Happier At Home

This was the first book I've ever read by Gretchen Rubin.  I'll probably be finding myself at the local library checking out The Happiness Project to see how I can improve my life.

For me the possessions section of the book hit home.  I'll be moving this year with any luck unless the Army yet again changes the orders.  I'm going to have to de-stash.  I'm going to have to make sure my spouse lets go of things he thought he really needed too.

I want this move to be our best move yet.  I want to be able to load up the car with things that we'll need for a few weeks after we get settled and before our household goods arrive.

I don't want to be taking with us unspent ammo, perfume, lotions, ammo making supplies and food that the movers didn't pack.  I want to get rid of things that have no sentimental value. We can purchase what we need and want when we get to the new duty station.

I have an idea for packing up the SUV.  Our SUV is small.  I'll need to pack the kennel into a crate with the litter box, food dishes and a toy or two.  I'll need to pack a large suitcase to share with my spouse.  I'll need to make room for his gym duffle which will contain a few uniforms for various parts of the day.  Oh and I'll still need to make room for a cooler for snacks since I have gestational diabetes.  Then there is the Yafa block that contains the fluids, belts, wiper blades, plug in tire inflation device, and tire wrench.  The laptop and other electronic devices that are necessary with their adaptors will also have to find room in the vehicle too.

I'm not sure how I'm going to get all that I actually need into the SUV but I'll most likely make a packing plan.  There won't be room for the maternity pillow I'd like to buy.  My mom didn't have one and most likely I won't either.  I'll have to make due at the hotels with asking for extra pillows for sleep.

Luckily I started getting rid of things last year when I thought we'd be moving.  To the cousins went puzzles, cassette tapes, motorcycle helmets, clothing, decorations, books, candles, and anything else I knew I hadn't used in a long time. As I look around my home office right now I can see a few more things I wouldn't mind parting with too.

The first goal on my checklist for possessions is to hand off my copy for the book.  I handed it off to my spouse in the hopes that he'll get from it what he needs and pass it along next.  I think he could do well with loosening his grip on possessions.  The man collects everything including antique axes and I swear dust bunnies!

This post was inspired by Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin where she runs a nine month experiment to create happier surroundings. Join From Left to Write on January 6 we discuss Happier at Home. You can also chat live with Gretchen Rubin on January 7 on Facebook! As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.