Jun 28, 2011

Ten-Word Tuesday — The Moving Edition

For the past few days wrapped in some more days, Bossy has been helping a friend prepare to move. This means Bossy and her friend have been shifting through every single item found in every single cabinet and drawer and shelf and tabletop and nook and closet and hook.

This is a portrait of what that looks like:

As difficult as it is to look through one’s stuff and try to make sense of it — especially when that stuff is wrapped inside other stuff tucked in more stuff — it’s worth it to part with clutter.

Bossy’s mom has espoused the theory that one can’t truly accomplish this kind of stuff overhaul unless one is moving because you have no choice but to unearth every item and make decisions about it.

As an Interior Designer, Bossy’s mom often had to wage battle against the stuff her clients wouldn’t part with. Bossy’s mom entertained the idea that the most enlightening thing she could do for a client would be to pull a moving truck into the driveway, put absolutely everything in it, drive that moving truck around the block, and then pull it back into the driveway where the client would no doubt see how insane it would be to move that stuff back into its old position.

Throughout the process of helping her friend get organized, Bossy has been thinking a lot about the clutter in her own life and wishing she had the moving excuse so she could pick up her house, turn it upside down, and shake loose the contents.

Bossy can sum up her desire to be free of everything extraneous in this way: Until Bossy actually does move, she probably won’t do it.

Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, what do you have to say about the process of moving and going through your stuff and getting rid of things — and do you think it’s possible to organize as though you’re moving when you’re actually not?

In other news, Bossy would like to announce the winner of her iPad giveaway sponsored by Brad’s Deals: it’s Amy from Pretty Babies! Congratulations, Amy!

And thanks to the rest of you for playing along. Bossy can’t express how much she appreciates it. Or wait, maybe she just did!

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85 comments

1. 1
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:47 am
   whirled_peas said:

   The best money I ever spent was to hire movers.


2. 2
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:47 am
   lora said:

   total house cleanse every 5 years. touch everything you own.


3. 3
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:47 am
   Dara said:

   Twice yearly, I pretend I am moving-everything MUST GO!!!


4. 4
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:50 am
   Suebob said:

   Last 10% of moving takes as long as first 90%


5. 5
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:50 am
   Brenda said:

   Can’t walk through office: oh, when will motivation kick in?


6. 6
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:53 am
   Jami said:

   Uprooting and moving sucks. Periodically winnowing your life, however, doesn’t.


7. 7
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:54 am
   Summer said:

   Lost my decluttering how-to books underneath mounds of junk.


8. 8
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:56 am
   Kizz said:

   My mother is a hoarder. I fear for my future.


9. 9
   on June 28th, 2011 at 11:59 am
   WebSavvyMom said:

   –>My husband purges weekly. I’m lucky to still be around.


10. 10
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
    Dobes said:

    Not my problem. I keep only a few beautiful things.


11. 11
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
    Debby said:

    Major flooring remodel has forced packing/organizing. Easier to move


12. 12
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
    Deb @ Green V-Neck said:

    Can’t keep house clean, would never be able to sell.


13. 13
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:08 pm
    daniela said:

    I am actually moving as we speak. Pakcers at my house today – movers tomorrow. I’ve been going through stuff for weeks trying to throw stuff out. My 10 words are this:

    Oh Ma Gah – Is that my 8th grade cheerleading outfit?


14. 14
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
    KathyB said:

    Organizationally challenged myself. Came by it honestly. Cross to bear


15. 15
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
    Heartworks said:

    One drawer at a time- it can be done!


16. 16
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
    Greta said:

    Yes, it’s possible to reorganize without moving…it’s called redecorating!


17. 17
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
    Dray said:

    Emptied house contents into garage. Couldn’t park. Stuff eliminated.


18. 18
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
    hollygee said:

    I moved my stuff didn’t. $80/month for five years.


19. 19
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
    Mary from Northern California said:

    Why are an old sweater and uncomfortable shoes so depressing?


20. 20
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
    Scottsdale Girl said:

    Watch a few Hoarders episodes, motivation abounds


21. 21
    on June 28th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
    Lina said:

    Join the military- forced/ paid to move every three years.


22. 22
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
    Betsy said:

    Take what’s necessary, leave all the rest to new owners.


23. 23
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
    Meg at the Members Lounge said:

    Inherited grandmother’s cleaning gene. Closets purged every spring and fall.


24. 24
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
    heidig said:

    Needed new roof, ordered dumpster, threw contents of attic into it. Done!


25. 25
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
    Meg said:

    Next time I move I’m going out heels first, horizontally.


26. 26
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
    Cupcake Murphy said:

    Two closets + one mini garage % forced, continual clutter control = Gleehappy.


27. 27
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
    Elise said:

    If I ever move again, I’m buying all new stuff.


28. 28
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:09 pm
    p.j. said:

    Won’t take the week off from work to do it.


29. 29
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
    Cindy in Walla Walla said:

    City sewer backed up into basement last weekend. Decisions made.

    OR

    City shit took all our good shit.


30. 30
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:46 pm
    Robin said:

    Flylady.com uncluttered my life. Ahhhh. Things are much nicer now.


31. 31
    on June 28th, 2011 at 1:57 pm
    Teeny Tina said:

    Have moved six times in five years. No clutter left.


32. 32
    on June 28th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
    Ellen said:

    Move frequently: new countries, new continents. Rolling stones, no moss.


33. 33
    on June 28th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
    GreatAunt said:

    Moving sucks, but getting rid of stuff feels so wonderful!


34. 34
    on June 28th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
    Angela said:

    I’d cut off a finger for a personal organizer visit.


35. 35
    on June 28th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
    Dalnapen said:

    If I’m not using it, I want someone else to.


36. 36
    on June 28th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
    Jennifer H. said:

    *Love* to organize, no clutter in my house or head.


37. 37
    on June 28th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
    Jacquie said:

    A box in my office holds typewritten memos from 1988.


38. 38
    on June 28th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
    birdie23 said:

    cleaning my closet out, found two books on anti-clutter.Hmmm.


39. 39
    on June 28th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
    Amy said:

    Thank you SOOO much Bossy! I am so excited!


40. 40
    on June 28th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
    Olivia said:

    If it’s not moving, toss it out. Moving sucks, though.


41. 41
    on June 28th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
    BOSSY said:

    Major organization spirals downward into throwing shit into trash bags.


42. 42
    on June 28th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
    Doug said:

    Will we see you on the next edition of “Hoarders?”


43. 43
    on June 28th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
    Lisa L. said:

    sorting, packing, moving…..all of it makes my ass twitch!!!


44. 44
    on June 28th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
    jennifer said:

    If something isn’t held in a place of honor….let it go.


45. 45
    on June 28th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
    Janet said:

    I’m doing it now! Hate it, hate it, hate it!!!!


46. 46
    on June 28th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
    Birdbrain said:

    Hot water heater in second story room ready to blowup (according to the plumber and the constant leaking) filled with books, bookcases, suitcases, Xmas decorations and crap. Purged that puppy in a flash!


47. 47
    on June 28th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
    AngAK said:

    getting married. moving 5 homes into 2.may take years.


48. 48
    on June 28th, 2011 at 6:08 pm
    Laur said:

    4 1/2 decades – 30th move this weekend.
    I can walk into any house and tell you how many boxes it will take.


49. 49
    on June 28th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
    Lizzy said:

    I’m surrounded by stuff and 4 people who won’t purge.


50. 50
    on June 28th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
    Lizzy said:

    Although I feel successful since I cleaned the dress-up box.


51. 51
    on June 28th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
    kathy said:

    Before thirty moved 10 times.after thirty once- never again!


52. 52
    on June 28th, 2011 at 6:58 pm
    kathy said:

    Getting vacation place to have more storage. Will not MOVE!


53. 53
    on June 28th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
    GrandeMocha said:

    Dear God I hope I die before I have to pack!


54. 54
    on June 28th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
    Ruth said:

    Semi Hoarder I confess. Need to MOVE. Swore would NEVER move again.


55. 55
    on June 28th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
    Catherine McP said:

    Use to have junk piles, now anal about my sparseness!

    Ask daughter when she puts purse on table, I itch!


56. 56
    on June 28th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
    Blog Princess G said:

    Love to purge my stuff regularly. Home stays clutter free, mind is clearer, heart is happier. Don’t wait til moving is my advice.


57. 57
    on June 28th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
    helenel said:

    Just threw out notes from 8th grade. Get the picture?


58. 58
    on June 28th, 2011 at 11:23 pm
    klcrab said:

    I would rather go into labor than move ever again.


59. 59
    on June 28th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
    Kate said:

    Moving for fourth time this year, to Brazil. Purging rules!


60. 60
    on June 28th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
    BossysMom said:

    hey all you horders…who will move your stuff eventually.


61. 61
    on June 28th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
    MemeGRL said:

    Hi BossysMom! Thanks for rearranging our stuff so helpfully!

    My 10:

    Daughter of 2 pack rats, trying to break the chain.

    OR:

    But I might need it someday! like back in 1998.


62. 62
    on June 29th, 2011 at 12:17 am
    Allegra said:

    1st Move: car
    3rd Move: small truck
    Last: A Match?


63. 63
    on June 29th, 2011 at 12:23 am
    Allegra said:

    I try to pretend that I’m moving, but remain unmoved.

    #29 Cindy from Walla Walla – that was priceless.


64. 64
    on June 29th, 2011 at 1:21 am
    Lynn said:

    Fill one giveaway bag every month. Feels good. Works great.


65. 65
    on June 29th, 2011 at 1:28 am
    Cage Free Family said:

    If you didn’t know it was there, forgot you had it or haven’t used it in a year – it goes. It’s how I always lived and it’s what I did when I donated everything and moved onto an RV It works.


66. 66
    on June 29th, 2011 at 7:34 am
    krg said:

    moved last week, discarded taxes since 1967. might need them?


67. 67
    on June 29th, 2011 at 9:34 am
    allison in houston said:

    “helped” mom move. hired movers. she kept the crap
    anyway.

    And all the crap that wasn’t ready for the movers I got to pack and schlep for the next two days, despite having been there packing for her every weekend for the last month. Advice to ALL – DO BETTER!


68. 68
    on June 29th, 2011 at 9:39 am
    km said:

    Just moved.How does one part with BOOKS???Dead hands.


69. 69
    on June 29th, 2011 at 10:20 am
    Piper "Ace" Benjamin said:

    I donate all kinds of stuff. Makes mom completely batshit.


70. 70
    on June 29th, 2011 at 10:34 am
    Yellaphant said:

    I think the next time I move I’m just going to leave everything except one bag of clothes. Just waaaaalk away.


71. 71
    on June 29th, 2011 at 12:11 pm
    Amy said:

    When I attempted to throw out “But I might need it someday” (Swedish Chemistry text book written in 1898).
    I lost, it and its many companions, all in Swedish, are still there. This explains my mother’s college class notes from 1942, unmatched crockery in the basement, a car in the attic and a boat in the basement. (Well, just pieces, what would fit through the doors.) Two engines in the garage, one in the backyard and one in the basement. We might need it someday. Yeah – we need it to fill a dumpster.


72. 72
    on June 29th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
    Margie said:

    Mom was a crafter. I am a crafter. Help me!


73. 73
    on June 29th, 2011 at 1:18 pm
    Kristi said:

    Military family. Move every couple years. Good at tossing stuff.


74. 74
    on June 29th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
    Cassie Sue said:

    Try starting small, does not seem as overwhelming, I think.

    Also, Ariel on offbeat home did a great piece about this. http://offbeathome.com/2011/03/pack-rat-suicide She talks about giving all of these crazy items a moment to shine and then LETTING. THEM. GO! I think it’s cleansing to let things go, so I’ve been trying it…. slowly.


75. 75
    on June 29th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
    molly said:

    Try taking a pic of each item, then organizing on your computer. Convinces you to let go of stupid stuff to itemize.


76. 76
    on June 29th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
    janet said:

    Choose one small area. Craigslist. You’ll be amazed what sells!


77. 77
    on June 29th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
    janet said:

    Empty a room to re-paint. What deserves to be returned?


78. 78
    on June 29th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
    MIME said:

    Just moved to a new home in same city. Did lots of culling/sorting/pitching. I feel so liberated. It’s not something you can talk someone else into—you just gotta’ get there yourself.


79. 79
    on June 29th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
    rubia said:

    the easiest move i ever made was post Katrina. the clothes on my back and starting over. now a mere 5 1/2 yrs later. CLUTTER.


80. 80
    on June 29th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
    amy said:

    Get Rid Of What You Don’t Need/Want/Love. Period!

    The less I have the better I feel.


81. 81
    on June 30th, 2011 at 7:59 pm
    Bev said:

    Trucking stuff around the block; little would come back inside.


82. 82
    on July 1st, 2011 at 11:39 am
    Janice said:

    Subscribe to Flylady.net. Follow the missions and regain your peace.


83. 83
    on July 4th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
    Elizabeth@Table4five said:

    Also need to turn house upside down, shake out everything!


84. 84
    on July 9th, 2011 at 6:35 pm
    Coleen said:

    Moving=Hell, Salvation Army=Heaven. Don’t miss it, lose it!


85. 85
    on July 14th, 2011 at 9:11 pm
    the muskrat said:

    We just moved our family of 6. It fucking sucked.