Not another pot (a.k.a the pain of moving)

Our move is going fairly smoothly, all things considered. The packing company packed both Kelvin and my apartments (8 hours total) on Monday, which was quite amazing. As I think I mentioned previously, I had never used professional "movers" for any of my adult moves in the past, and assembling, packing, and hauling boxes is all too familiar to me for all the moves in the last 10 years or so (once per year while at college, 3 times in Minnesota, but luckily just this once to and from residency). Having 2-3 people actually wrap, pack, and haul stuff (with a DOLLY!) to a large truck was such a blessing (and even more so because it was paid for). And having them also drive the stuff up [not easy on some of the curvy roads between Sacramento and Arcata], haul boxes, reassemble the furniture, and unpack box contents today (even if it was just into the living area) was just as sweet. It was quite lonely in our big house without stuff for 2 nights (the air mattress on the floor was not that comfortable and we neglected to think to bring a chair), but it is all okay now, and the company was fantastic. I don't think I will EVER move without a packing company again. In my opinion, the time, hassle, and exhaustion is just not worth it (and I would go quite a long way to save money).

So... not having the sole responsibility of packing like in previous years, the realization hit me more today (while unpacking) that I have soooo much stuff. Too much stuff. It is really unbelievable. It really actually makes me feel rather guilty (for having the movers have to move all of my junk), as well as sad because it makes me feel so materialistic. I mean, how many pots and dishes and how many clothes do we really need (one mover did note that he thought K might have more clothes than I do, though, which made my day :)). Currently moving from a 1-bedroom apartment (with K from a studio, although I had "stuff" for probably a 2+ BR!), I can't even imagine what it would be like to have to move a whole house full of "stuff," accumulated over many years. It really makes one seriously consider a) never moving again and b) never buying another thing (as well as getting rid of 80% of what one does have), as demonstrated by this photo:




When the movers unloaded today, I basically spent the day in the kitchen, being the inventory- checker of the numbered boxes to make sure all the items arrived, and then trying to find space for the gazillions of kitchen items and appliances that I somehow have (which are far out of proportion to both the extent and quality of my cooking). Just when I thought I had "got it all," ANOTHER kitchen box would arrive. We registered for some nice china and a few pan-replacements, but a lot of this stuff isn't even new (and you know that Kelvin, who is a great dishwasher but noncooker, hardly contributed any kitchen stuff... so it is actually mine!!). Oof da.

Luckily, the house we are renting is very spacious, with lots of cabinet and drawer space in the kitchen, closet shelving in all 3 bedrooms, space under the staircase, and a garage to boot. We are very spoiled. Especially including our anticipated furniture purchases (progress... I ordered a desk today!), we really can't downsize in the next move (unless we get rid of lots of "stuff"). I just hope (but doubt) that the next move may be our last. I have always enjoyed living in different locations and the richness of experience that comes with moving around the country (or world); however, I now feel much more like "settling down." How glorious it would be to just own a house, stay in it, and never move again...

Someday, I guess.
But until then, I am vowing to be better about jettisoning "stuff" and refraining from any more shopping (especially pots).