When I sold my home lightning-fast eighteen months after my husband had died, I faced downsizing by about 80 percent. Part One of my move was daunting because I anticipated little help — my besties had moved to Calgary, and my daughter and son-in- law were living in Penticton. However at seventy-two, I thought I was healthy and fit enough to manage it.
I set to every morning. The deliberating, sorting, and chucking began. It was more challenging than expected — two offices, three bedrooms, a family room used as a library, a huge gourmet kitchen, three bathrooms, and ninety-five paintings. Although I had taken much of my late husband’s things to charity shops, dilemmas remained. How could I give away or sell his favourite art work, his submarine service records, and a multitude of other items? Our children didn’t want all of them, so I agonized over the decisions. Many organizations I approached didn’t want my donations or they took their time to agree. And, how was I to manage all the necessary sales on Craigslist?
Immediately the two months I had to complete the project felt too short — I wasn’t making enough progress. I also worried about the expense of putting too many possessions into storage to fit into my new condo. I was tiring with the four flights of stairs, and some big items I couldn’t manage alone. I desperately needed a solution.
Despairing over the progress, I discovered a nationwide estate sale and downsizing company that does it for you in two weeks. “Just tag big items you want to sell and sort the smaller stuff into categories — glassware, china, cutlery, etc.” I breathed again. And there was no upfront fee — they make their commission from online auction proceeds. The company guaranteed to sell 98 percent of my items, big and small — furniture, and even towels and bed linen!
It was a military operation when an army of buyers descended to pick up their purchases. By noon everything was gone — 98.2 percent was sold.
What hadn’t sold was taken away for a small fee by the team manager. The auction accrued over $4000.00, which astonished me, and I soon received a cheque after the company took their 30 percent fee. But, the revenue wasn’t really the point. I could have kissed them — they had been a saviour and I couldn’t have achieved the task without them.
The load-out went like clockwork with a great crew who were experienced and careful. Move, Part One was done on time and on budget.
Yes, I miss not having my possessions that are in storage and keenly anticipate having them around me again. I’m impatient for Part Two, the move-in, to begin this June. But this time I will have plenty of help from an army of my kids’ friends.
Upon reflection and given I had to do Part One alone, I doubt I could have coped with this big move five years hence and I certainly couldn’t if a crisis forced it on me. Thank goodness, I moved when I did. It was exhausting.
Onward!
© Julie H. Ferguson 2018
All images are © Photos by Pharos 2017
Vancouver-based Julie H. Ferguson is an addicted traveler who is intensely interested in the history and culture of foreign lands, as well as Canada, and her stories and images reflect this focus. Julie never leaves home without her cameras and voice recorder, always looking for the colour and sounds that captivate readers everywhere.
A non-fiction writer for forty-five years and an avid photographer, Julie is also the author of twenty-six books, including four about Canadian naval and church history, six for writers, and sixteen photo portfolios. Her articles have appeared in national and international markets, both print and online, and her images have been exhibited, published, and sold.