the boxes go in. It would be wise to get the kitchen and bedrooms set up first. Pack a separate tote with cleaning supplies so they will be handy first thing when you move also throw in a couple of rolls of toilet paper so it will be handy when you get to the new house.
You seriously need to get rid of the stuff before you move you will regret it if you don't, it is time to get with the program and get things packed and start moving stuff in if the new house is vacant, pack all the craft stuff in clear plastic totes so you can see what is in them, throw away or donate any craft items that are out dated or that you know you won't finish, do the same with the clothing anything you or the kids can't wear or don't wear donate, unless in all of the hassels of moving you think you would have time for a yard sale. The most important thing is getting moved and getting rid of the junk you don't use or won't be using. So start by getting the kitchen packed and sorting thru the kitchen stuff you don't use, then start on the bedrooms, when you get those rooms packed get it over to the new house and put away. Then do the bathrooms living room and any other rooms you have in the house, when ever you get a few boxes packed haul it to the new house and get it unpacked when the kids are in school. You've got to start somewhere instead of procrastinating about it, once you get started it will go quicker than you think, your husband is gone now and you have to get a grip and know that your kids need you too and you need to get ready to move on with the rest of your life, I know this sounds harsh, and I'am sorry about your husbands death but you have kids that need you and you have a task at hand so it is time to buckle down and get busy. If you start by getting the stuff sorted and packed that you are going to keep things will go much faster and you will be down to just needing help moving the big stuff, also if you have a close friend I'm sure that she would help you and you could have fun doing it, sometimes all you have to do is ask.

Answer 4

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I can empathize, as I just lost my father a couple months ago. First of all, moving is one of the most stressful things in life, second only to perhaps the tragedy you've just endured. For that reason, you need to give yourself a break, and ask for help. I also recommend Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey or Phish Food.

I would have to recommend calling your local grocery store's produce department and ask them to save you some apple and orange boxes. Go to your newspaper office and they will most likely give you a big stack of expired newspapers for free. Then go around your house, one room at a time and just box up the little stuff, your keepsakes and such. Label the box with the room, then what it contains and be specific. Due to the recent loss of your husband, I would discourage you from deciding what to throw away at this point...you can decide that later.

Perhaps you have a close friend or two or three and you can invite them over for cake and packing?! They can come hang out with you while you box up the little things and maybe lend you a hand. Just the distraction of having them near will make a world of difference. Make sure you only do one room at a time. Bouncing all over the house makes it seem overwhelming and makes it take a lot longer before you see any results. Have the kids box up their own things.

IMPORTANT....remember to keep taking the cats out of each box before you seal it!

I would strongly urge you to utilize a moving company once you get all your little stuff boxed up. It will save you a tremendous amount of stress and time....better for all concerned. I think one of the most important things you can do is to know that you do not have to handle this all by yourself.

Answer 5

I have been there. Just take your time. When my dad passed away people wondered what took a year to go through the stuff. He didn't have one of everything...no it was normally 3 & 4. I bought a book...They say divide a room into 4ths. Work for 1/2 an hour to an hour. Then leave. You will be amazed what you will come across that makes you depressed. Have 3 rubbermaid buckets. One maked keep, another marked donate, and the other (which I used a trash bag) yep you guessed it trash. Go through everything. Have the kids do the same in their rooms, toys that are broken trash, toys they don't want donate. Anything to them that has a special meaning keep. Clothes that are out of style, gone. Have you worn it in 6 months? If not, gone. Your husbands clothes. I can only tell you what I did with my dads things. Shirts (t-shirts), shorts, jammy pants, and socks. I could wear. So I kept them. Hankies, and little things of such, I kept. I kept his suites and dress shirts, becuase the oldest boy can fit into them. Most people just donate most of it. Crafts....oh I love this one. I sew and do crafts...I have one of the sterlite 5 drawer containers, they have rollers on the bottom for wheels. I used baby food jars for tiny beads. You can go to goodwill or somewhere like that and see if you can find smaller containers to put items in. Cardboard dividers found in the boxes at Wal-Mart or grocery store can divide out the drawers. You can use a pegboard with the special hooks like you use to put up screwdrivers, hammers, etc for paint brushes. If you have the kids art work on the fridge...put each childs art work in individual artists profilos. Stick to a small budget and still create great storage for art supplies. Muffin tins, drawer dividers, silverware caddies, earthenware crocks and plastic storage tubs can all do valuable organizational duty. Need more help? Email me and I will help.

Answer 6

I still think you're best bet is hiring somebody to help you move. After all, you won't ever see the movers again, and I'm sure they're used to moving cluttered houses. If you feel embarassed, try to remind yourself that you are going through an extremely difficult time, and that you are doing all you can right now. If there are areas in the house that are really bad you could get some boxes and throw the stuff in ahead of time, Then take your time unpacking and try to reorganize yourself from there. I'm very sorry for your loss. Good luck!

Answer 7

you have truthfully had your share of trials to conquer and you have completed properly just to stay to tell the story, many people would have fallen decrease back into the way of life they grew up with, on account that's what's customary to them. everybody desires an ear or shoulder each and every so often and you will't permit your previous carry you down now. inclusive of your husband being long previous lots, that is extra durable to discover the information from others you could turn to. it would desire to be an earnings to connect a team or take in yet another activity to discover different activity or pursuits you're able to desire to apply to interchange or come to grips with the undesirable aspects of your life. Furthering your coaching and looking out some new friends is an decision. communities are regularly in choose of volunteers for diverse centers including: nutrients On Wheels, large Sisters or Brothers, helping the Homeless, and etc. I actual have heard the advice that as quickly as you're actively committed interior the provider of others, you besides mght can receive solutions on your guy or woman concerns. Getting scientific interest on your concern would be something to think approximately inclusive of your husband, yet a metamorphosis on your time table and/or events is often purely as effectual. Then purely be the guy you're and triumph over those annoying circumstances additionally. you have truthfully proved you could and we are all rooting for you presently.

Answer 8

I don't have an answer for you , I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and now this in your life. Don't let the depression get you down , everyday find something to look forward to in your new place , and I agree big tI'me with the guys suggesting asking for help , no one is perfect in the circumstance your in , no one will mind some mess , Good luck , im not an avid pray type person but you are in my thoughts . Good Luck you can do it.

Answer 9

Rent some storage space near your new home. Pack the essentials in a u-haul or with the movers.

After 6 months or a year, get rid of the stuff you didn't take out of storage.What you didn't miss for that long, you won't need.

Answer 10

Call someone to help you move - I guarantee that they do not care in the least how dirty, clean, junky, neat, or anything else your house is. I went through a move when I was terribly depressed, and the movers were very professional, and gave me a lot of peace of mind. Good luck, and hang in there!