Random Words: Moving Thoughts
This move is proving to be different to most.
There is a lot of stuff that I have moved from house to house (including the interstate move from Brisbane to Melbourne over seven years ago) that I didn’t really pay much attention to when I moved it. It was mine, therefore I moved it.
As a result, there’s stuff here that I’ve known that I’ve owned, but that knowledge is a bit theoretical, a bit tenuous. Yes, it’s mine, but have I really owned it, or has it just been following me around all these years?
This time I am going through everything, making sure the the reason that I’m moving it is because I choose to move it, not simply that it’s following along. Case in point is my CD collection. I have a reasonable number of CDs that have been sitting in a CD holder either under my computer desk or on the mantelpiece of my computer room. Tonight is the first time I have looked at any of them since I moved here over three years ago. I’m picking them up, looking at them and packing them away in a box ready to be moved.
But, the important thing is I am looking at them, deciding that yes I am going to keep them. After the move I’ll probably (finally) rip them all to computer and put them away in a box in the storage cage, but I am paying attention to the fact that I have them for the first time in I don’t know how long.
A lot of what I own has just become caught up in the wash, following along behind me as I’ve gone place to place. To be perfectly honest, it’s probably cost me huge amounts of money in moving and storage costs over the years that it didn’t need to. Some of the stuff has gone straight into the bin, something that I am finding much easier now. Other bits are getting assigned to part of my mental to-do list of things I need to do after the move. Some of that stuff is probably worth money to the right person, so I’ll probably attempt to sell it on eBay afterwards. Other bits have gone into the “give away” pile. I don’t need it, and if anyone else wants it they can have it.
I’m still going to be overly cramped in the new apartment, at least for a while, but I know I’m still going to be continuing on the down-sizing after the move. Before the move is the obvious stuff, after will be the finer details, and working out what works and what doesn’t in the new space.
Things to note:
- The rubbish bin is nowhere near big enough. I have almost 2 decades worth of collecting to get rid of, and while the bin has been full every week for the last month, I will still be getting a skip to dispose of all the rest after I move out.
- The recycle bin is also nowhere near big enough. Same deal.
- I was thinking of using Taxibox to temporarily store the books, DVDs, CD and all of that sort of stuff that I don’t need straight away until after the move, but the logistics of this house isn’t making it easy. Being on Bell St means we can’t put it out front, and the rollerdoor access means we can’t put it out back, so it’s likely it’s not going to happen.
- I’m planning on buying a new computer desk and dining table from Ikea, as the current ones I own are far too big for the new space. This means my current ones are going to be given away. Once I’ve made a bit more space and am able to take photos I’ll post details. I’m giving it all away, but if you want it, you need to come and get it before the end of the lease, otherwise I’ll be donating it all to charity or chucking it in the skip.
- I am giving away bookcases as well. I know I have more than will fit in the apartment, all I have to do is work out what I have room for and which ones I am getting rid of. I know I am getting rid of the white storage shelving units (ideal for a workshop or craft room) and the 4 generic black bookcases. Adrian has first priority on the black bookcases as he’s currently already using 2 of them, however if he doesn’t want them then they will be up for grabs.
- I will be buying a new fridge, washing machine and microwave. I have my own fridge, but it’s a large 600 litre model that’s too big for the fridge space in the new apartment. I was originally thinking of loaning Adrian my current one until I need it again, but I’ve reconsidered and I’m probably going to sell it instead. I only need one fridge, and having another one just hanging around in the back of my mind is probably not worth the hassle. The current washing machine is a top-loader, and it’s actually a loaner from people who don’t need it, so I’m going to buy a new front loader which will fit better. The current microwave is Adrian, and he’ll be taking that.
- I have a portable air-conditioning unit with window kit that I bought at the start of last summer to help my bedroom survive the really hot spells. I’m not going to need it, so I’ll be selling it. It cost me $400 new, it’s only been used for the one season, so I’d like to get $300 for it if I can.
- I keep on looking around the place and noticing something that I hadn’t considered. So I’m constantly thinking about will I take something, and if so, how will it fit in amongst the rest.
- For instance, I just remembered the 3 door cabinet that’s sitting in my study. The only place it would “fit” in the new apartment is down the hallway, and I really don’t know if it would fit. 120cm long, 42cm deep and 90cm high. The hallway is only 92cm wide, so that would take a large chunk of that width, but it’s not that high so won’t feel as big because it won’t be crowding you in at eye level. Not sure.
- I put together one of the single beds just to make sure I have all the pieces. It’s missing 2 of the slats (which if I remember correctly, I broke, which is what prompted me to get my first queen size bed all those years ago). If anyone wants it I will get replacements for the two missing slats. The one problem with it is it has been sitting in storage for quite some time, and some parts of it have gotten sunbleached and/or dried and cracked. It could probably do with someone who knows wood giving it a little bit of care.
- I am hoping that going through all the crates and boxes will allow me to find the bolts for the other single bed. It’s going to be a bit of a challenge to find replacement bolts if I can’t find the original ones. I think I’m going to have to take some measurements and wander down to Bunnings and hope for the best.
- I also have a 68cm flatscreen CRT television. I doubt anyone wants it (as I have tried to give it away before) which means it will probably end up in the skip.
Physically I am finding the actual moving of the packed boxes exhausting, but the rest I am finding strangely pleasing. I wish I’d done this clean out a hell of a long time ago.
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