I Packed It In A Rotella Box

The last time we moved was over nineteen years ago. David was working for Pilot Oil at the time and so, our packing box of choice was a Rotella Box.

At the time, I was thrilled that we had a nice sturdy box to pack our stuff in.

However, we quickly discovered how difficult it was to find anything after our move. I don't remember if we labeled any of the boxes, but I do remember that each time we wondered out loud where something might be found, you could be sure that the automatic response would be; "I packed it in a Rotella Box."

This week, Courtney helped me clean out the attic. We found several lost and precious treasures. Much to our surprise; we found one Rotella box still unpacked!

It was filled with old LP records. sigh! I have to make a decision about them soon.

Many of us adults know that we have rooms of "Some Day" things. Books that remain unread; craft projects that are unfinished, and clothing that we might get skinny enough to wear again someday.

As our move grows closer, I am making one more sweep of those "Some Day" items. If I haven't used it for months or years, someone else surely would like it for their own clutter collection. Most of this has been going on inside my head for the better part of a year. But now, I have to make it a reality.

This house has been filled with endless discoveries of my newfound abilities. I learned that I could make just about anything from a thrift store find and a can of paint. I discovered that I liked to teach others how to make creative gifts. I enjoyed mixing colors to make my own shades of paint. And most of all, I found that I liked to make people feel special because I had something to give them on their darkest days.

Until the grandkids came along, I was free to move and shift big items of primitive furniture around and enjoy my eclectic finds. I loved roaming the countryside looking for antique and flea market treasures.

But now, I want to enjoy coming home to a house where there is a place for everything. That I can sit in my living room and not feel as though I still have another 4 or 5 hours of work to do after working my day job.

Most of my stuff has been carefully packed and labeled for this move. But I am very sure, that I will have some exceptions.

Not everyone is ready to rid their lives of the "extras" that they have collected over the years. I know that I wasn't even ready 9 months ago. You will know that it is the right time when you sit in your living room and realize that instead of owning things; the power has shifted and they own you.

I haven't been writing all that much because I have been so busy making these decisions. I have been happy to give away "the extras" to those in need, for fundraisers and to people who are just starting out in a new home. And I have sold some favorite antique pieces that I know went to a good home.

I will always be a champion of "repurposing" and gifting. But I don't think that I feel the need to stockpile the "Some Day" items.

Have a good rest of the week everyone!