Now that Christmas is over with for another year, I’ve started to go through the cupboards to see what I haven’t used in a long while. With a move this year, it seems prudent to do this and if I haven’t used something in ages, then I clearly don’t need it.

The attic has been cleared out, now it’s the turn of the cupboards. I took 2 carrier bags of serving bowls and vases to the local charity shop. Nice items, however they have no monetary or sentimental value to me, so somebody else will hopefully have a use for them. I have a very large pan that my sister will have – I have 2 in fact, and can’t possibly need two. Some items are things my ex gave to me before he left. I don’t need them, so out they go.

I told someone in a PM that I haven’t started packing yet, then thought, why not? It’s a mammoth task, and one that I have to do on my own unless I ask family and friends to help, so I’ve made a start and have packed 8 boxes so far. Storing the packed items is a challenge though with my son away, his room makes a useful storage. I just hope he doesn’t change his mind and come home for Easter hols!

I found a storage place, not too far away, and bought some items from them for packing however they’re a bit pricey, and grubbing around for sturdy clean boxes is a chore so I went online and ordered packing ‘stuff’ from a well-known seller. These should arrive later this week and then I can really start to make inroads on the packing. A good price.

Looking for a rental will start in earnest in February. I was advised to look in March, for an April move, but that seems to be cutting it fine. If I use an estate agent it will cost hundreds of pounds in fees, so I may go for a private rental. The last properties I/we have rented, have been private so I may go down that route again. Once that’s sorted, I can look around for removal firm quotes. It’s such a shame that I don’t know someone who could hire a van and help me. My sister’s BF doesn’t drive, and neither does my son, so a removal firm would seem the only option. No idea how much that will cost…

My brother helped me move in, though he seems to have slipped off the radar. I always send his family cards, and have tried to keep in touch, however when our Mother was hospitalised and very poorly, we couldn’t get hold of him. We’ve phoned, and written, but no answer. He could be dead for all I know. None of us have had a row with him, so I’ve no idea why he’s dropped out and think it’s a shame when family do this.

As mentioned already, I had money set aside but we had a mishap here that had to be repaired and it was pricey. The insurance company wouldn’t cover it. So, I won’t be renewing with them once my policy runs out! These days, it seems they will avoid paying out for any reason that they can find. Car insurance is just as bad.

I’m hopefully out one day this week with my kid sister. Due to taking my son back to university, and her BF being poorly, I haven’t seen her in quite a while, so it’ll be nice to go out. I don’t need much in the way of shopping, we just enjoy each other’s company and always have a good laugh together. My son is out tonight with friends, so hopefully he’ll have a good time too. Just glad I don’t have to wait up for him lol. He’s been gone just over a week, and the house does seem quiet without him. Less than 4 months to go…