If you ever have to do this, I suggest taking a day to wrap your head around it all and possibly have a drink or two or a bottle of wine.

Then get something to write with and start making a list of every thing that needs addressing…did you loan anything out that you need to collect; who do you need to call to request records…doctor, dentist, school, vet; call your realtor, figure out where to get packing supplies, etc.

Next, make all the calls and send all the necessary emails resulting from your list.

Then, pick up the house. Put every single thing away where it belongs. But don’t waste time cleaning because you’re going to have to do that later anyway.

Now you’re ready to pack…

I followed those steps this weekend and ended up packing most of the day today. Dave pressure washed the house yesterday and did a few minor cosmetic house things today (working around the Seahawks game of course).

When I was dangerously close to running out of boxes and newspaper, i sent out a text and was replenished in no time. I am constantly reminded of all the people we will sincerely miss when we leave. We had two different box drop-offs over the weekend by people who are ready to drop everything this close to the holidays and take care of us… they are difficult to say goodbye to.

I’m also realizing that three years is right around the time when the newness has worn off a friendship and you start feeling like its turning into something. You tell each other the truth, you go over for no reason at all, and you don’t have to knock anymore… I have more if those here than I ever imagined I would.