Meanwhile, back in Austin...
      

See other photos depicting chaos.

We've been preparing the current homestead for the coming remodeling.

The chronology of why remodel and how:

• We need the equity out of this house to build the new house.
• To get the best price for this house, we must make it gorgeous and move-in ready.
• The remodeling project is loosely scheduled to begin on or about the first of October, and last six to eight weeks.
• We'll live in the master bedroom/bathroom during the majority of that time, and use the bedroom side door to access the back deck, driveway, and fridge in the garage.
• Thus the need to pack almost everything we own NOW and be ready to temporarily stack it in the garage.

That means that much of our current spare time and energy is spent inventorying and packing possessions in order of how frequently we need to touch them, low to high.

• I've packed and labeled most of the few things we can live without till we get to Mustang Island (like knicknacks, swim fins, coolers).
• I'm now packing things that will come back out after the remodeling (paintings, dishes, cold weather clothes -- most everything really).
• In the bedroom tubs go the things we need to live on for the two months of construction (paper plates, toaster oven, cat food, ibuprophen).

This method of staggered packing feels more time-consuming than just packing everything in sight like we'd do in a conventional, simultaneous move of all possessions to a new home.  But inventorying and planning for retrieval is a good investment for the future unpacking.

But wait... news flash:

Just talked to the contractor and confirmed the first week of October to finish packing. A due date can add the structure and motivation to move this to completion.