Declutter with Purpose. This is Round Two. This is my own Pinterest declutter story, with only Yes or No answers. Round One was three years ago. I went from a 12×30 garage to four different storage units. My new first step had been to consider my move to New Mexico. Now, this new destination of New Mexico demands Round Two.
Why Round One Failed
I couldn’t get away from the “might need this” or “just in case” category. I kept adding unit to unit until I ended up with four. They were an easy out and I was tired of going through the whole thing. It has turned into a monthly trap of bleeding money and ignoring and not recognizing how it affected my income. The new goal of New Mexico has given me a chance to reorganize and regroup everything. Lesson learned = I have declutter with purpose.
The New Goal Changes Everything
Round One was the perfect time to get rid of things, but I was too emotional at that time for declutter with purpose. Now, New Mexico isn’t just a move, it’s a reset for my life and my goals. That’s why it’s imperative for me to have only yes or no as my answers and zero room for any “maybes”. Those Hot Wheels? Uuuuummmm. Still a maybe. I will have to decide.
So, one of four storage units at a time and I don’t overwhelm myself and can keep it real. I have a definite space available in the Class C RV and can’t overdo it. I may have to redo the first storage to get it down to the “bare bones” for the RV, too. We shall see how it goes. Have to physically check things out. Again, the goal is to have one done by the end of June.
The Advantages of Changes
I see this as an advantage to relieve my family of “going through my stuff” when I am gone. It’s a mental and physical aspect. It also helps me to have less clutter, because I don’t have to physically move all of the stuff from one state to another. My other sister had to hire a truck to move all of her belongings when she did that. She didn’t have any storage units like I do–just a house with a basement. She also donated “too good to trash” articles with others and local stores to recycle. Maybe a tax write-off?
My goal is to have a pickup-sized load to move to New Mexico. That should fit in the Class C RV and give me enough “moving around” room. My final thought is that every box I clear is one less that the family has to deal with someday. No unpleasant surprises in an empty storage unit.
The Financial Reality
The financial situation will relieve some of my “worry-type” stress when I have less storage units. They are all a drain on my budget. I have to plan my time to go clear out the units. Two are a half-hour drive and those are the ones I will do first.
I plan on finding everything on the long list that I can, to avoid extra expenses as I search through things. I am lucky to have Barbara, my trusted friend and research partner, who helps with added expertise about RV living.
Do you know the worst part of all of this? I cannot remember what is actually in those units! Here’s what I’m considering. Placing a simple ad in my local weekly paper. Or, finding a local consignment shop and talking to the owner. Either way, it’s a people business.
Images are Helpful, Too.
I will also take some images to show the consignment owner what I already have sifted through. Tools weren’t mentioned as a category, but I have several that would interest the miners around here. And, of course, there were times I couldn’t find the screwdriver that I wanted, either. My favorite one? It was Max’s chew-toy for a while when he was a puppy! It’s still pretty rough on my hand.
How to Help Yourself
One word of caution. Before you contact anyone, make sure you know what is in your storage unit. Physically walk your space and list your items using their consignment categories. Take your phone camera or the pen and paper route and list everything. It’s more homework! But worth every minute of it. That’s what I plan to do with those years of stuff in the storage units.
The critical question for every item for me is–New Mexico or gone? Include an educational phase, especially if you started where I started-knowing nothing. Do your RV research, look at the costs of what you need and get a resource person that is willing to help you.
Be practical by taking a person with you that has experience, other than the salesman at the lot. The Internet has an overabundance of resources and find what works for you. Take your time, too. This decision is a major one and there is no need to rush.
My Actions Give Me New Mexico
I am now “On the Road Again”–thank you Willie Nelson–and making good decisions. The yes or no system will be my payoff. As I decrease the number of storage units, I remove the albatross of finances from my neck, one unit at a time. Give me time to follow through on all of this. I did talk to Barbara and her RV experiences with Ken. I will keep you posted.
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