21 - On The Move Again

(c) Everyday Minimalist

It's the end of the school year. A time for my students to pack, clean, and move out. Turns out, I'm moving again, as well. I started this project last year when I moved apartments within the same building. The rooms had the same floor plan, so it was easy for me to map out and negotiate space considerations for all my stuff. My challenge this time around (besides follow up on all my unfinished craft and decor projects): fit my possessions into a smaller space.

The Pros of Moving:

• A bathroom accessible without venturing through the bedroom
• A small washer/dryer unit
• Less space for stuff; less room to clean
• South facing windows that have lush green woods behind (and minimal if not zero traffic)
• Easier access to training/fitness rooms, tennis courts, and gymnasium
• Dining area adjacent to proper kitchen area
• Better parking; closer dumpster
• Further from Cafeteria; pushes me to shop & cook more
• No lounge against my living room wall

The Cons of Moving:

• Smaller apartment (with front door opposite the student bathroom)
• Half the closet space
• Narrower bedroom and smaller living area
• Outdated appliances (including rust on the drum inside the dryer)
• Tile flooring (no carpeting)
• Too much stuff to move, so it's gotta go (I'm such a pack rat)

You can ask my mom (or just about anyone who has ever seen my room)-- I have a lot of stuff. Try as I may, I just can't seem to part with anything. Even after I lost 35 pounds, I held onto my "Fat Karen" clothes because I was too cheap to invest in new clothes late in the winter season. Even now, I am pulling out my summer clothes, and though they look ridiculous on me, letting go of them was like pulling teeth. Two weeks ago, I dropped "Fat Karen" off at the local Good Will. Hopefully her wardrobe will find happy new homes and make people somewhat fashionable.

Surveying my furniture, I definitely need to take the following with me:

• Norden Bertil Table & Chair Set (bought from a friend who returned to Japan)
• Expedit Shelving Unit (2x2; in beech)
• Antonius Baskets with Desktops (x3)
• Malm Dressing Table & Mirror
• Futon Sofa
• 1 Twin Dorm (hey, it's free!)

Items I am currently waffling over:

• Second Twin Bed: Sleeping alon in a King-sized bed is just depressing
• Current TV Table: A bit wide for the new digs
• 2 Lack Side Tables: Considering repurposing them into my coffee table
• Student Desk: pretty sure there are extra already there.
• Bookcases: Do I really need 3?
• Plastic storage drawers: I need to figure out the best underbed storage solution possible

Decisions! Decisions! What's a Girl to do?

Items I am heavily considering investing a good desk and office chair. Taking available space into consideration, I am leaning heavily on a trip to Ikea to pick up the matching Expedit desk attachment for my bookcase. This would provide a sizable workspace and would provide additional purpose to the bookcase. Option B, would be to invest in the two-piece work station and recycle my on-their-last-limbs book shelves by putting them in the lounge.

I have a terrible habit of keeping my laptop easily accessible in my bedroom, making it more difficult to power down at the end of the day. I intend on taking online writing classes this coming fall, so having a work space which easily blends into my living space is essential (especially when dealing with students). Another key piece is a solid, but not so-comfortable-that-I-spend-every-waking-moment-in-it desk chair. I am picky, so I am certain finding the right item will be a challenge. Also, trading up, I'd like a more stylish chair for my vanity area. Sadly, my plain, ole black office hair clashes with the light wood decor.
 

Oh, Howl, whisk me away...

 Can't I be swept away by Howl and his Moving Castle? That would take all the pain out of having to move so much. Plus, if I ever get a new job offer, I don't have to go house hunting, I just need to plop my marvel of machinery somewhere scenic (gotta love those magical doors)!

On top of moving, I am flying to the UK & Ireland in the same week. Double trouble! I have to figure out how to pack two week's worth of stuff, including running gear for two races in one suitcase. Better get crackin'!