It’s hard to clear the life out of a house.
It goes into Hefty bags and worn out boxes.
Possessions and treasured keepsakes alike become things, just stuff. Or, so you tell yourself.
You will detach and then instantly reattach, second guessing what to do with each and every article.
Personal documents are shredded.
Each piece of clothing is removed from its hanger and you will bury your face in collars and breathe in, just in case a scent still lingers.
Taking a bitter sweet trip down memory lane, photos are studied and divided.
Books containing underlined sentences are set aside with an overwhelming desire to go back read later.
Some things are donated to Salvation Army or Goodwill in hopes that they will find a new home, others are gifted to family and friends with love.
Many items are carefully wrapped in tissue paper and bubble wrap, saved for reasons yet unknown.
Countless trips and decisions will be made.
A storage unit will quickly be filled.
An estate sale will be held.
This house will no longer feel like a home.
Improvements will begin, slowly at first and then with shear determination… new tile, carpet, paint, appliances.
Before you know it, five years will go by.
There will be major set backs, a lot of tears and frustration.
There will also be acceptance and peace.
A realtor will eventually be contacted and a “For Sale” sign posted.
An offer will be accepted.
After piles of paperwork, several e-mails and much negotiation, escrow will close.
If you think it’s hard to clear the life out of a house, try two lives.
This house was once a home. December 1990 – June 2012.
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Big milestone. Holding your heart. xx
A big transition is happening and I hope it will be a wonderful one even if it feels difficult right now for you and your family.
Holding you, your hand and your heart. xoxo
always in my prayers friend. especially through this hard stuff. xxoo
You are in my prayers, Tonya. My mom and I cleared our my grandmother’s house in 2000, and it was bittersweet. So many good memories to share together, and so many tears too. xo
I tend to over-sentimentalize EVERYTHING…which is probably why I’ll eventually end up on Hoarders. But homes are living, breathing parts of our lives. And transitions are really, really rough. (Hugs.)
I’m sorry that you had to do all of this. It is so unfair, and you are so strong.
It’s a beautiful home, and what a hard thing to do.
I honestly think that I am in shock that it’s all over. I can’t believe that house is no longer in our name. I can never go back there and sit in the living room and remember countless Summers and Christmas’s there as a family together. And yet, at the same time, that house stopped feeling like our real home a long time ago. I wish I could remember the last time that it really felt like it was ours.
This is yet another perfect post to describe what it all felt like.
I am forever grateful that I had you to go through all this with. Thank you for taking charge of everything making sure this all finally happened. XOXO
I’m glad that you have found peace and acceptance with selling the house. And that it’s finally sold.