Downsizing

It has been nearly 2 years since we packed up and moved across the country from Chicago to California. Before we moved we purged as much as possible: Couches, TVs, toys, cloths, and whatever else we could part with.  It was one of the best feelings in the world to rid ourselves of clutter and baggage. 

We moved not knowing that we would find ourselves in the same position again. We found out today that our already insane rent is going to increase. That, along with other factors (ie. switching jobs, loosing the job I switched too, and getting a new job making substantially less than before), have made it necessary to downsize again.  

For us, downsizing will mean finding a smaller place and getting rid of as much accumulated stuff as we can. Tomorrow I will start to make bags of cloths that have been out-grown and drop them off for donation. I will ask the kids to go through the mountains of toys and weed out what they really don't want anymore (again in hopes of donating them).  I will reacquaint myself with craigslist and start the process of finding a smaller more affordable (ha, in the bay area that really means little) apartment. 

Normally the thought of moving would make me incredibly nervous and overwhelmed, but today I am more relaxed about the prospect. This might be because I couldn't physically, mentally or emotionally become more stressed or worried than I was before, or it could be that I am resolved to make this happen . . . without freaking out. 

In either case, purging simply feels good.