Someone mentioned in the comments that they would love to know how I decided what to sell and what to keep in my moving sale, so thanks for that comment. You just helped me figure out what this post will be about. 🙂
The moving sale this weekend went fantastic! I couldn’t be happier with the turnout and the things that moved. I ended up with about 4 furniture pieces left that didn’t go during the sale, but I’ve listed them on Craigslist in hopes of getting them sold. In fact, 2 of them are already sold, so 2 more to go. Craigslist is definitely a great way to sell furniture pieces that you need to get rid of without practically giving it away at a yardsale.
I enjoyed meeting many of my blog readers who came through the sale, thanks for saying hello. It would have been fun to take pics along the way, but it was incredibly busy, especially on Friday, that there wasn’t time for any frivolous picture taking. Those first 2 hours on Friday were moving fast and furious, with things flying out the door at a rapid pace. I couldn’t have done it without 6 of my friends who showed up early and helped me with crowd control, taking money, and answering questions. I have the BEST friends!
By the time Saturday a.m. rolled around, there wasn’t a whole lot left. Right before Noon when things had been really slow for an hour or so and I was getting ready to take the signs down, about 20 people showed up all at one time and practically cleaned out the rest of what was left.
So, really I couldn’t be any happier with the sale and proceeds made. It was a great weekend and a much needed way to pare down my move by getting rid of things that I didn’t need to hang onto any longer.
So, that comment about deciding what to keep was a good one. I really didn’t sit down and make a list. I had so many accessories that getting rid of a lot of that didn’t even make me blink.
I sold rugs, lamps, pictures, and LOTS of small accessory pieces. I also sold my tapestry and floral needlepoint rug that used to be in my living room. Even though I loved those still, I had grown tired of the more formal look, so didn’t mind selling those things. I had enjoyed them long enough.
Deciding on which pieces of furniture to sell was another matter. I’ve made it a priority to try to buy good older pieces, some real antiques and those pieces are near and dear to my heart. So, not many of the older pieces went. I did have an old antique oak chest of drawers that I decided to part with, as well as an older dresser that I wasn’t attached to, so most of the guest room furniture was sold, including the beds.
Since I have no idea when I’ll be in another house again, it made sense to keep my favorite pieces and get rid of some of the other things that I wasn’t so attached to. And it really didn’t make me sad at all to pare down and get rid of all of the extras. 
I still have plenty left and these beautiful antique pieces will be moving with me. These I will not part with. You just can’t go wrong with older pieces. They just don’t make them like this anymore, do they? 
I’m keeping everything in the bedroom, as well as the dining room pieces. The breakfast table will also be kept. As I mentioned, I didn’t keep the guest room beds, as well as a few of the side tables and dressers in there, but will keep a few things in those rooms. 
I’m also keeping the den furniture and not getting rid of any of the sofas. They will come in handy later, I hope and my sister is going to use my entire den furniture in her downstairs basement that she is working on, so I’m happy about that. I’d much rather it be used than go into storage. 
I’ll also keep all the living room furniture, including the chairs and sofa. I still love those pieces and will hopefully use them again some day.
Furniture is too expensive to just discard and start over, so as long as the bones are kept, then adding to it later will be the fun part. 
I will still have my faves. 
This antique mirror has been with me for about 25 years now and it too will be coming with me.
Moving and storing furniture is not something I’ve ever had to do, but it’s better to do that than get rid of it all. I know that I’ll be using it again one day and will be glad I have those familiar pieces to enjoy again.
How about you?
Have you moved and how did you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?
As I mentioned, getting rid of SO many accessories really didn’t bother me at all. Those things came to me from yardsaling and thrifting for the most part, so passing them along to a new home is a good thing to do. When the time comes again for me to make another home, it will be loads of fun to have the thrill of the hunt once again.
I know you all can relate to that, right!?
The giveaway winner for the Stealing Magnolias book is:
linda miller February 9, 2011 at 10:42 pm
I love everything about New Orleans…..the food, antiques, shopping, looking at the historic houses, parties, Mardi Gras, the people and their music. Hope I get lucky and win this beautiful book.
Thanks
Linda
You did get lucky, Linda! Congrats, I will email you for your info.
God bless you and keep you — let the restoration of your heart and home begin!
We moved to Atlanta from NH eight years ago. We moved quickly and packed ourselves. I was so grieved to move away from my home and family that I marked every box “FRAGILE”, including our undergarments and stuffed animals, because at the moment, those things meant so much to me. It was my heart that was fragile! I have since purged a lot of those things and have lived contennntly with out even more of them. It’s funny to me now. Ridiculous, really.
I admire that you are able to seperate yourself from your “things” — and that you care enough to take the time to share the beauty of them with others.
You are in my prayers.
Hi sweet friend! I’m so glad the sale went well and you had some good help. I like your attitude. When we moved from Atlanta years ago, we really gave a lot of things to our married children. I kept telling myself “it’s only stuff”. That is so true. You’re smart to keep what you love and let the “stuff” move on.
Let’s talk soon. Hope you’ll come for a visit once you’re settled.
Hugs,
Kat
This is great news! I just left you an email but this post answered my question!!!
I think paring down can be a way to have an amazingly fresh and FREE outlook on everything–it can be a true blessing!!!
I have to keep it short due to moving craziness here, but you continue to be in my prayers!!
MANY blessings to you,
Lana
Hi Rhoda! Congratulations on a successful sale!!
Rhoda, let me say your attitude and outlook amaze me. Back when you first wrote that you would be having a sale, I was feeling all down and sad thinking about you selling all your “stuff”. But today, you are talking about maybe one day getting the opportunity to make another home…I felt myself feel with the joy just thinking about getting to follow you on your hunts and excursions looking for those bargains! And to be able to watch you make another home with all your inspiration excites me!!
(I know one good thing about you moving closer to the East coast, you’ll be closer to the SC/GA border and maybe, just maybe I can meet you in person!! 😀 )
Hang in there, every cloud has a silver lining!!
♥ Becky in SC ♥
Rhoda, so glad that your sale went well. I wish I were closer, as I would have loved to have come too. The older I get the more I find myself getting rid of “stuff” here in my house. I want less stuff around me to take care of and keep up with. You saved a lot of wonderful pieces that you will enjoy for years to come! Love & blessings from NC!
I’m thrilled to hear things went well- mostly that you were surrounded by your good friends! We’re military, so yes- we move like we drink water. One way that we keep our stash down is to open every single box each time we have a delivery- if it’s something we could leave in a box, then we don’t need it. Overseas moves are great because when we get our items out of storage, we can shed a lot more that we didn’t miss during the time it was stored! Also, living in a second world country helps with perspective- I can enjoy and buy nice things, but how many do I really “need” and could the money be invested in some other way that would make an eternal difference? (We simply try not to collect so much in the first place and I give myself some time before committing to a purchase- even a small one!- so that I don’t spend impulsively.)
You have been on my heart and in my prayers all weekend. I’m so glad your sale went well – I know it was a big job! We have moved and put things in storage a couple of times. Deciding what to keep was fairly simple – I kept what I knew I would use when I set up housekeeping again. And I kept things I really loved and that meant something special to me. Just what you did – that makes the process simpler. Your photos of your old pieces are wonderful. Love the details! Peace to you, my friend, as you move on to the next step.
~Adrienne~
Hello Rhoda,
I am sorry I have not been over to comment sooner, but please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. Your positive attitude is quite an inspiration.
I am so glad the sale went well and you were able to keep the pieces that are near and dear to you. Sometimes it is hard trying to decide what to keep and what to let go. Like you, I keep the basics and, of course, the heirloom accessories and furniture. I agree that the craftsmanship is just not the same as it used to be. The last time I moved I placed some items in storage until I got settled. I disliked the additional expense, but I knew it was temporary. Plus, when I finally got everything out of storage and opened up the boxes and unwrapped all my treasures it almost seemed like Christmas!
~ Tracy
Rhoda, I read your blog alot, even though I don’t comment. And, it seems as though you are going through a rough time. I just wanted you to know that I am sorry, and I would feel sure you don’t deserve it. Isn’t it strange how our lives take us to places we never want to be. And, it is not in our control. But, the Lord allows us to travel these paths for reasons known only to Him. We know, however, that He is walking with us…and will walk with us….until He brings us to a better place. That is the hope we have in Jesus. Nothing comes to us without going through Him first.
Sorry, I did not intend to sound preachy. Just know I care. Tonja
Rhoda,
Thank you so much for allowing us to carry on some of your pieces to another good home. Your hospitality was so refreshing and you made everyone feel welcome! That spirit will carry you forward and when the time comes for you to create another gorgeous home, I for one, will watch with joy as you work your magic!
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
Lou Cinda 🙂
I knew you’d have a rockin good sale b/c you have great stuff! Glad it went well and is behind you – Jennifer
Rhoda,
You cross my mind often, sometimes several times a day… sending you positive energy. You are such a graceful woman handling this transition with poise. A true inspiration.
Rhoda – I am so glad that your sale was a success! I was the lucky recipient of the king bed and we absolutely love it! It was a pleasure to meet you and I wish you nothing but the best as you move forward.
Thanks for all you do with your blog!!
Valentine’s has often been transitions time for me…a husband left one…my mother died late on another…but most of all Valentine’s Day remains so very sweet in my heart because a dear friend reminded me that its a day set aside to love others, and to love yourself. As you prune your life of things you simply don’t adore and hold tighter to the things that bring you joy, how lovely indeed will the load become. I always smile when I see you at Blissdom these last two years or out in town, it seems each time I was in Birmingham I did somehow passing ….and what I saw affirmed what I knew….you are a warm, delightful friend, whose friends surrounding you are enchanted by your joy.
many hugs,
Sweetie
Sweet post by a real sweetheart! Good for you Rhoda. I’ve got a similar china cabinet and dining room chest as yours, you’ve got good taste. Enjoyed the close up detail shots of the furniture. You’re one step further along…just keep going and keep us posted! Enjoyed that truffles post but ddidnt get a chance to say so.
I’m glad your sale went well! I don’t know why but it still makes me a little sad. But your attitude is inspiring ~~ and your logic about it all is right on target. I’ve been needing to thin out some decorative thrift buys and forgotten craft projects that never really worked out for me and you and FlyLady have given me the spunk to get busy!! Thanks for the insight! Blessings to you.
Glad the event was a success!
You have inspired me to do some purging. I want to have a garage sale when the weather gets warm here.
Would you mind sharing some tips on pricing and hosting a sale?
Sorry that I couldn’t make your sale. So happy to hear you had good success. My thoughts and prayers were with you and will continue.
I think I need to have a garage sale this spring. You’ve inspired me to get rid of things now and not wait until I have to move again.
I wish you love and many many blessings,
Kathi
Rhoda, I am happy that you were able to sell some things and also that you could hang onto the things that mean the most to you. I wish I was closer and could have come. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Praying that God will lead you to where you need to be. XO, Pinky
What a great way to lose life’s weight!! Don’t you feel a little bit lighter? Me on the other hand, I’m too frightened to move with all of the junk we’ve accumulated over the years. Maybe one day when the kids are finally gone and I’ll make sure as each moves out they take their fair share with them!…B:) xo