The biggest problem has been the pew. It's a beautiful antique bench that is a) very large and b) very heavy. It takes up a lot of real estate in the storage unit. Here it is:
We thought about selling it, but in this economy there are no takers. We thought about consigning it, but we'd get so little for it. Then we realized, "Hey, if we're going to pay for a storage unit, shouldn't we keep the GOOD STUFF like the pew and figure out something else to get rid of?" I mean, should we really pay $1500 a year to store our Christmas ornaments and some lawn furniture?
So our mission today, which we accepted, was to REARRANGE THE STORAGE SPACE so the pew could stay, and when the time comes, my comfy chair can fit in too. I am proud to say that I am a whiz at space organization and when people say, "There's no way it will all fit," I say, "Oh ye of little faith!"
My motto is:
THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE THING.
I am yet to be wrong about this.
This is how it looked when we got to the storage unit this morning. That desk that Buddha is sitting on is actually sitting on the seat of the aforementioned pew:
We took out about half the stuff, rearranged and repacked it back in, and now it looks like this:
What's that you say? It looks worse, not better? Ha! Well, okay, it does look worse, but it's actually much better. Really. The pew is now along a side wall with all the stuff we'll need in the RV piled on it. When the time comes, we'll be able to take out the RV stuff, rearrange this 'n that and slide my comfy chair right in. Seriously. We will. 'Cause there's always room for one more thing.
I'm full of admiration. Every room in our house looks like your storage unit. We must declutter - we simply MUST!!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, Hi Melissa! I'm so happy Blogger is "allowing" me to post a comment here! I've been having problems and so have a few others! How about you? Any problems for you?
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for your RV adventure!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to live vicariously through you.
Hi jabblog, it's very satisfying, but it seems to never end...
ReplyDeleteBecky, I always think it's my computer. I did have a little trouble yesterday on a blog.
Rachel, we'll have a good time together!
An organizational masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteImpressive!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think it is SO COOL that you guys are going to be RVing.
Thank you, mybabyjohn/Delores: It's nice to be recognized for one's accomplishments :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Laura, we'll have a good time together - thanks for coming by.
I agree that it CAN be done! We have had some parental downsizings in the last few years. It's amazing what can be packed into a 1300sq ft house with no one really noticing anything amiss. 'Course, it helps if you start with clutter LOL
ReplyDeleteI remember so well trying to squeeze everything into our Victorian garage, we got it all in there in the end! We had the same problem with our Pews and kitchen table, but decided to just sell them. We can always find more!
ReplyDeleteI a frantic search for my passport, I encountered piles of garbage I had been lugging from apartment to apartment for the last four years. Cable wires, old plug-in phones, paperclips, airline ticket stubs, half complied puzzel books. Into the garbage it all went. Now we have room to collect more stuff!
ReplyDeleteStephanie - yes, it can be done. We got rid of so much first!
ReplyDeleteOurLife, we were just about ready to donate the pew, when we had that "why get rid of the pew and store the small stuff" moment. We're down to about 5 antiques we aren't yet ready to part with = but who knows how we'll feel in a year!
Jane! So good to see you again! Yes, we must clear out the old to make room for the new, better stuff!
So cool, you're going to travel and that you have let go of some of your belongings to be free.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit jealous but wishing you much luck on your travels and on your new book.
Teresa
Have you ever played Tetris? You'd be good at it. The pew is beautiful, not many of that kind left anymore. I can understand your hesitation to get rid of it.
ReplyDeleteI remember when we moved my Grandma into a new apartment we had the greatest stacking team ever put together. The most elaborate game of jenga ever played :)
ReplyDeleteLooking at photos of your storage unit makes me crave another episode of Storage Wars! Ever seen that show on A&E? It's amazing what people abandon to their storage units, and I always wonder why they've left it behind. If you ever decide not to come back for your stuff, I want dibs on the pew.
ReplyDeleteKidding.
What I really want is the Buddha...
Hi Journaling Woman - everytime I let go of something I've been holding onto, I feel freer.
ReplyDeleteSally - I haven't heard of it but I'll check it out! I'm good at puzzles...
BraddonDorn - It's a weird challenge that I totally enjoy!
Cathy - I have seen it - in fact I was just watching it recently and thinking, boy if someone bid on ours they'd get some great stuff! One Buddha is going with us in the RV, but one has to stay behind and watch over our stuff.
I would so not want to get rid of such a beautiful piece of furniture! Glad you found a place for it.
ReplyDeleteYour budda is so cute!
ReplyDeleteMegan @ Storybook Love Affair
Karen, we didn't want to either. We were getting into the "letting go" mode - almost too much!! I'm glad we're keeping it.
ReplyDeleteMegan - I love my buddhas - my husband got one for me after each portion of my yoga teacher certification training.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog, jumping on board and leaving that comment! Many people thought I must've been seething with anger when I wrote that little poem but I actually wasn't. Perhaps I should've called it "The Moment of Acceptance."
ReplyDeleteI love your blog and I can't wait to follow along on your exciting journey. It's so cool that your husband paints while you write.
I just love the idea of that! :)
You are GOOD! I could sure use your expertise when it comes to my basement! I hate going down there.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne