After waiting 9 weeks for my new windows and doors I got an email Saturday from the contractor saying they could start on Monday morning. I knew it would take 8-12 weeks before they would schedule me, but I had expected they would give me more than 1 day’s notice. Nonetheless, I agreed because I’ve been waiting a long time.
The next day I had to prep my house. I removed all the drapes. I moved my furniture away from the windows. I made sure there were clear paths and access to every door and window. I arranged daycare for my dogs so they (and I) wouldn’t be stressing with workers running all over the house.
It took me about an hour.
I intentionally live minimalistically because I like it. In many ways, my home environment is very similar to when we used to stage our house when we were selling it. Counters are empty. Everything is put away neatly. The house in uncluttered and sometimes appears bare.
I used to always have a wistful feeling when we were showing our house to prospective buyers. It looked so nice. Everything gleamed. It was spotless, organized and setup to show off its best features.
Now my home is like this all the time.
There’s many additional benefits like:
- Being able to find anything immediately because I know everything I own.
- Everything is organized and in its place.
- No clutter – even in junk drawers, closets or the garage.
When I was down and out from my back injury, I was able to handle the basic neccessities partly because I didn’t have to search for what I needed.
When the window guy called, I was able to prep my house in an hour.
When I die, my beneficiaries will have very little to clean up or go through.
The window guys showed up Monday. As I type this, two days later, they are still working like animals. One of the crew has been off sick all week so unfortunately it appears this job is going to extend past Thanksgiving.
I’ll be glad when it is over. I’m ready to get back to my normal, quiet, peaceful routine.
However, it is exactly the routine that has made these recent chaotic days quite bearable, all things considered.
I’ll write more about the windows and doors once it’s finished.
For now, here are a couple of before and after shots of partially installed windows and doors. I love them.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
