u/geekymom

Six years ago, we moved across the country for a job. While we did some decluttering then, it was COVID, and we were all on edge, so we took a lot more with us than we needed to. Then, the job ended three years later and we decided to move back across the country to be close to my family. We decluttered again, but not as much as we needed to because again, we were freaked out about things--job loss, our dog died. For both of those moves, I felt a little numb.

We're now moving again, back across the country to be near our kids, who stayed in the area when we moved six years ago. After living in two fairly large houses and expanding our stuff, we finally recognized the burden it was. We sold almost all our furniture--keeping two beds, a couple of desks, and a dining room table. We sold pieces we'd gotten when we were first married more than 30 years ago. I've donated glassware, sheets, towels, clothing--so much. We've thrown away random things that we've hauled around for twenty years plus that we never used, got ruined at some point, or no longer work. Once we got started, it got easier.

And yet, there is still more to do. We *still* have too much stuff. My husband, especially, has a lot of hobby things he needs to get rid of. But he recycled a lot of electronics he'd been hoarding, and when we dropped them off, he said it felt like a burden had been lifted.

Part of our inspiration was wanting to reduce our cost to move. Having done it twice, we know that more stuff=more money. Another part of our inspiration was me seeing all the stuff in both of my parents' houses. I probably won't have to deal with my dad's as his wife is currently clearing it out (we live down the street but are NC--story for another day). But I will have to deal with my mom's and every time I've visited, I'm overwhelmed with anxiety about all the stuff. I don't want to do that to my kids.

There are future moves for us and probably more downsizing. I want the rest of my life to be about experiences and people not stuff. This group--while I haven't posted much--has been helpful. Seeing the ups and downs of everyone's journey is comforting. This isn't easy and it's never over, really.

Yesterday, we received the post-inspection repair list. Only a couple of things I thought were really relevant--one was an HVAC system that we were currently in the process of repairing--disclosed early on--and we are now replacing. They asked for $30K in credit. We countered that we're replacing the HVAC (the most expensive thing on the list) and that they can deal with the rest. The original price holds. We're willing to come down a little, but we already took their lower than asking offer because we know the house is older and stuff happens. I'm nervous that they'll completely walk away. We had multiple offers and our realtor thinks we'll have options if they do walk away. Still doesn't make me feel less nervous.

Update: We met in the middle and they wanted to do all the repairs themselves, including the HVAC, which means we have no AC through closing. It was quite a process that involved some very odd specific requests that I won't share here right now. We still have to get through closing!