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Can you guys tell me how LITTLE "stuff" you moved out of state with ?? I have a big Dodge 1500 Ram Hemi with a huge truck bed with a cap on it. Pretend you are moving with that and you are too old to lift and tug at heavy things now. Can you make a list for me (I am a list maker). I thought this would be a good different topic. Thank you.
When I was very young and would go back and forth from coast to coast I would make it a point not to buy anything that couldn't go into a suit case. Today it's called minimalism. I am no where near that today. It's hard to decide what to sell, give away or keep. I guess why I'm stuck here. :O)
I haven't actually DONE this but have daydreamed about super-minimalistic moving. Here is what I think I would take:
Suitcases with clothes, toiletries, two extra pairs of shoes; purse with wallet and contents
laptop computer, iPad, iPhone, Kindle, etc
important files and papers
Nostalgia items (first picture my daughter drew, her report cards, diplomas and awards I earned, and so on)
a few paintings and sculptures that I have and need/love/appreciate
inflatable bed and pump for it; bedding, towels
one collapsible webbed lawn chair
one lamp, one clock
Two each of these: knives, forks, spoons, plates, mugs, bowls. One saucepan, skillet, spatula, big serving spoon.
Coffee maker, microwave, rice cooker
video game consoles
my smallest (18") television
And most importantly.... lots of money to replace everything I couldn't take!
Essential documents/files
Mementos/paintings/pictures
Dishes & cutlery (4 place settings)
coffeepot if you drink coffee
2 drinking glasses, 2 mugs for coffee/tea/etc.
1 big pot, 1 small pot, 1 frying pan
Can opener and bottle opener and pocket knife!!!
pack of lightbulbs
flashlight, couple of candles and lighter or matches
1 towel & washcloth
2 pillows that you know are comfortable
1 down comforter
1 blanket
1 set sheets
Electronics you're VERY attached to and can't easily replace
Basic toiletries - don't forget toothbrush & brush/comb.
First aid kit plus prescribed medications
All your clothes for a season (after a weed for giveaway/trash)
Jug of water
2 folding chairs (I like the canvas kind that accordian up into a tube)
1 folding banquet table (these are great because they fold in half then flat. Easy to carry)
1 folding card or patio table.
1 mattress - the biggest you can stuff in your truck
A few cans of tuna or other canned or dried food that you can eat without heating.
1 bag of comfort stuff for when you get there - books/junk food/music - whatever makes you happy.
If you have pets: pet carrier(s), pet dishes, leashes & start up food. Pet(s)! (People who leave their pets behind when they move are scummy rotten stinking trash.)
I've done this several times, as I often have worked in another state 6 mo. seasonally, so I leave most of my stuff in my home.
It's surprisingly easy to live with very little.
You know the most important thing? Make sure you'll have a comfortable mattress and pillows and the comforter, sheets and blankets that make you comfortable. If you can't sleep well you can't function well.
If I can cram a full size mattress into the back of a Dodge Caravan you should be able to cram one into your vehicle too! (And I AM too old to lift and tug at most things).
i dream of being able to move anywhere with nothing more than a duffel bag. Its simply incredible the amount of useless stuff my wife and i have accumulated over the years. In my early twenties i moved to a different continent with just one suitcase.
I am now down to two backpacks and by the time I arrive in Arizona in August I will have only one, going from one extreme climate to another means a new wardrobe, so I timed it right.
I'm a minimalist and paperless, with only a few exceptions, all important documents and pictures are on disk.
My lone backpack contents:
Toiletries
Cell/Itouch/Chargers
Medicine
Sun/Reading Glasses
Socks and Undergarments
One spare outfit
Pocket folder for a few documents
Will be replacing my dated laptop after the move, another thing I timed right.
When I moved to CA from MI I had my car shipped and I flew there but I just took belongings that could fit in my trunk and back seat or a mid sized car. So basically it was clothes and similar items. Then when I got to CA and rented a place I bought very inexpensive furniture to fill an apartment.
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