Be Your Own Bailiffs

Thanks to everyone for the messages of support re my freak out of last week! Unfortunately, the move is starting to look a lot less rosy again. I’ve had my flat valued by a couple of agents and they gave wildly differing estimates. One would allow me to get something nice along the lines I’ve been looking at. The other would mean a tiny studio in an accessible but slightly disreputable part of town, or two rooms in the distant slums of East Helsinki.

I’ve seen a list of the actual sale prices of flats in my building during the past three years. It doesn’t look promising. A flat exactly like mine in terms of condition, storey and size was sold last year for something along the lines of what the less optimistic agent quoted.

Hell to me has always been a one room flat. Ah well, heaven always did sound a little dull.

I guess there’s nothing for it but to be my own bailiffs. I’ll keep the few good pieces I have and offload all the MDF. Half of my old Finnish dining table can be my desk. I’ll also keep the bed and the newer sofa, huge though they are. Although they’re only Ikea, I guess I’ll also need the chest of drawers, a night table, and the tall thin bookcase for my work books and papers.

If I want anything that’s not strictly necessary, like books and cds, I’ll have to buy some storage boxes and make sure I get somewhere with a cellar or attic locker. The rest will just have to go. Including the three video players and two televisions in the cellar!

Part of me is pretty miserable about selling or giving away practically everything I own. Another part is rather relieved at divesting itself of the burden of all this Stuff.

So if you’re looking for furniture and furnishings, or know anyone who is, keep your eyes peeled for my upcoming virtual flea market!