Lessons from Somewhere: July 2017

I’m sure there are people on this planet that love to pack, but I’m not one of them. I had to move out of my last apartment (aka the Zen Garden) on July 31. The move itself was a logistical puzzle as I still hadn’t found a job. I thought my time in NYC had come to an end, but just as I had the thought, my friend offered to let Harlow and I stay with her, and my neighbors offered to store my stuff since they were going on vacation. Needless to say, I am feeling all the gratitude for their kindness.

With this move, I wanted to cut down on the number of things I owned. The goal was to live minimally, and more nomadically. So, I streamlined my stuff, and the past six years of my life fit neatly into 14 small boxes, 2 IKEA bags, 2 rolling suitcases and 2 carry-ons.

With my books, it took three separate attempts to fit them into the carry-on and one small box I allotted. The last round of sorting took nearly three hours—I’m not exaggerating. But I went full on Marie Kondo on the remaining books and kept only the ones that brought me joy (which included four different editions of Alice in Wonderland, and yes, I really do need all four as they each serve a different purpose).

Clothes and shoes were easier, I ended up donating several bags of clothes to Goodwill. I also learned what I value. I love skincare products, but never realized before what a high priority they are for me. I have three moisturizers, one serum, three sunscreens, two toners, one eye cream, one cleansing water, two cleansers, three different spot treatments and two masks (and I have no shame).

I also had a friend remind me that I’m not alone in the process, and that it’s ok to ask for help. This friend came over to help me pack clothes and sort through my kitchen, which was very generous of her, especially if you’ve seen my kitchen cupboards. Another friend helped me carry everything over to Goodwill (bless her for taking that on in NYC heat!).

With all this said, there are some aspects I like about the moving process. Getting rid of things felt very cleansing. The sense of starting fresh somewhere else is also very exciting. It was a little weird to be packing up my place and not knowing exactly where I would be heading to or where I would be going next. But on the 31st, just as I was preparing to carry my full sized bed to the street curb, I got a call and a job offer in NYC for a position I really wanted.

And I sighed the biggest sigh of relief because I finally knew I would be staying in the city and community I love.

 

 

 

 

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