We got the smaller container, we didn’t bring alot of wooden furniture, but did bring alot of ….well crap is a good a word as any. With the three kids, I have a constant sorting of the clothes for the next kid, however it also feels good to give things away here where there is definitely a need. Our shipping guy kept saying – “bring everything.” We kept thinking, of course he would say that – it is his business. So we weeded and weeded and weeded.

Then we got here and had to rebuy so much stuff (at somewhat expensive rates). Examples of DUMB and wasteful stuff we got rid of – clothing hangers, dish drains, garbage containers. Most of that stuff is PLASTIC! Most of it we sold for bargain basement prices at a garage sale, so at least it is not in the landfill, but ….duh! of course you are going to need that again.

We didn’t bring much wooden furniture (dressers, bookcases, side tables, etc.) and that has turned out okay (most houses have closets and wardrobes, we built some book shelfs out of wood and brackets, and empty cardboard boxes do for side tables until someday when we get something nice), but I would have hated to have to buy new mattresses, new sofa, etc. So if you plan to sleep on mats and sit on the floor, no problem – but if you want some upholstery, to have to rebuy what you already had, it hurts. We bought one double mattress here for about $200. No box spring, no frame, no headboard. Just the mattress, and nothing fancy. Also, we are renting a house and had to buy Refrigerator, Microwave, Oven, (we had brought washer and dryer). Again, more cost.

So I think it is a balancing act about what you get and what you leave behind. Different things work for different people, but just wanted to let you know a little of our hindsight.

jen poco loco’s last blog post..Gym Addition and Revelation

I do like the throwing the crap out part. I’ve been a packrat for years and I can finally let go of a lot of stuff that had some sort of meaning back when I was rudderless. And the 80-20 rule helps out a lot – the you use roughly 20% of (something) 80% of the time.

And wow, that’s a huge shipping charge. I mean, I know it’s going to be high. Buts till, the number is pretty steep. That would certainly be the way to cut back and weed out the stuff you own from the stuff that owns you.

Summer’s last blog post..Bloggy Giveaways and Breastfeeding Week