It's getting realer and realer ...

[Getupngo]

Okay, ladies. I posted before that I really, surely, certainly and undoubtedly am going to sell my house this spring (put it on the market, anyway!). Well, then I promptly fell into a pile of whimpering and shaking, and when I wasn't doing that I walked in circles and thought waaaay too much. A friend suggested I use one of the local estate sale companies at whose sales my late DH avidly searched for treasures. They are coming over Wednesday to look at my mess -- er -- house.

If they decide I have enough stuff to make it worth their while, they'll sort through, itemize & price every item. Then they'll advertise and conduct the sale in my home. Whatever is unsold they will haul away. All for 35% of the take. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I think I must be at least half-cat. You know, dogs have owners, cats have staff. I need staff.

Today I cancelled the phone & internet service for the house, and when the Centurylink guy said, "Thank you for 20 years of service with us," I got a little lump. I'll use my cell phone & mi-fi card instead. Moving right along ...

[Bethers]

One step at a time! And it looks like you're making some steps now. Good for you. I know this is hard for you. Big hugs, g/f.

[bluepinecones]

Having the estate sale people handle it is a very good option for many people. Here's hoping they find you have many more treasures than you realized and all gets sold. Good luck.

[Sandersmr]

My mom moved 4 years ago after living in the same house for 44 years. It was a mass of emotions for her, and for me as well as we went through old letters and cards and stuff. And this was even with her keeping most of her stuff. Good luck to you.

[longdog2]

As a military family, we were forced to keep things like closets cleaned out because we moved every few years....and then you retire....and the closets start growing things. And my DH is a "collector", doesn't matter what it is, he has collections of it so it grows. Moved down to San Antonio area about 6 years ago. There were at least three garage sales and many items found their way to the curb and disappeared. Now he has all nooks and crannies filled again.

[OutandAbout]

I have found that it definitely takes longer to de-clutter than to acquire the clutter. I hope the estate people will be able to handle your "clutter". Good luck. Linda

[sharon]

I know you've been thru this heartache and uncertainy many times in the past few years that I've "known" you on the various rv sites and my heart goes out to you. It's time, my dear. Once it's all over, you'll be able to breathe a huge sigh of relief and get on with your life without this hanging around your neck. You've done everything you could to make this house yours and sounds like you've finally figured out that it ain't gonna happen. Face forward, one step at a time and we'll all be around you cheering you on!! Big hugs and lots of love flying your way!

[Getupngo]

Sharon, thanks for your kind thoughts. 'Cuz I'm kinda worried that I don't have enough "treasures" ... I'm going to possibly enlist a couple of estate sale shark friends of mine (My DH's brother and another estate-sale buddy) and see if they'd like to toss some items into the mix.

Anyway, life is good. Thanks for all the support ... these are all luxury problems.

[VickieP]

Good luck, Janice, you're a determined woman, I know you can get done!

[mitch5252]

You'll get 'er done! I guess you found your "time"...
Hugs!

[txyellowrose]

Sharon, thanks for your kind thoughts. 'Cuz I'm kinda worried that I don't have enough "treasures" ... I'm going to possibly enlist a couple of estate sale shark friends of mine (My DH's brother and another estate-sale buddy) and see if they'd like to toss some items into the mix.

Nice to meet ya, Janice!

When I sold my house and "stuff," the estate sale folks brought some other items in, so perhaps that might also be an option for you.

The only other thing I'm gonna say is, "You GO, Girl!"

[Gentleladybear]

I too am downsizing. I have shredded, burned, tossed, delivered to hospice, friends of the library. No one visits and doesn't leave with a handful of goodies. I look around and can't tell I did a thing. Think it is mating and growing when I turn my back.

It takes awhile to get all this done. Hope your sale goes well and your house sells quickly. I am hoping mine sells before May. Good luck to you.

[BirdbyBird]

The physical labor is enough to wear one down but here is wishing you the mental and emotion energy and strength to go through all the minute choices and past all the memories that wait for you at every turn...... You will get where you want to be....keep moving is good, day by day....

[Getupngo]

Talked to a friend who knows all the estate sale companies in town, and she said that if my collection of "treasures" is too small, they'll either bring things from another estate in for my sale, or take my stuff to another sale. So I'm feeling quite relieved.

They're coming to assess the situation tomorrow at 10 a.m. ... then I'll get on their schedule.

Repeating my mantra: "These are only luxury problems ... These are only luxury problems ... These are only luxury problems ...."

Life is good ....

[Nasoosie]

Sure sounds as if you have things on the move, Janice! I feel your anxiousness, but also your determination to get out from under the real estate. Keep us posted as you move along and hit some sore spots as you sort your stuff. You will eventually feel free and relieved to have the albatross drop into the sea, although a bit nostalgic, too, as was the Mariner. Thinking of you----