Moving on - with a bit of help

Today was the day that we found out how many boxes all of our possessions would fit into. It took quite a few as it happened.
After a 08.00 start, the Wotton boys (and they were all boys) had our books, clothes, computers, knick-knacks, kitchen equipment and various assorted treasures out of our cupboards / wardrobes and into tidy boxes. 
Our (my) clothes fit neatly into 7 boxes, 4 suitcases and a few holdalls. And this was after a pretty severe culling prior to moving. Will have to reassess when we unpack. Luckily the rental house has plenty of wardrobe space and it seems that we will be using most of it. Obviously the shoe collection merited its own boxes.
Furniture followed and the van filled up although it seemed to be a bit tardis-like and always had lots of space available.
The removals firm started off with two lads on the early shift then a hoard of willing helpers turned up at 10.30. Lots of sweat, radio two and no bad language.
Result - by 1pm everything that wasn't tied down or in the "going with us in the car" pile had been packed away.

So we are sitting here now on two lone chairs, watching the TV (no remote, it was packed) eating a last meal, thanks to Tesco, and enjoying a bottle of red - well deserved after that hard work keeping an eye on what was being packed and what wasn't. 
Another 08.00 start tomorrow when they return to pick up the last few bits and pieces. Then we can finish the cleaning and follow our stuff up the motorway.

B&B booked for tomorrow night near Penrith so with a fair wind, we should only have a couple of hours of driving on Thursday morning. Probably shouldn't tempt fate and mention winds of any kind - having just watched the forecast for tomorrow I have a feeling that it might be a little on the breezy side. I also think I heard a forecast for snow on the top of Scottish hills at the weekend. That's proper autumn weather!

It feels very odd to be sitting in a virtually empty house which echoes to any sound made. We have had some good times here but it is time to move on. Time to re-invent ourselves and our lifestyle and time to leave the hustle and bustle of cities, motorways and busy, noisy streets behind us.
Whatever the future holds, it will be exciting and we will enjoy it.

Next post will be from north of the border and our temporary home.