I’m racing against time lately and it’s not because I don’t have enough time, it’s because I’m managing it in a bad way due to the fact that I have so much to do and I have no list on paper -just in my head- causing it to short-circuit every now and then. I have exactly four weeks from today before I’ll be moving countries so once again I’m packing. I’m so tired of crap, I’m throwing out even more; most went to charity already and half of my books went to a friend here in London, I kept the ones in English (which is still too many *hehe).
I already started a while ago but every time I move I realise I should cut down dramatically. I’ve moved about 12 times since I was eighteen but the problem is that whenever one moves to a bigger place the more crap one collects and my last apartment in Amsterdam was twice the size of a regular one there. So these days I only buy things that I’ll actually use and give away what I don’t need. No useless nick-nacks collecting dust and no more books either unless they’re related to design. If it’s not functional and if I don’t use it it will be binned…
I don’t want clutter to rule my life, it’s causing chaos, is utterly distracting and will only take up space in my home, my studio and my mind. So while I’m packing I’m making a conscious decision to let go and throw out things especially the things that I feel I ‘might need’ one day. Because to be honest, that day never really came so far. In the meantime I’ve been meeting up with friends in the city to say goodbye for now. One friend -a programmer- has some projects coming up and he needs my help design-wise.
Like I mentioned in my previous post, I’m showered with requests lately: all of a sudden people want me to do their design projects. This Wednesday I’ll have to meet up with the accountancy firm, they want a brochure with the same design as the website I did a while ago where people can book online courses. There’s more last-minute things that clients need all of a sudden but I was able to put them off until after the move and when I’ll be back online again. I’m lucky that my line of work could be done from anywhere!
I’m sweeping the rooms of my life and it feels good to get rid of all the dirt, cobwebs and the skeletons that I wasn’t allowed to take out of their cupboard before. It’s May and I’m doing a total spring-clean. Aah, what bliss to embrace the changes and watch them evolve gradually in such a positive way. What a great season to start again…
I’m feeling a bit scattered and off balance like that.
But wow, moving and purging – you are stepping into a new part of your life. That is absolutely beautiful. How exciting!
4 weeks huh? Feeling a bit of pressure? Just take it as it comes… you are going to be great!
Sounds like work is busy, that is so good to hear!!
Thanks again for the “Tweet”. I totally appreciate it.
Hugs my friend.
I know what you mean. I moved flats in El Salvador three times and another three times or four in Malta…I left all of my books with a friend of mine in El Salvador so I understand the books bit and the clutter bit too
It’s good to be practical and just leave around the things that are necessary and beautiful to make the place comfortable and enjoyable
Fantastic re the showered with projects bit
Very happy for you 
Have a great week amiga,
Wen.
I can understand the chaos so much crap can cause!
Gah! I am trying to get rid of clutter too. I’m such a pack rat!
I find that it helps to get rid of stuff right away, otherwise I will start looking at the pile of stuff and start looking for stuff to keep. I want to be ready when and if I have to move.
Yes I am stepping into a new part *again* so it seems *hehe* There’s so much change going on lately that I wish the whirlpool would be calm again soon
Pressure, not really… I can only try my best right? And remember, I’m a pro by now *LOL* It’s not the fact that I’m moving, it’s the fact that I let go of things and replace them with others: that can be a tad emotional to be honest.
I need to contact some people here to try to get medical records, that kind of thing and I’m postponing because it’s such a drag *LOL*
Yes work is great and I can bring it all with me, clients are actually very excited about having a designer in another country *LOL* Ain’t that weird?
Hugs back at you and I hope some clicked the link…
To others reading this: please visit Monica’s blog (her name above links to her website) and read her latest post, perhaps leave her a comment? That would be great!
‘and just leave around the things that are necessary and beautiful’
Ah, and that’s where the catch is my dear friend… because the designer in me is like the magpie: always attracted to the glitter and always able to discover a glimpse of shininess even when it’s covered in dirt. Like the infrared eye scanning for hidden beauty…
So I now have design related books left, almost all in English but because I consider cooking as an art form, does that mean I can keep all the amazing cook books with all the intriguing and beautiful photos as well?
See my dilemma? I do keep them but I’ve given away most of these things. I’ve had my own place since I started my study you would be surprised how much you can collect over the years to make your home comfy and convenient. Most of my stuff is design related, kitchenware or computer related… 
Thanks Wen, have a beautiful week as well!
The chaos I mentioned is more the chaos in my head *hehe* I don’t like clutter so I keep everything neat, archived and in boxes. I have only one place where I ‘allow’ myself to put stuff on display which is the rack with my computer books, printers, PS games and other computer stuff. But it’s still mainly books, notebooks and about three nick-nacks
Your squirrel is on my desk along with an eraser, a gemstone and a crystal, they sit right below my monitor, that’s it
I agree with you on throwing things out straight away, I normally do as well. Hopefully I will only have to move three or four more times at the most. I still feel that you adjust the amount of stuff to the size of your apartment, like goldfish: if you keep them in a small tank they won’t grow that big but as soon as you put them in a bigger tank the goldfish adjusts to the size of the tank as well
Oh wow, where are you moving to? I feel the pressure, I’m in a similar situation, though I’m not moving permanently of course. I’m really excited for you,I’m a junkie for fresh starts
Part of me feels I ain’t moving permanently either
Part of me tells me it’s a transitional phase *hehe* it’s just a shame that I have to carry all the crap back and forth *LOL* I’m excited for you too, it seems we’ll be moving around the same time 
Fresh starts: I have mixed feelings about them at times perhaps that’s because most of them happened after some major disappointment in the past. This time it’s different though and it is actually a really good thing, hence my enthusiasm