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Post by Linda on Jul 20, 2021 15:16:57 GMT
I'm feeling "down" lately, so haven't really done much of anything. I essentially live in 2 rooms+bathroom here--(a MIL suite) so you'd think I'd be super organized!! But I'm not! Maybe "someday." Two of my girls are coming for a visit in September and we're going to work on some stuff in the barn. My older daughter wants to organize my photos and make sure they have names and approximate dates on them. I hope I still remember who everybody is!! ((((Hugs)))) I hope you're feeling more yourself soon. Don't be afraid to speak to your doctor if you're not though. I think going through and labelling the photos is an excellent idea - I wish more of my mum's photos had been labelled.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 20, 2021 16:15:47 GMT
((((Hugs)))) I hope you're feeling more yourself soon. Don't be afraid to speak to your doctor if you're not though. I think going through and labelling the photos is an excellent idea - I wish more of my mum's photos had been labelled. Thank you. I actually have a dr appointment tomorrow--just a "regular" check up to go over some lab results. I hope to get a chance to talk to him a bit. (if I can get my courage up!) I was going to go to some "grief share" sessions just before covid shut everything down, so didn't get a chance to go. I do get daily emails from griefshare and they have helped. "being down" isn't my normal "me" though.
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Post by Linda on Jul 20, 2021 17:46:33 GMT
((((Hugs)))) I hope you're feeling more yourself soon. Don't be afraid to speak to your doctor if you're not though. I think going through and labelling the photos is an excellent idea - I wish more of my mum's photos had been labelled. Thank you. I actually have a dr appointment tomorrow--just a "regular" check up to go over some lab results. I hope to get a chance to talk to him a bit. (if I can get my courage up!) I was going to go to some "grief share" sessions just before covid shut everything down, so didn't get a chance to go. I do get daily emails from griefshare and they have helped. "being down" isn't my normal "me" though. I think talking to him would be a good idea. I hope he's helpful.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 20, 2021 17:51:23 GMT
Thank you. I actually have a dr appointment tomorrow--just a "regular" check up to go over some lab results. I hope to get a chance to talk to him a bit. (if I can get my courage up!) I was going to go to some "grief share" sessions just before covid shut everything down, so didn't get a chance to go. I do get daily emails from griefshare and they have helped. "being down" isn't my normal "me" though. I think talking to him would be a good idea. I hope he's helpful. Thank you. I'll try. I am being well taken care of by family. I live with my son and his family. My ddil is on top of my medical conditions, my daughters are in constant communication with me, and I'm surrounded by loved ones and great friends. I'm sure whatever is going on is temporary.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 20, 2021 21:23:25 GMT
I packed up a box of kids clothes that my mother in law made and a few extras. I was looking to pass them on. I won't have grandkids so no use saving them. so I talked to my mother in law and she said send them back, her close friend would like them. so today (2 months after that conversation) I actually packed up the clothes and will mail the box tomorrow. I also looked through some other bins and found more to send (got them in the box too).
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,328
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Jul 20, 2021 22:43:02 GMT
Ok so I just spent all afternoon packing up my mom's assisted living apartment. Only about a 1/4 is being kept the rest is being tossed or donated. Sad, but that's how life works. Now I just need my DH and 1 or 2 of the kids to go back and help haul out everything.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,328
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Jul 21, 2021 11:03:17 GMT
DH, DS and I did drive back to my mom's assisted living apartment last evening and loaded everything into a trailer. Since I spent the afternoon packing everything it really was just hauling out boxes and furniture. I have a small box of items to take to my mom at the nursing home. but that's it. I wish my mom could have stayed mentally healthy since she had such a cute apartment and it was such a good set up for her while it lasted anyways.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 23, 2021 14:24:11 GMT
DH, DS and I did drive back to my mom's assisted living apartment last evening and loaded everything into a trailer. Since I spent the afternoon packing everything it really was just hauling out boxes and furniture. I have a small box of items to take to my mom at the nursing home. but that's it. I wish my mom could have stayed mentally healthy since she had such a cute apartment and it was such a good set up for her while it lasted anyways. I'm sorry you had to do that. I hope your mom does better in the nursing home. Those decisions are so hard.
For everybody that commented on my "feeling down" post--
I DID keep my appointment with my doctor on Wednesday. We did discuss my feeling a bit. He said he's seen a lot of "feeling down" this past year with many of his patients--and he thinks it is caused by the pandemic that has caused so many changes in our lives. He was understanding and compassionate. He gave me a few things to ponder. He was a friend of my deceased husband's, so of course talk about my grief came up also. I think I felt better just talking to him about it. We'll see what happens now. Thanks for your concern and for the advice to talk to him.
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 23, 2021 19:14:22 GMT
tentoes I am glad you spoke to your doctor. You not only lost your DH, you gave up your home and moved. All of those things are major, not to mention the pandemic. If you don't feel like yourself soon, I hope you'll talk to your doctor again.
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Post by tentoes on Jul 23, 2021 23:23:30 GMT
tentoes I am glad you spoke to your doctor. You not only lost your DH, you gave up your home and moved. All of those things are major, not to mention the pandemic. If you don't feel like yourself soon, I hope you'll talk to your doctor again. Thank you. I will. I have a standing appointment with him in January. MAYBE the pandemic will be over by then--we can hope!! I'm going to be visiting with one of my daughter's families for a couple of weeks, so her boys will keep me busy for a bit and maybe pull me along a bit!! Then in September two of my daughters are going to visit here while my son and his family go on a short vacation. Thankfully, one daughter lives about 260 miles from me, and another daughter about 130, so they are going to meet here!! The third daughter lives about 1000 miles away, and although she was invited to join us, I don't think she's going to be able to get away at that time. The daughter that lives 130 miles away wants to pick me up in October and go visit the daughter that lives 1000 away--we're still "talking" about that one though!! Nothing is decided yet.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,459
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 24, 2021 2:52:37 GMT
I haven't checked in for a while so I've just caught up on several pages of this thread. Congratulations to everyone who is continuing to make progress, no matter how small, and sending positive thoughts to anyone who has been struggling, either with decluttering or just with life in general.
I've been tied up with some stuff that hasn't left me any time for decluttering for most of this year, although I've still wanted to. I just finished reading The Year of Less by Cait Flanders, and although most of the book doesn't deal with how she got rid of 70% of her possessions and stopped buying stuff, it was still an interesting read that had me thinking of cupboards and boxes I wanted to sort through. So today I started with just one box. I threw out a bunch of stuff that is no longer important, added a couple of things to my donation bag, and rehomed another couple of things that are better stored elsewhere.
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Post by Linda on Jul 24, 2021 4:28:03 GMT
tentoes - well done talking to the doctor - I'm glad that you have family plans to look forward to. Pandemic aside, you've had a ton of changes in your life and it's understandable that you might not be feeling your best. ((((Hugs))) Welcome back Chinagirl828 - one box is always a good start. not much progress here - the tossing of unneeded and/or duplicate photos here and there mostly. I found about a dozen in my Disney box tonight (that weren't Disney) and realised I had already re-printed and scrapped them so out they went. Already planning to toss or donate whatever Disney stuff I have left once this album is done - we haven't been back since the 2009 trip I'm working on (we've done Downtown Disney/Disney Springs but not the parks) and in the unlikely event we do go back - I'll buy newer stuff than the 2008-2010 stuff I'm working with now.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 24, 2021 4:40:47 GMT
I cleared out the mending pile (small) this week, so some progress. Also needed to get my serger/case and the old Bernina off the floor under my desk. To accomplish that, I moved the 15 clear shoe boxes from bottom shelf to the upper shelf of the shelves over one end of the desk area. Now I can see the label on every box, not just the front row of them. Best part is the bottom shelf held both the serger and sewing machines/cases! Little by little, the sewing room is becoming even more organized with less stuff stacked willy nilly.
If anyone has Netflix, there is a new show called "The Minimalists: Less is Now". Has anyone had a chance to watch it yet? Just wondering if it there is anything new/useful in it. I've added it to My List and hope to check it out soon.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 24, 2021 11:21:03 GMT
Thank you all for posting, sharing these pieces of your lives with us. I read the thread often, although don't post much anymore. I get a lot of motivation from this thread, even though my progress is not what I wish it was.
Looking forward to late summer and autumn, with the kids going back to school, I need to go through the school supplies hoard. I don't even know what we'll need. Last year, fully virtual, and we already had the crayons, pencils, and loose leaf on hand. I didn't even do a back to school shop for last school year, which felt weird.
This year, I'm nearly sure there will be no communal supplies. I wish they would post a list soon, so I can buy and get past that part.
We also need to go though all the uniforms, and determine what we need (probably a lot - kids grow a lot in 18+ months), and what we can still use. I'm hoping the Home & School Assn. has a gently used sale, because I'm bettering I'm not the only one with a wardrobe or two full of barely worn, outgrown uniforms from two school years ago.
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Post by MissBianca on Jul 24, 2021 11:36:37 GMT
tentoes I’m glad you got a chance to talk to your dr and hopefully your visits with family will brighten up your days. I’m still plugging away at packing and moving. I’ve basically ignored my house to tend to my fathers house. He has royally pissed me off though, everything is a battle. We close on Friday and hopefully we will get into the house and paint the basement that night. Let me tel you, it’s been eye opening seeing how much stuff people collect. 37 years in my dads house and 20 in mine. The amount of crap is just stupid. I told my DH we will not do this to our kids. The previous owner of the house has a dumpster on property that gets picked up every week, we are keeping it for now because I intend to get rid of more stuff even after we move. I’m not letting this house get junkie, it’s way to nice for that.
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Post by MissBianca on Jul 24, 2021 11:39:30 GMT
Thank you all for posting, sharing these pieces of your lives with us. I read the thread often, although don't post much anymore. I get a lot of motivation from this thread, even though my progress is not what I wish it was. Looking forward to late summer and autumn, with the kids going back to school, I need to go through the school supplies hoard. I don't even know what we'll need. Last year, fully virtual, and we already had the crayons, pencils, and loose leaf on hand. I didn't even do a back to school shop for last school year, which felt weird. This year, I'm nearly sure there will be no communal supplies. I wish they would post a list soon, so I can buy and get past that part. We also need to go though all the uniforms, and determine what we need (probably a lot - kids grow a lot in 18+ months), and what we can still use. I'm hoping the Home & School Assn. has a gently used sale, because I'm bettering I'm not the only one with a wardrobe or two full of barely worn, outgrown uniforms from two school years ago. Don’t purge too much stuff, I was reading an article yesterday that said school supplies are going to be in short supply this year. You should see if your school will make a uniform closet, my daughters School did that and it was really helpful when the kids had a growth spurt. I got some brand new skirts and blouses that way. And then passed down her uniforms to another kid who was also tall and lanky.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 24, 2021 11:47:09 GMT
Thank you all for posting, sharing these pieces of your lives with us. I read the thread often, although don't post much anymore. I get a lot of motivation from this thread, even though my progress is not what I wish it was. Looking forward to late summer and autumn, with the kids going back to school, I need to go through the school supplies hoard. I don't even know what we'll need. Last year, fully virtual, and we already had the crayons, pencils, and loose leaf on hand. I didn't even do a back to school shop for last school year, which felt weird. This year, I'm nearly sure there will be no communal supplies. I wish they would post a list soon, so I can buy and get past that part. We also need to go though all the uniforms, and determine what we need (probably a lot - kids grow a lot in 18+ months), and what we can still use. I'm hoping the Home & School Assn. has a gently used sale, because I'm bettering I'm not the only one with a wardrobe or two full of barely worn, outgrown uniforms from two school years ago. Don’t purge too much stuff, I was reading an article yesterday that said school supplies are going to be in short supply this year. You should see if your school will make a uniform closet, my daughters School did that and it was really helpful when the kids had a growth spurt. I got some brand new skirts and blouses that way. And then passed down her uniforms to another kid who was also tall and lanky. I heard about the short supply of supplies on the news too, and that's why I need to know what to buy, so I can buy it before everyone else gets it all. LOL, purge school supplies? I'm not that disciplined
Our school has uniform sales two to three times a year, selling pieces for $1 a piece. Otherwise you have to buy the embroidered shirts/sweaters/gym shirts & shorts from a local uniform shop (the only place that does the embroidery - what a racket!), and the pieces are between $18-$36 a piece!
I buy some new, but can't possibly buy everything new every year for multiple kids.
I wish they'd have a year-round uniform closet, but the admin said there isn't a space that can be dedicated to that.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 24, 2021 14:13:47 GMT
37 years in my dads house and 20 in mine. The amount of crap is just stupid. I told my DH we will not do this to our kids. You are singing the anthem of Baby Boomers everywhere! I've lost count of how many times I've heard this (including from myself!). We've lost all four of our parents, the last one five years ago. While we still haven't cleared out all the stuff we inherited, great headway has been made. I'm down to sentimental papers, a few books, sewing/crafting items made by one of them. While I'm getting better at not feeling guilty, it's still hard at times! Then add in our personal stuff! Good luck with the closing on Friday, as well as getting right to work! Do you have a specific timeline for being out of your house (and your Dad's)? Thank you all for posting, sharing these pieces of your lives with us. I read the thread often, although don't post much anymore. I get a lot of motivation from this thread, even though my progress is not what I wish it was. Thank you for saying that! We owe the thread to you starting it several years ago! I'm not here as often, or for as long, these days either, but am always happy to see someone pop in after a long while. It's like bumping into an old friend while out and then catching up over coffee. Based on the views this thread has (24,000+), I suspect there are several who read the thread, but never post, so the thread is hopefully helping them as well.
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Post by ntsf on Jul 24, 2021 16:07:18 GMT
my parents were both only children, so they were responsible for dealing with their parents and other elderly relatives' homes as they grew older. I watched my mom fly across the country 2-3 times a year to deal with this. they had to get rid of houses that had been lived in from 20-80 yrs. (my great aunt lived in her house from 1914 --her dad built it for her wedding --til 1980 or so). my dad had to do this when he was a young married guy in his early 20's.
so I grew up knowing how difficult this was. as a reaction, a year after they retired, my parents sold their house, got rid of a significant amount of stuff and moved into two condos--one winter and one for summer. once my mom died 20 yrs ago, I got rid of most of her things.. as no one else seem to be able to do it. this year, as my dad gave up one condo, I packed up his stuff and helped get rid of or store or manage the rest of it (though my brother says my dad complains to him that I got rid of too much).
so fortunately, I will not have a massive amount of stuff to deal with when he dies. a lot, but not a house full. my mother in law likes very little stuff.. though she shreds historic pictures and other things.. I sneak in and get historical stuff. there will not be any kids after mine to inherit anything.
after 40 yrs in my house.. we have too much stuff. and now that the kids are somewhat gone and settled, and knowing there will be no grandkids, I have been motivated to get rid of stuff and organize. you have all helped give me a place to celebrate the small things..
I can wish I was further along,, but progress in small steps is still progress. I feel blessed that the older generation has tackled much of the stuff before I have to. thanks for letting me ramble.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 24, 2021 16:52:49 GMT
I absolutely love hearing other peas' journeys with decluttering and what motivates them.
I know, for me, I feel so out of control when there is too much around me. I feel like dirtiness could be hiding in plain sight.
I once had an acquaintance say, "There should be no dark corners." Meaning there should be no parts of your home to questionable and possibly gross to reach right into without fear of touching something nasty. And it has really stuck with me.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,328
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Jul 24, 2021 19:07:15 GMT
My mom's good friend is coming on Monday to take all of my mom's quilting fabric and (hopefully) lots of her scrapbooking/cardmaking supplies. I might take a little and I'll probably ask my DIL if she wants any cardstock for her classroom. What is left will honestly probably end up tossed. That's just the reality of the situation. I don't have the time or the energy to find everything a new home and I can't hold onto things that aren't even mine to begin with. m
I am so excited for my DS to move into his new apartment next weekend. All of his stuff will be gone then. He just graduated from college and has a great new job 2 hours away. Yesterday I did a mini kitchen purge and found lots of things to give him.
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Post by deafpea on Jul 24, 2021 23:36:21 GMT
I've been piddling around today, getting things gathered and put away. I straightened up my food storage areas and got a bunch of Costco stuff out of boxes and onto shelves. Deep cleaned one of the bathrooms. Washed off all the dust, hair, etc. that had accumulated on one of my air return covers (ew). Straightened the laundry room. I will work on the family room next (mostly needs straightening) and empty the laundry basket of stuff I've gathered from around the house. Nothing major but it does feel good to keep on top of things. Have a great weekend! Merilee
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,459
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 25, 2021 1:38:05 GMT
I made some more progress today, sorting through two boxes of treasures I brought back from my parents. I've been putting it off because I knew I wanted to photograph and then get rid of some of the stuff in those boxes. So today I pulled out everything, took the photos I wanted, then sorted into keep and get rid of piles, and have now finally put everything away.
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Chinagirl828
Drama Llama
Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 6,459
Jun 28, 2014 6:28:53 GMT
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Post by Chinagirl828 on Jul 25, 2021 1:43:29 GMT
I get a lot of motivation from this thread, even though my progress is not what I wish it was. So do I, and honestly it's reading all the smaller victories that give me the encouragement I need to just tackle one box or one drawer, rather than thinking I need hours to clean out an entire cupboard or room.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 25, 2021 11:22:44 GMT
honestly it's reading all the smaller victories that give me the encouragement I need to just tackle one box or one drawer, rather than thinking I need hours to clean out an entire cupboard or room. Yes, exactly!
I get overwhelmed at the thought of how much needs sorting, purging, looking after.
But after a long shift at work, with family waiting at home for me to serve dinner, read to them, take care of everything else too, I can tackle one drawer or one small bin and still feel that victory for having handled something.
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Post by iamkristinl16 on Jul 25, 2021 14:48:40 GMT
Hi everyone! I have started to watch and enjoy decluttering videos. Not only is they give me ideas for organization, but they also mitigate me to get something done while listening. I have been really busy with baseball and work but baseball is winding down so I’m hoping to be able to get more intense decluttering done. Today in between games I am going to work on either our bonus room, which houses all of my scrapbooking supplies, our desk/office stuff and the elliptical. That is always the dumping ground for things as well. It has been horribly messy since the graduation party and my office closing (so I had to bring things home and haven’t found a place for some of it yet). My younger two boys’ room is probably even more in need of a deep cleaning so maybe I should focus in there for today? Not sure.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 25, 2021 15:32:43 GMT
iamkristinl16 - Welcome to the thread! Always glad to have more people join us. Feel free to drop in and post your organizing/decluttering victories - no matter how small. As some of the peas above mention, those small victories are just as encouraging. Also remember that slow and steady wins the race. Those mega work sessions are great, but don't burn yourself out. Sometimes just doing a drawer or shelf is enough to keep the momentum going. Hope you come back later this evening and let us know what you decided to focus on today!
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 25, 2021 19:57:08 GMT
Just spent some time reorganizing an antique chest I have in the living room that mainly holds part of my textiles collection. Pulled everything out, sorted it by country/category, then rearranged it as I put it back in. While I was pulling out stuff, I took out the needlepoint things and added a few things to the donation box. Also pulled out the things I've been stashing in there to frame "later". There is a stack of things to frame on the table now and I'll get started on that this week. Framing was part of my 2021 master goals list. We also have a small mahogany chest between our chairs. Sorted through it, moved some things where they need to be and ended up with the deeper bottom drawer empty. It is going to hold those needlepoint supplies!
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Post by natscraps on Jul 26, 2021 1:06:22 GMT
Today FIL brought over a box he found of DH’s marked “DH’s ref books-store”It had to have been in that attic since they moved 21 years ago. I convinced DH to deal with immediately. I mean if he hasn’t needed it in 20 years…. Only thing kept was a 1967 edition of “The Way Things Work” that was passed on to DH from his grandfather. That is now sitting in the living room barrister bookcase. The rest of the box is already in the trash can!
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Post by MissBianca on Jul 26, 2021 12:54:37 GMT
You are singing the anthem of Baby Boomers everywhere! I've lost count of how many times I've heard this (including from myself!). We've lost all four of our parents, the last one five years ago. While we still haven't cleared out all the stuff we inherited, great headway has been made. I'm down to sentimental papers, a few books, sewing/crafting items made by one of them. While I'm getting better at not feeling guilty, it's still hard at times! Then add in our personal stuff! Good luck with the closing on Friday, as well as getting right to work! Do you have a specific timeline for being out of your house (and your Dad's)? Thankfully we do not have a timeline to be out yet. Our neighbor is trying to gather financing to buy both our houses so they aren’t technically on the market yet. We will move in by the 9th because DH only took 1 week off. Dad will move in around the 17th. I just need to kids settled before school starts at the end of august. Once these houses are empty I will be hiring someone to come deep clean them and I need to do some minor repairs on both. We told the neighbors they were as is but I feel guilty doing that. They are getting a great bargain on both but I need to do some minor stuff like paint mine. Inheritance guilt is so hard!! Like I have thousands and thousands of greeting cards from my grandma and my aunt from their husbands. I don’t need them, but man tossing them is hard! I’m taking them to the new house where I will scan some letters etc but I told my brothers I don’t want to keep them. I have my great great grandmother doll and it’s a hot mess and falling apart not to mention being creepy as all get out but I feel so bad about possibly getting rid of it. My daughter is not sentimental at all either. And hates dolls so I just don’t know if I should keep it.
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