We're considering moving from our large log home and 12 acres.  I knew the day would eventually come, as the kids left for college.  We wouldn't need all this space or all the mowing involved with just the two of us at home.  The kids will be home for another five years, but some precipitating factors have motivated us to consider down-sizing sooner than later.   We moved to this quiet, rural area 13 years ago, but the suburbs have recently grown up around us.  Nearby village bureaucrats  FORCIBLY annexed us to themselves.   In addition (or as a result), they raised our taxes almost $1000/year with NO added services or benefits as village residents.  Because of all the growth around us and this annexation, our taxes have nearly tripled in the last 10 years.  The time to move seems more right than not.   Except for one thing.....

We've lived in this house longer than any other home.  And our closets and storage areas reflect our comfortable longevity here!  I can't imagine strangers opening my closets for inspection!  Regardless of the motivating factors, it's time to join the Colossal Clutter Clean Up.   Our main living areas are essentially clutter-free.  But have I got hiding places!   I've spent today on two large closets/storage areas, resulting in three large moving boxes filled for Good Will, three heavy duty garbage bags to go out and a colossal pile of outgrown clothing I'm gradually listing on E-bay.    I only have about 6 more hiding places  closets to go on the first floor....and then there's my office, (a disaster unto itself) and the basement.....double disaster!  The trouble with a big house with lots of storage....over time, you find lots of stuff to store. 

I'm looking for any advice or strategies on down-sizing and/or preparing a house to put on the real estate market.  I seem to have bursts of energy, but poor endurance when it comes to large, overwhelming tasks.  Suggestions?

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Posted by LadyMother

There is a blog I like to check out often -- she is an expert at getting a house ready for resale... Her name is Meridith at likemerchantships.blogspot.com.
and they move every three years...
When we moved here I vowed I would never move again! Every bone in my body ached and I thought I had never been so tired in my life. When my folks moved a van just rolled up, packed the house up and met us at the house in Ga and unpacked and set it up. I thought moving was so easy... :>) ...all that land sounds like heaven. all those taxes don't. You might was well face it, dear one -- there's no safe place. Everythings changes -- it never stops.
It's wise to have a game plan though.
Love and Thoughts,
Miss Meg

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Posted by 1crazylady5kids

I would definately make this project part of your Lenten journey. Spring cleaning seems to have more meaning for me when it is part of my spiritual journey. I am preparing for an inevitable move in our future during my "spring cleaning" too. I am doing the CCC myself - but with a slight twist due to my bad habit of purchasing things just to have them, and then giving them away via "decluttering". So, I am working on that recreational shopping habit. Gluttony?
I have given up ebay again this Lent - hubby is a bit too enthusiastic about my sacrifice :0)
God Bless you on your Lenten Journey;
Trish

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