There was a time in my life where I wanted to clear out of these United States and head for Costa Rica. After considering that it would cost a fortune to ship everything I own to the southern hemisphere, I settled for knowing I could purchase new towels and forks when I arrived. Still, there were items I’d want to take with me. Not everything. Some. My non-negotiables.
I then asked myself, What do I want my new digs to look like? I imagined white sheers blowing gently at open windows—I’ve always loved the peacefulness of white. White-washed walls, white furniture with a shabby chic vibe, a bit of bling. I looked around at my current home and saw the beginnings of this vibe in certain rooms. I thought, This is what I’m trying to create, this is where I’m heading.
Still, there was the question of Costa Rica. Yeah *sigh* it’s not going to happen any time soon, maybe never. Maybe it’ll be a coastal village somewhere here in the U.S. In the meantime, I could move more purposefully in the direction of the vision for my home, now. I already had the “seeds” for that vision: white furniture and accessories in certain rooms, some architectural salvage, the white curtains.
If I had to high-tail it outta here, what would I take? What are my 100 non-negotiables that would feel like home, wherever I land? I created a list, and when I finished, it occurred to me that I have everything I need. My needs are few, and I am already there. Also, my home contains items that made the rooms look good, but if I ever downsize, I know what I will and won’t be taking.
This is how I came to realize the concept of what I call the ABCs of stuff. My list of non-negotiables was my A-list. The Christmas ornaments and bread machine were on my B-list. The items in the basement and the back of closets and cabinets, no longer used, my C-list.
For fun, I created a list of my 100 non-negotiables. I thought of each room and decorated them in my head with what I had, according to my vision. I mentally walked through each room and wrote down what I loved.
If you are thinking about high-tailing it outta here, or about downsizing, or even a cross-country move, I highly recommend this exercise. If nothing else, it provides clarity about your current possessions.
What are your 100 items? Here are mine, fudged a little with groupings:
- Coffee Maker and Favorite Coffee Mug
- Toothbrush and Paste
- Face and Body Care
- Hair Care
- Clothes
- Cat Gear
- Fluffy White Bath Towel Sets
- Fluffy White Bath Mat
- Lap Top Computer
- Cell Phone
- iPad for Books
- Printer
- Yoga Mat
- Journals (old and new) and Good Pens
- Television
- White Chair and Ottoman
- White Love Seat
- White Rug
- Table Made of Old Corbels
- White and Glass Lamps
- Knives, Forks, Spoons
- Portmerion Dishes
- Thick Wine Glasses
- Thick Drinking Glasses
- Three Prep Knives
- Cutting Board
- Five Cooking Pans
- Stainless Prep Bowls
- Stainless Measuring Cups
- Stainless Measuring Spoons
- Spatulas and Whisk
- Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
- Mini Food Processor
- Wrought Iron Fruit bowl that Looks Like Twigs
- Toaster Oven
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Trash Can
- Washer
- Dryer
- Bed
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Down Comforter
- Cuddledown Sheets
- Bedside Table
- Deck Chair and Ottoman
- Large Wind Chimes
- Concrete Saint Francis and Bird Bath
- Bird Feeders
- Bose Speakers
- Reading Glasses
- Favorite Perfume
- Nail File and Clippers
- One Photo Album
- One Box of Recipes
- Old Vertical Window
- Old Doors as Room Divider
- Old White Frame
- White Iron Candlestick and Birds
- French Country Armoire
- French Country Dining Set
- Brass Corkscrew
- Eagle Claw Bottle Opener
- Leaf and Vine Pie Server
- Old Compass in Leather Pouch
- Watch and a few Pieces of Jewelry
- Kitchen Island
- Kitchen Stool
- Tool Box with Tools
- Scissors, Tape, Stapler
- Vacuum
- Broom and Dustpan
- Kitchen Towels
- Soft Blanket
- White Floral Arrangement
- Box of Christmas Ornaments and Tree
- Automobile
- The Remainder: Select Wall Art
Creating a list of non-negotiables is something you might do before we meet and discuss your plans to downsize. If you’re overwhelmed by what seems to be an overwhelming task, I know the questions to ask that will blow this whole thing open for you, freeing you to make forward movement. Call today!
You might also like: Find Hidden Savings for a Cross-Country Move
Copyright © 2022 by Cynthia Gentry Black, Home Staging by Cynthia, LLC in Kansas City.
All rights reserved. No portion may be shared, reused or republished in any format without express written consent of the author.
