{"id":6760,"date":"2021-11-09T07:04:58","date_gmt":"2021-11-09T12:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.silvercentury.org\/?p=6760"},"modified":"2021-11-09T20:27:41","modified_gmt":"2021-11-10T01:27:41","slug":"so-much-stuff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/78.142.243.82\/~silvercentury\/2021\/11\/so-much-stuff\/","title":{"rendered":"So Much Stuff"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m a widow with two daughters in their 20s, who both live on their own. I have a two-story, four-bedroom house that is becoming harder to maintain. Could it be a good time for me to sell? It seems to be a \u201cseller\u2019s market,\u201d and I am considering what\u2019s best for me for the next phase of life. <\/span><\/p>\n

Whether I stay or go, it\u2019s kind of overwhelming. On the \u201cstay” side of the argument is that my daughters will have a place to return to for holidays and comfortable, familiar bedrooms waiting for them if life doesn\u2019t go according to plan. I have a nice backyard for my dog to play in, and moving is just so hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

The \u201cgo\u201d side is clearer but no easier. I am at a stage where I can find a condo in a 55+ community, and it could conceivably be the right home for me in which to grow older. I\u2019m looking at first-floor, two-bedroom units and no steps. I want to stay in this town that\u2019s been home for almost 50 years. <\/span>And it’s quite possible that I could end up lowering my monthly expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, I would have to downsize\u2014that\u2019s challenging and so time consuming. I have too much stuff. And I like my stuff. I tell myself I can always get different stuff and I\u2019ll like that as well. <\/span><\/p>\n

But did you know that it\u2019s also expensive to get rid of stuff? I just paid a small fortune to have junk removers empty two-thirds of my unfinished basement. (Time-plus-damp adds up to unsalvageable stuff. Ewww, what did that used to be, anyway?) You really can point and make it disappear (with your checkbook handy). A truckload cost $700, but it\u2019s gone.<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the upstairs, if I move, I won\u2019t need the girls\u2019 beds and dressers\u2014they have little value, that\u2019s easy. But they have stuff collecting dust that carries a great deal of sentimental value for them. They are apartment dwellers, so they\u2019ll need to invest in a storage unit for things I can\u2019t take. On one hand, I feel badly about making them choose, but I tell myself that downsizing benefits them in the long run. My conscience tugs at me: how much do I owe them in memory-storage? A few large, plastic tubs? A second bedroom-full? It is an emotional point to consider that gives me heartache.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond the extra furniture, knickknacks and kitsch, I have trappings of my former, married life. I have a teapot collection, sterling silver and \u201cgood\u201d china that the girls don\u2019t want and I don\u2019t use. I won\u2019t be entertaining on a grand scale and I won\u2019t need it. But it will hurt to put it into consignment. There are a few furniture pieces I like and will keep for my next home, but if I consider the cost to move something versus the prospect of having something new, I can let most things go. (I\u2019m talking to you, saggy, old mattress. You too, every-single-holiday decoration.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, a multifamily yard sale is being planned in my neighborhood. I need to A) stay away from their stuff and B) promise myself to bring absolutely nothing of my own back inside. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do you need any stuff?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m a widow with two daughters in their 20s, who both live on their own. I have a two-story, four-bedroom house that is becoming harder to maintain. Could it be a good time for me to sell? It seems to…<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more So Much Stuff<\/span> ›<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n

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