I drafted this post a long time ago, maybe 2015 or 2016, but it was even more interesting to re-read given my flatmate moved internationally to live back in Australia. And his boxes have arrived! So I can report on his decisions below in italics in 2017!
So, work’s restructuring. I feel confident. I have to feel confident, I have to lead 60 people through it. But I legitimately free OK.
The BF’s work (see how old this is?)is making HUGE changes, which could see opportunities internationally. We could possibly move internationally.
Even if the above is only a dream… people do move house!
If we move far, we would not pack
– almost anything electrical (TV, VCR/DVD, fridge, washing machine, desktop computer, blender, iron, toaster, kettle, food processer) flatmate seems to have sent a computer screen, cables and cords, a modem (how he thought he could wait months for that!)
– second hand/Ikea furniture (dining chairs and table, occasional chairs, IKEA bed frames, buffet, kitchen trolley, coffee table, outdoor chairs and table) yep, he brought no furniture
– linens (towels, sheets, donna covers, cushions) again, all supplied by me in the initial months
– cheaper ‘art’: second hand canvas photo prints (3)! again, none.
– decorator items like birdcages, Astroturf rabbit, ornamental Easter eggs well… no, but.. there has been about 30 tchokees arrive and be put out on a common area. They are travel souvenirs..
We would take with us
– clothing of all seasons, location dependent flatmate seemed to have sent many clothing items on the slow boat!
– personal electronics like laptops, tablets and phones; toothbrush and hair dryer obviously!
We would store!?
– sentimental items like photo albums and journals and art
– the couches – I love them. They were bought new. They will not sell well. It took me a long time to find the ‘right’ sofa. My parents stored theirs for three years and only just replaced them (stored from 1995-1998)
– cushion covers if I love them – this one totally surprises me! What WAS I thinking?
– books – I don’t have many, what I do have, is because I WANT to keep them, but with a clear limit (ie one tea chest sized box)
Things I have NO idea about
– cutlery and crockery – they’d last time, but they are heavy so there’d be little point in taking them he’s not shipped either, but… done well to break some glasses and crockery – special skills, cause I can’t recall the last time I smashed something!
– kitchen gadgetry from pots to pans to utensils – which is similar to the above so, the flatmate has bought some things of his preference (cast iron pans) as little things like silicone rings for eggs and oversized ice cube trays. His choices usually puzzle me! He’d packed to ship items like a knife sharpener, and got impatient and re-bought one.
– lamps – I LOVE some of them. But again, HEAVY! And electrical, life can be unkind to them when they are out of use Flatmate loves that we have lamps (well… uses them) but thinks one is a little too bright… Didn’t see the rush to buy a dimmer globe when it blew, so I’m ignoring his feedback :p
What this made me realise? Buying cheaper furniture that I like, whether Ikea or second hand, makes me less invested in keeping it if life changes. That being said, I’m happy with it. I don’t want to upgrade it.
If I had to move long-distance, I could leave my furniture, accessories, kitchen items and most books. I would want personal items like photo albums or journals, but I think I’d be OK with scanning them. I’d keep a few heirlooms like quilts and other linens. I would want my clothes and jewellery, even though they don’t have high value. I’d take or replace my electronics. I doubt if I would choose another home with a large yard or garden so I’d get rid of all my outdoor stuff and maybe have a balcony with some container gardening. However, all this is purely theoretical because I would not move internationally (at least not permanently).
I realise I don’t look through photo albums – or create them anymore. I have recently looked into printing my blog or Facebook photos, but to what end?
No yard is a blessing, at least in terms of chores. But having some of your own nature, as I did last year at my parent’s place, was lovely.