The hard yards and chaos

 I really hate this part of moving. Having done all the thinking, the planning and the first cull, the time has arrived for the hard yards.

On Boxing Day we built some new IKEA cabinets. Given we are moving to such a small space, we have had to re-think what we can have; but also how and where we can store it. All told there were 4 cabinets with 14 drawers to build - and drawers are fiddly, especially making sure you have the slide runners aligning in the right direction. Luckily we have made many IKEA drawers in our time. It was a long day, but this is the remnant packaging, which a friend has said she will take for mulching her garden so that was a a win.

Each day I spend time at the studio sorting and sifting. We are only just beginning to do the shifting.

The categories are throw, give away, sell, keep in studio, keep in storeroom, keep in office. And so the desks are now covered in all sorts of thing which are going in all sorts of directions...

The book shelves are nearly empty - deciding what to do with treasured books is one of the hardest things.

I have also worked my way through many of the drawers and cabinets and cupboards. I leave the drawers open to remind me what is done and what isn't yet done. 

Both of these sets of drawers already have new owners. Along the way, and behind the green drawers, I am collecting remnant papers to share with a papermaker friend so she can pulp them down and renew them.

The crockery and cutlery that was in these drawers and behind these doors is going to our Neighbourhood Centre. As are the microwave and kettle, some art and some more cupboards.

Nothing like sorting out under a sink! Still, there is a lot less stuff in there now. Most of it will be used for cleaning when we reach that stage...

The pile in the corner for the FINAL GARAGE SALE (17 & 18 JANUARY) is growing...

We think the stash for the local vintage and collectables guy is just about ready for his perusal. Lots done, and lots still to do.  Each and every day has us down there working and moving.

And to finish on a nice note, here is a shot of our Christmas Day table - with the runners and coasters I made here! They worked really, well providing a table setting for four people and were lovely, lively and bright. The bowl was filled with multi coloured baubles and three candles in crystal star holders. With twinkle lights!

It was all a joyous delight to behold.

I am thinking I would like to make some hot pink  or red or orange coasters to add even more colour. We shall see...