by Claire
Several of you asked about my budgeting for my March 30 move. I will be using the same movers I’ve used in the last two moves that are both reliable and very reasonable. They charge $95 per hour for a three man crew. They are insured and have good reviews. I have so minimized my stuff I can’t even begin to tell you! I spent today packing the kitchen and have another car load of things to sell and donate. If I haven’t used it in a year…it went. I have set aside $700 (much of that coming from the difference in rent due April 1) for the movers which I think is a significant over estimate. When we moved into this house we essentially had two households and even had to make two trips b/c their truck wasn’t large enough to take everything in one run. I remember clearly that we paid $850 and I remember being so impressed with the cost because it was near 9 hours that day. I just don’t see this move taking all day. We had 100+ boxes that last move (!!!) and I’m guess-timating no more than 40 this time. I hope to come in closer to 30. There isn’t much furniture left with just my 3 piece living room set with two end tables, the kids bedroom sets (3 pieces each), my King size bed and the scary dresser. There is a folding table serving as our dining table for now. I have the frig that will be stored in my garage at the apartment. I confirmed I can plug it in to the garage plug (and I don’t pay for electricity in the garage) and we can have a back up fridge. I like having a lot of freezer space b/c I cook a lot and freeze.
All in all, I feel nothing but relief as I find myself with less stuff. The sermon this morning at church was about consumerism. The priest made such valid points about all of the empty things we chase trying to find fulfillment when really it is all very simple–and the answer is not in a new television set.
I sincerely feel like this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing right now. I think I AM supposed to be slightly uncomfortable as I undo my past mistakes. I think I am supposed to cringe a bit as I think about where I am at right now. I am working hard to find motivation in the positive position it puts me in as I move forward. It isn’t always easy as there is a very real sense of shame about everything but most days I do okay.
I sense there are many readers out there who are still in a hopeless situation about their debt. If that’s you, go back and read some of my early posts and see where I’ve come in just 12 months (March 1 was my one year anniversary as the blogger on this site). I hope you find encouragement in what you read. Remember it could always be worse and you do have something to be grateful for in this world. That could be family or your job or whatever…but we all have something. Take a baby step today and watch how you gain momentum. While I do not recommend going through a SECOND divorce as you are trying to dig out, I can say the divorce is very likely the best thing that could have happened to me on my debt journey. I am excited to see where I will be in just another 12 months!
Happy Sunday.
Born and raised in Texas. I’ve at least driven through every state in the US courtesy of a roadtrip loving Dad.
I’m single with two children and a good parenting relationship with their father.
I am a “life is just half full of funny” kinda gal. Humor is my saving grace and I am thankful for it every single day. I have a strong Catholic faith and am thankful for that foundation.
I read a lot for a living but still enjoy a good book. I love biographies but in recent years have found the need for fun fictional books–sadly, for a long time I just didn’t enjoy fiction!
I love live theatre of any kind–from local productions to Broadway.
I love to scrapbook and pride myself in my kids’ albums.
I love being a mom but also love my career. I’m blessed to have found a balance allowing me to be at everything my kids need and want me to be at–while also having a career.
Favorite Quotes: Well behaved women rarely make history.
Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out. -James Bryant Conant
I think I AM supposed to be slightly uncomfortable as I undo my past mistakes. I think I am supposed to cringe a bit as I think about where I am at right now.
I think you are probably right Claire. But aren’t we all?! Ideally, we live and we learn. The alternative is worse lol!
Claire you are a shining star and you inspire many of us.
If you don’t mind me asking, what is your new rent going to be?
Also, about the “Scary Dresser” LOL. I know you are crazy busy these days, with good reason!
But I found myself thinking, I wish Claire had a day or two to do what she wants with that “Scary Dresser” so she could be HAPPY to bring it into her new home, when she moves.
Even if you don’t finish it the way you want it to be, perhaps you can find a few hours to just start it?!
Sounds like you’ve done a great job minimizing and committing to living simply.
I helped some friends move this week. I couldn’t help but notice that I moved several things out of their attic that I put IN their attic two years ago when I moved them in! Get rid of them! We have an upcoming move too and helping our friends made me realize we have some serious crap to get rid of.
Side note, just started a new job and I’m splitting time between Austin and SA.
Can’t believe it has already been a year. See how far that debt line has come down on your chart? That wouldn’t have happened had you someone fighting you every step of the way! Yah maybe for most divorce in the midst of debt reduction wouldn’t be best but for you I think it was the only way you got where you are today and where you will go.
Fantastic job! I am so glad you were able to find affordable housing so fast. I am sure with this dedication, you will be able to become debt free come next March.
This is a nice spring cleaning opportunity for you!
While I’m still in the hopeless stage of my own debt journey, I’m amazed at your journey…it seems a big leap from before and after. Whatever you set out to do, you seem to accomplish it! Not everyone can do that *points at own self*
$95 per hour for a three man crew is probably the cheapest rate for movers that I have seen.
In Southern California, I moved recently 20 miles south, from a very small condo, and i paid $400 for the move even though we had packed everything ready ourselves and the actual move took only one hour. We had to pay minimum of 4 hours and they charged $100 for a two men crew. I had to dish out the money because I didn’t know anyone who would help/could help and I couldn’t move furniture by myself.
Congratulations! That all sounds great. It’s lovely to see you making real progress after so many months of playing around with debt and justifying purchases.
Also, we should all aim to be uncomfortable on a regular basis. You aren’t living and growing if you aren’t uncomfortable. The saddest lives to me are those people who never change, who cling to the old and who have mindless, pointless lives (work 9-5 at a mediocre job, watch TV all night, maybe go out to some generic, local place on occasion). Discomfort is a little scary but also exciting and life affirming.
What a strange comment. How do you know those people who you claim live “mindless, pointless lives” aren’t saving away or paying down debt? Never judge a book by it’s cover, I say. To most, hubby and I probably look like we’re swimming in debt and yes, hubby works a 9-5er at a very mentally challenging job Mon-Fri so he prefers to veg out in front of the TV at night and just do nothing. It’s stress release for him and helps clear his mind. Also, it’s cheaper than going out to dinner, movies, plays, etc. because we’re intensely paying down debt while we sit in front of that TV at night.
Claire,
I am so proud of you.
Some of Dave Ramsey’s lines are about getting out of debt..
“Live like no one else, so you can LIVE like no one else.”
“To get out of debt, sell something. Keep selling until the kids think they’re next.”
You are kicking it to the curb, girl.
Keep the debt payments intense and you will be a VERY wealthy woman.
Great job!
Hi Claire,
I have always wondered how movers charged. If it was hourly or the job. $95 seems pretty reasonable. Do you move smaller items to help cut back on the amount of work the mover do? Also, I like you thinking. If you haven’t used it in a year you get rid of it. Whenever I get ready to move I use the same approach to help minimize what I have to move. I do not sell anything but do donate so I can write it off on my taxes. Good luck with the move.
Moving is such a great time to really go through every item in your house and see if it is really worth the time and money to move it! Even if you can’t sell it on eBay or craigslist, you at least get a tax break for donations.
Plus I’m starting to see other benefits from living a simpler life. I have recently started to go through and downsize the stuff in my life and found that I am saving time because I don’t have as much to dust/clean and I appreciate what I decided to keep so much more because I am no longer overwhelmed with choices. And I haven’t missed or even thought twice about anything that I sold or donated!
I am so proud of you, Claire..