Three weeks ago we finally shifted to our new accommodation.
When we finished packing our things last month, I was stunned with the amount of things that we accumulated despite of getting rid many items prior to sorting and packing our belongings. We gave away many kitchen items, cupboards, clothes, and furniture. I threw old magazines, files of papers, and packed my over 300 books.
Still we ended up with a lot of stuff. The 2.5 ton cargo pick-up that we rented to help us shift our things made two trips as one was not enough.
Personally I really do not recommend accumulating things while working and living in UAE. We all know that our stay here is only temporary and eventually we have to go back home for good or migrate in other country.
I am considering that it is really time to be ruthless in downsizing and to start a minimalistic lifestyle. No more unnecessary things. I should only buy things if it is necessary.
It is time to go digital too. Hubby and I love books but it is space-consuming. As painful it is to let go paperbacks and hard cover books, I simply have to.
Getting rid of subscriptions. As I used to own a flat, I subscribed to internet, landline phone, cable and other utilities. On top of that, I am keeping (until my last working day) a postpaid mobile phone for my work.
As I gave up my flat, this allowed me to get rid of it except for my postpaid phone but it will soon, three more weeks to go.
Long term financial commitments. Again, our life here in UAE is unpredictable. Today you may have your secure and high paying job but it can be gone tomorrow. This is the reason that I personally do not recommend long term financial commitments like personal loans.
Many expats face this problem after they lose their jobs. They could not afford to pay the monthly dues anymore.
Until today I still have few boxes to unpack and to sort out.
