Paul and I have made a big decision this weekend. We’ve decided that the only things we’re going to bring with us are the things we can fit in our Honda mini-van.
We bought a 21 cubic foot cargo box for the top and we are going to buy a 13 cubic foot cargo box for the back. The way-back seats fold into the floor but we are probably going to have to leave the two middle row seats here.
Tomorrow we are going to put together a whole bunch of boxes and dry-fit them to the space to see how many we can fit in. That will then determine what we can bring.
So, here’s a short rundown on what we’ll bring:
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- Clothes (not too many, either)
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- Sheets & Towels
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- Kitchenaid Mixer
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- Vita-Mix blender
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- Espresso Machine & grinder
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- Pressure cooker
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- Ice Cream Maker
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- Cast iron comal & dutch oven
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- Le Creuset dutch oven
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- A couple pans
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- Silverware
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- Art work
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- Two oriental rugs
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- Dog Bed (and two dogs)
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- Parrot cage (and parrot)
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- 3-4 boxes of books (these we may send to ourselves instead)
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- A bit of yarn & knitting pattern books
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- A few tools – drill, skill saw, socket sets etc.
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- Computers/Printer
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- 13″ TV
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- Compact stereo
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- A couple boxes of financial papers
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- Flute & music
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- Popcorn popper (for roasting coffee)
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- Dog food & Parrot food containers
- Probably a few misc. boxes – one from the kitchen and one from the office
It feels so liberating to know we will be starting fresh. I’ll route lists of items available to the boys and sell some things, too.
This coming Thursday is the broker’s open house so I am hoping that we really get some showings after that. The only showing scheduled right now is for this Friday.
Paul and I have ticked off the last remaining items on my list – and believe it or not – I have actually lazed around for most of the day (after the frenzied morning clean-up in case there was a showing)….it has been a LONG time since I had a relaxing day like this.
Joy
May 28, 2007I’m so curious about the popcorn popper for roasting coffee!
Nancy
May 28, 2007Home coffee roasting with a popcorn popper:
http://www.sweetmarias.com/airpopmethod.html
Have fun!
Anonymous
May 28, 2007Nancy & Paul – How utterly efficient to put in empty boxes to figure out what you can bring – you should write a book! 😉
I just stuff things in until there is no more room – then leave the rest 😉
John
Joy
May 28, 2007Thanks for the link! This sounds like heaven in a cup!
Todd
May 28, 2007The only thing I can add is bring more books!
We brought a ton and have already had 5 orders of books sent down!
We have been in Mexico since August of 2006.
Our house is almost built!
If you are in the Patzcuaro area, drop by!
Todd
http://lifeinthecorazon.blogspot.com/
Malcolm
May 28, 2007It’s true…bring more books than you think you should. Good for you though…you will be amazed what setting limits like these on yourselves does for your overall attitude and sense of “necessary.” Jillian and I arrived with three suitcases between us, and owning only that was the best feeling in the world.
Also, Nancy, thank you for you VERY sweet most recent comment on our blog. I appreciated it. 🙂
jillian
May 29, 2007If I could come over sometime and listen to one of you play the flute while the other makes mango ice cream that would be just lovely. I promise to entertain the parrot…
Billie
May 29, 2007We have found that putting fabric stuff in sacks and tying them up works best because you can stuff them in between other stuff so it doesn’t jiggle or break. Everytime we come down we bring another car load full of something. This time it was 2 chairs I had left behind and a printer, some new clothes, a garden hose, Cannisters, spring form pan, new set of sheets, and some grocery items that we don’t find here. The car was full to the top of the seats so we could still see out the rear view mirror. We’ve driven down many times when I couldn’t see out the mirror. Ned has become the master packer. Haha.
I think you’ll be surprised at how much stuff you can get in the van.
mexpat
May 30, 2007That’s our plan, too! We’re bringing an SUV with a roof rack and a bike rack on back. When we were in college we both could pack our entire lives into one car load- we both have romantic notions of doing it again!
You guys are getting close!
Allie
Anonymous
June 3, 2007Oh, God, Nancy, how can anyone be so organized? It’s very smart,too, because the part of the move that came the closest to undoing me was the menaje a casa, and you won’t need one! Have a good trip to Mazatlan. E http://www.vidalago.com/wordpress