Overwhelm
This is the story of how I am feeling right now…
I am overwhelmed right now.
I feel like I can’t possibly get it all done, I don’t have the tools (as in power tools and implements) to get things fixed and take things apart and just making sure things are the way they need to be for me to get them OUT of the house. I need to take apart both beds that the kids are in now – which were put together with electric drills. I need to take apart the futon I sleep on to get it out of my room. I need to take apart the desk in my room. I need to touch up paint. I need to replace a doorframe. I need to take down blinds/shades. I need to disassemble things to be returned.
I feel like I can’t get it all done, I just don’t have the time. With only 24 hours in a day, and 8 of them sleeping, and about 10 of them at work, and 2 or 3 taken up with after work activities and obligations, I often feel like I am about 10 steps behind. I feel panicky.
I feel like I don’t know what to do. I need to pack. I need to clean. I need to go through cupboards and shelves and closets (again) and pack what I want to take and toss/donate what I don’t have a use for anymore. I need to organize. I need to plan. I need to get boxes. I need to get containers.
I need to arrange assistance. I need to make sure that the people who have said they will help WILL help, and won’t back out at the last minute, leaving me in a lurch. I need to have a backup in case they DO leave me in a lurch. I simply CANNOT move heavy things myself…
I need to shovel the walk, I need to clean out the parking area. I need to make sure they stay clear (and not covered in dog shit) so that it is as easy as possible for anyone who might be persuaded to help me to move to HELP me move.
I need to arrange someone to move my satellite dish. I need to arrange someone to install internet. I need to let the utilities know I am moving.
I need to clean things. I need to get all the food out of the fridge and freezer and clean the whole thing. I need to wash the floors and the cupboards and behind the stove. I need to sweep and mop and scrub… and I need to get it done BEFORE my landlords come in to inspect.
I need to survive until this can be done… I need a way to move things in such a way that I can still clean…
I need to provide pictures to my landlords BY MONDAY so they can get new tenants.
I need to find a way to feed my family while I am in the process of moving, balancing out the amount of dishes we make and therefore the mess in the kitchen, but also being aware that eating out will blow the budget that is BARELY balanced now. I can’t keep making food and cleaning over and over while trying to get everything done at home and outside the home.
I need to wash everything. I need to arrange for help. I need help. I so TOTALLY need help. And I have been told that there is no point in asking my family, because my mother booked her vacation in Arizona before I move and therefore needs to work all that week AND has to babysit my brother’s cat.
I need to pick colours for the rooms. I need to pick which rooms are the highest priority in case I need to change my move plans to get the big things moved out and so I can clean the current place before I have to be out. I need to remember that while it might be easier to get things done in the new place before there is furniture in the rooms, it is also absolutely ESSENTIAL that I get the stuff moved to the new place, and if that means having to not do as much in the new place as I wanted, so be it. I can’t afford to pay another month’s rent to get it all done…
I need to get things done. I need to stop being afraid. I need to know that it will be okay. I need to know that I am supported and that it isn’t impossible. I need boxes. I need movers… I need safety.
I need to sleep without fear for one night. Just one.
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Your list of things stressing you is not changing, which suggests you’re not making a lot of progress. So, here’s your homework for when you’re not at home, waiting for kids, etc.:
- Tell one of the people at work that you will provide beer if they break down the beds. Kids can sleep on the air matress till you move.
- Make a list of all your bills and utilities and services. Power, water, gas, phone, satellite. Add post office
- Then contact them and change your address, arrange the move. If you have time to blog, you have time to call one place and change your address.
Next: Go to costco, get paper or plastic kitchenware for a month, that’ll drop your cleaning time.
Next: You do have to clean, but it doesn’t have to be hospital clean. Dirty laundry moves as easily as clean laundry.
Next: Paint the rooms with the big, bulky furniture first. Everything else you can paint later. Hell, everything can be painted later
You can do this. You really can.
Good advice Sunil!
It can be extremely overwhelming to move. I can’t imagine doing it on my own and with kids.
My advice is to definitely take Sunil’s advice! And make a list of what you need to do and just keep going and crossing things off the list. It will look overwhelming at first but if you do one thing at a time, it won’t be so bad. You can do it!