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Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Joys of Moving

From the time we found out that Sean was taking this new position, just one month ago, things have been an absolute whirlwind.  Scouting areas equidistant between Sean's workplace and the city, touring potential properties (or in our case, doing drive-bys after we toured, and loved, the house into which we are now moving), tying up loose ends at both of our respective workplaces, and for me, continuing to forge the path of self discovery and growth I began last fall.  Needless to say, I awake each morning remembering my crazy dreams in vivid detail! 

With just a little over a week left in Maryland, our pace has picked up considerably.  I can't imagine undertaking this move without my husband (and, of course I wouldn't be because we're moving for his job)!  I've been using Craigslist non-stop, getting rid of large items we have, and it takes time to respond and schedule times to meet people between my busy evening meeting schedule.  There is insurance to be taken care of (I've FINALLY scheduled my engagement ring on this new policy - shame on me for waiting so long), utilities to be set up, logistical planning for the new place (now that we're moving from a one bedroom apartment to a four bedroom house), working with our new landlord (who is a busy teacher with 4 children all playing sports right now), new draperies to be purchased (for the bazillion windows in the new place), no-damage nails to be sought out for hanging artwork, not to mention the organization involved in my new foray into extreme-couponing (had to throw that in for a laugh).  That doesn't even begin to cover all of the items Sean is taking care of on his end, as he works with his company for our relocation.  Today was the walk-through with our moving company - did I mention we have Sean's 3-bedroom house contained in two storage units...in addition to our apartment?! 

All of this is to say that I am ready as I'll ever be for this move!  I'm truly excited to embark upon this next chapter with my husband, building a home together and starting a new life together in an entirely different place (I'm totally going to be nesting over the next month!).  I believe that everything happens for a reason, that there is a higher power out there looking over Sean and myself; a higher power that will guide us through these next few hectic weeks, and one that will look over us as we journey into this next chapter together...

Thursday, May 12, 2011

No Time for a Yardsale? Try Craigslist, eBay or Half.com!

When Sean and I planned to merge our households last year, we knew we both needed to get rid of a lot of household items.  Selling some of the items we no longer used would also be a great way to raise some money to put towards our wedding expenses.  We were lucky enough to find a volunteer firehouse near Sean's house that was hosting a flea market.  So, we spent time sorting through items and organizing piles to sell.  We got up early, set up and things went really well -- Sean was able to make two additional trips to his place to get more items to sell, as the flea market was well attended AND people were buying!  The best part of it is that we didn't bring anything home with us!  At the end of the day, we were able to donate our unsold items to the firehouse stand -- they would store those items until their next flea market and sell them from their own booth, all proceeds contributing to their fund.  A win-win for everyone!

This time around, Sean and I don't have the time to plan a yard sale or search for a flea market - we're moving in 2 1/2 weeks!  So, I've been busy advertising items on a number of online sites.  Craigslist has been invaluable, as we've been able to sell our left over wedding items AND make a little money!  Pretty soon the Whole Foods around the corner is going to start charging me a fee, as I've been using their parking lot to meet people buying our wedding items!  However, since this is a form of recycling, I don't think they would mind too much!  :)

Before working for my current company, I was in outside sales for a commercial publisher, so I invested a lot of money in my wardrobe.  Well, I've not worn any of my suits in a few years and they are all high end brands of great quality - why not try to sell them and make a little cash?  Hello eBay!  This week I was able to sell a lot of that clothing!  And lastly, what to do about all of my multimedia items?  That's where half.com comes in.

Half.com is a division of eBay with a couple of differences -- you can only sell multimedia items and there is no auction, the items stay listed there in a quasi-store.  Having two degrees in literature, I amassed several hundred books over the course of my studies.  I've been able to whittle my collection down over the past few years by selling off those titles through the site.  The downside is that you have to be willing to store them in the interim -- I typically sell the majority of my books at the start of each semester.  I also used to be a music enthusiast, so I had hundreds of cds (that I no longer listen to).  Thanks to half.com, I've been able to pare down my book and music collection, while recouping some money in the process. 

So, there is hope if you need to simplify your life and get rid of some of your material things.  Be prepared, however, because online selling does take a bit of work.  Lastly, anything I don't have time to sell through any of my online routes I drop off at Goodwill -- there are always options!  Hello feng shui and qi!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

New Beginnings...

It's official - we're moving!  I'm so happy and proud of Sean - his new position will allow him to grow and will challenge him in so many great ways!  It's also a relief to have been able to submit my resignation, as I've known that this move was most likely going to happen.  Sean and I had agreed to go full force with the relocation back in early March, so it was as though I had been holding onto a secret for well over a month until he had a finalized contract!  I'm excited to be moving back to my home state AND to be moving to a new area.  We're moving to Ambler, Pa and will live a block or so from the train station, so I am able to walk to catch the train into the city for work (no more hour long commute by car)!  We are also within walking distance of a newly revitalized downtown area, with amazing restaurants, an arthouse theatre, yoga studio and more.  Thus, our transition to 'suburbia' will be more of an easing out of city life, rather than a shock to the system!

I've had a few people ask me how married life has been treating me and how I was liking being a newlywed.  Well, I can't say that we've really had a chance to enjoy it, as our relocation planning started with me pursuing a new position the week of our wedding and it's been full force since then!  I do feel, however, that once this transition takes place, our married life together will begin to settle down and we will have more time to enjoy each other (and, hopefully, start a family).  Let the official moving preparations begin...