In the past few weeks the prospect of entering the next phase of my life has really started to become visible on the not-so-distant horizon. I've still got eight months to go, though the time is passing quickly and the weeks are flying by. Many "lasts" have already occurred. My last DLPT (an annual language test that I have to take as part of my profession). My next to last PRT (semi-annual physical fitness test). My last performance evaluation is now behind me as well.
Ahead there is an as-yet-un-mapped maze of bureaucracy and all the adventure of things changing drastically and quickly. One of the steps is to determine what I'm taking with me and what I'm leaving behind.
In order to do that, I have to determine the logistics of moving. I could rent a shipping container, a twenty foot container would probably suffice, fill up a van with what possessions I'm taking with me, and just drive it to the port and pick it up upon arrival.
Problem #1 - I don't yet own a van. I own two cars - a 2007 Honda Fit and a 2010 RAV4 - both of which I'm planning on selling, or trading in for a Fort Transit or similar van. I would consider getting a pickup, but in America it is somewhat difficult to find a full-bed, single cab pickup, and I think I need something that is enclosed anyway, for safety and security.
So, I'm making three lists of what I will take with me. List one is stuff that I absolutely can't replace or get rid of, things that have deep personal meaning. This is what I would take if I only had, say three or four suitcases to move with. This is an option I've entertained occasionally.
List two is what I would take if I had only my RAV4 and the roof rack that goes with it. This is still quite a bit of stuff, but obviously no furniture. It's pretty easy to decide to get rid of my electronics, as they won't work without a converter in Europe anyway, except for my desktop computer which I can switch to 220V/50hz very easily. The KitchenAid mixer, vacuum, hair dryer, iron, TV, fans, and other miscellaneous electronics can find a better home in the states. My power tools are all battery powered, and it's definitely worth keeping them - the charger works on 220V/50hz just fine.
List three is if I have a Ford Transit or similar van to take things with me. That would allow to to bring a little bit more - my large couch that currently doubles as my bed, and the three mattresses that are in my son's room - two twins and one queen, which are all in good shape. I'm not sure that the vehicle trade is actually worth it.
The RAV4 runs great, has new brakes and tires, and is paid for. Sometimes it really helps my process of thinking just to get all of this down in my blog - when I started writing this entry I was pretty set on trading in the RAV4 for the Transit, but now I'm not so sure that's necessary.
