Here's what my days look like lately- sort, toss, donate, declutter, clean, repeat. I'm in desperate need of some boxes. Any ideas where I can get free ones? I've tried Craigslist but I always seem to be too late.
I could also use some more energy. I've made a schedule for the next 5 weeks to keep me from getting overwhelmed but it's just so much work. I'm focusing on one week at a time. This week I'm finishing up organizing and decluttering and doing some deep cleaning. I'm changing my To Do list on the side bar to reflect what I need to get done each week. Feel free to look at it and laugh and then heave a big sigh of relief that it's not
your To Do list. I won't hold it against you.
Even though it is still about Eleventy-seven degrees below zero outside we have finally started to see some
sunshine here in Central Indiana. It makes me happy. Apparently it makes this guy happy too. Now if it would just warm up enough for me to clean up the flower beds, spread mulch, repaint the front door and touch up the trim paint. Jeez- see why I can't sleep?
Thank you guys for coming along on the crazy ride with me. I appreciate all of your sweet words and encouragement. Some days it's what keeps me going.
good luck! as far as boxes go...i have a ton in my attic that i'd love to share...if we were only closer! but we get small boxes from liquor stores alot. and maybe call up your recycling center to see if they have any that have been given.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! Moving is the for the birds...only they have much less stuff!
ReplyDeleteI got a lot of boxes from our local liquor store to hold my glassware and some of my breakables. The divided wine bottle boxes work really well for this and I was also able to safely tuck away all of my Beatrix Potter figurines in those.
For the big moving boxes I just sucked it up and went out to Lowes and bought them. It killed me to do it, especially since we did it to move and then recycled or gave most of those away and then just a year and a half later we packed up again to do the renovation so I had to go buy more! But it was worth not having to run all over to find free ones, and that alone was worth something! Happy Packing...keep your eye on the prize!
Kat :)
Go to your local grocery store... they will have tons of boxes. (My son worked for a grocery store part time while he was in high school, and he would bring home boxes any time I needed them.)
ReplyDeleteWe stopped by the Hamilton County Hazardous Waste/Recycling center Sunday to drop off some recyclables, and saw that there's a huge dumpster there full of "cardboard"- it's entirely boxes. They all looked clean, so, if you don't mind some dumpster-diving, you could grab as many boxes there as you need.
ReplyDeleteAlso, have you tried Freecycle?
You can get moving boxes in various sizes from your local u-haul, but you do have to pay for them.
ReplyDeleteI remember getting our last house so spic and span that I sort of got a crush on it, all over again... :)
ReplyDeleteJust whistle a Village tune, while you work. That may help?
Wow!
ReplyDeleteThat is a daunting list! Just pace yourself my friend...
and try your local supermarket for free boxes...
If it makes you feel any better, it's AT LEAST eleventy seven degrees below zero in Chicago, too.
ReplyDeleteWhen we've moved I always ask at the grocery store, Costco, etc. for boxes. They have huge ones, which they'll give away for free, since they're just going to be compacted anyway.
Liquor stores always have boxes!
ReplyDeleteI have a list that looks a lot like yours. Someone recommended the "magic eraser" to me to help with the wall touch up work. I have to say I think it's the single best product discovery that I can remember. It takes scuff marks and well, anything off the walls without taking the paint off with it. AMAZING. I highly recommend it. You may not need to retouch as much paint as you thought!
ReplyDeleteGood luck.
Hi Jen,
ReplyDeleteWe went to Indianapolis for the weekend and we had a blast! I can't believe how many great stores there are...I had so much fun. Are you close to Indianapolis?
LeAnn
Woo-hoo! If your to the 5 week countdown, you've got to be so excited!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are also trying to sell and move, but not to our dream village... our runner up. I too have a huge to do list so I'm right there with you!!
Good Luck!
I think that your list is completely do-able, especially with your motivation!
ReplyDeleteI see that several others have mentioned my suggestion for boxes -- liquor stores. And, fyi, Walmart does not give out boxes -- it is against their corporate policy, as I discovered when trying to get some boxes to ship gifts. Knowing that might save you a trip. I've heard that Lowes & Home Depot have the cheapest boxes, if you end up buying them.
Hello, we do not worry much about the disorder, here in Argentina does Damasio heat to be working at home, look at your photos and looks like my home, the difference you from cold and can not do anything for me heat.
ReplyDeleteSorry the translation is terrible, I mean that here in Argentina is summer and you can work at home because of the excessive heat.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so overwhelming, but you also sound very happy and excited. Thanks for sharing the journey. Mentally I'm helping you pack, sorry it could be more of the real thing.lol
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your rays of sunshine,
Lynea
Another source for boxes: check your local mailing companies (that handle bulk mailing of fliers and so forth) for spares. Printers deliver the goods to be mailed in boxes but they generally go to the post office in bins or tubs, hence empty boxes galore!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen~
ReplyDeleteOur recycling center always has boxes. It is really close to Carrie & me. I could never move! We have way too much stuff!
XO~Hope
Check your local library. A big library can get as many as 25 boxes a day. Book boxes are smaller, but they have a double bottom for carrying a heavy load.
ReplyDeleteKate
Maybe someone already mentioned this but check out grocery stores and drug stores. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteJust think how good you're going to feel when it is all done!! Must be catchy cause I've been doing the same things. I think it's called "pre-move nesting syndrome". (Our house is for sale and we are planning a move, too!)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like the next 5 months are going to be very busy for you. It will all be worth it though when you move into your new home!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen!
ReplyDeleteI paint furniture for a living...so know ALL ABOUT getting boxes! ;o) Just about any store will be happy to give them to you. The grocery store has some nice ones, but I have the best luck at office or shoe stores. I just ask for the manager and 9 times out of 10 they are more than happy to give you what they have and most will even save them for me on days their trucks come in. Just ask...they don't mind a bit! ;o) ~mary~
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI know that our hospital gives away really really clean boxes....you may want to try your local one! ( if you can't find good free boxes....Home Depot sells brand new ones for cheap!!!)
Lanie
When we were moving I trolled the backs of the strip malls looking for boxes!! I found some good ones behind Michael's on 146th and Meridian! Another good source is the grocery store earlier in the morning as they are stocking. I was always looking for smallish ones to pack books in!
ReplyDeleteAlso, for true moving boxes you can try the local movers. They will often have used boxes that they sell cheap. I just have a hard time paying for boxes!
You will need a day at the spa when this is over! Apple boxes from the produce section are my favorite.
ReplyDeletei am so with you, my friend. each week i have been attempting to tackle large and small projects.
ReplyDeletefree boxes can sometimes be found outside the liquor stores. (gee, not that i hang around outside liquor stores - LOL)
happy organizing!
xo
elyse
"...sort, toss, donate, declutter, clean..." a sequence to live by; it feels good to get them done! I've just made way for some new additions myself- my car is full of items and I am off to sell : ) Thanks for your candid post~
ReplyDeleteIn my country, we go to grocery stores or supermarket for free boxes, hope it will be the same in your country.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Indonesia,
Eva
You are doing so great! When ever you get overwhelmed, just think about those chocolate chip scones, and walks to the library, eh? When I get overwhelmed and don't know what to do first....I think 'get going, and keep going'. Isn't it true about the sunshine? We've had some for a few days now, it sure lifts the spirit. I'm so happy for you, and proud of you, you are doing great!
ReplyDeleteMy husband brings home a steady stream of xerox-paper boxes from work. If you have an office park nearby you could probably score quite a few boxes if you could bring yourself to knock on a few doors.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what kind of grocer you have there but the Kroger stores here will save their egg and fruit boxes for you in the mornings. Just get over there early after stockers finish and get the best boxes for free!!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck,can't wait to see your new home!,
angela
Such an exciting time for you Jen!
ReplyDeleteTry & catch a few cat naps with that adorable cat of yours ♥
Looks like you are nesting:) I love that you are in a Spring clean up and it's the dead of winter!! I can't wait for the warmth.
ReplyDeleteI know it is overwhelming but I'm just so darn happy and excited for you over the adventures ahead that I'm smiling from ear to ear. YOU ARE GOING TO BE SOOOOOO HAPPY!!!
ReplyDeleteDivide and conquer. Try to remember that. You'll get there.
I promise! You can do it!
Love,
Kim
We always get them from the grocery store...and my Grandmother always preferred the egg boxes! Good luck with all of the cleaning and organizing. Nothing like a move to get motivated and that is what it would take to get me going!!
ReplyDeleteLoving the beautiful picture of the sunlight shining on the aprons. And, yes, I am SO glad your "to do" list isn't mine!
ReplyDeleteJen...It was good to meet Carrie today @ LolaRue. She seems like a sweet girl. Glad that the giveaway mystery was solved too. Lisa was mortified!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your moving preparations...
Liquor stores are always good. They have to package carefully, so they are always tossing boxes and they have great dividers.
ReplyDeleteBookoo.com try there
ReplyDeleteBookoo.com
ReplyDeleteI found all the free boxes I needed at my local grocery stores. Fresh ones there for the pickin each day...just go early in the morning, since the night shift did much of the shelf stocking.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your blog! Good luck with the move!
Bless your heart, I can only imagine how tired you must feel! I wish I had a truly good idea about boxes...if I did, I'd share it! BUT I will pray that you will have all of the strength and energy you need for what you have to do! Maybe I don't want to move...ever...
ReplyDeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteDo you have a freecycle group there? You should check online. I always see moving boxes posted on ours locally.
xo,
Serena
for boxes if you have a local starbucks call them and ask to speak to the manager ask when they have there orders and if they can save some of there boxes for you. they should be happy to do it for you and they work perfect for the purpose. the only downfall is you may have to pick them up that day because most stores dont have the room to hold them
ReplyDeletehope that helps