Writing journal

[assigment] Story must involve moving parts in some way. Think creatively about what “moving parts” means.

I've done this so many times, I have a routine for it.

One month in advance: go through all your possession and decide what's worth keeping and what's not. Get cardboard boxes and tape. Book a van. Cancel bills.

Two weeks in advance: pack everything you don't use daily. Organise it by room. Take a few bags to the charity shop. Stop food shopping. Get creative with your cooking, finish whatever's possible in the cupboards.

One week in advance: Disassemble furniture. Fix holes in the walls. Move everything to one room. Start deep cleaning. Bribe a couple of friends to help you carry the heavy stuff.

One day in advance: walk through the empty flat. Hear your voice echoing in each room. Spend twenty minutes on your balcony to take in the view. Run a finger over the kitchen top where you taught someone how to make proper carbonara.

On the day: wake up on a mattress on the floor. Notice the scent is a little different now, cleaning product and take away food. Load your life into a stranger's van. Give the place that's been your home for the past six months one last, wistful look. You really thought this one would last longer.

Flip the last switch, lock the door one last time.

I've done this so many time, and each time I fear I've forgotten a part of me behind.