Wishing the best to anyone packing up and moving this summer

Summer is often a season for moving, and this year that includes a significant number of my friends and family members.

Some are only relocating to new abodes in their existing communities; others have quite the jaunts ahead of them, with the longest tackling a trek of nearly 2,000 miles.

No matter the reason and no matter the length of journey, when someone I know is moving, it inspires me to look with a fresh eye at my own accumulation of “stuff” (this is a family paper but you know what I really mean).

I have no plans to relocate anytime soon, but when loved ones are plowing through closets and sorting their belongings into “throw away,” “give away,” and “take” piles, I get caught up in the action and start to do the same at my house.

“Start” is the operative word in that last sentence.

I’ve learned over the years that when it comes to reorganizing and thinning possessions, I generally make it through one closet (two tops) or as many as three kitchen cabinets before I remind myself that I am, indeed, NOT moving and I don’t really need to do this.

But of course that’s not entirely true. The part about not moving — that part is accurate.

The part about not needing to do some serious decluttering — that’s arguable.

Four generations of my family have lived in this house — my grandparents, my parents, my brothers and me, and my child.

Each of those generations left treasures behind, and when it comes to disposing of treasures, well, I’m just a sentimental fool.

One of my family movers — no doubt up to her eyeballs in boxes and wrapping paper — sent me this text last week: “Pro tip: Throw out all your stuff.”

I get that. I do.

But what if someone one day wishes they had 54 years of old National Geographic magazines? I’ll have them covered.

What if large, slightly chipped ceramic horse figurines from the 1940s regain popularity? Check.

That lamp that was crafted from a chunk of cholla that would work great with some new wiring and a replacement switch? You bet.

The blurry slides from our trip to Mexico City in the early 1970s when the camera was on the wrong setting for the whole week? When those come back in demand, I’ll be ready.

Wishing all the best to those who are packing up and starting afresh this summer. Let me know if you need any 1980s-era masking tape. I’m certain I saw a roll yesterday.

Betty Williamson is pouring another glass of iced tea and dusting her college textbooks. Reach her at:

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