I mean, are we really going to be hosting anytime soon?
What piece of furniture can you do without?
We moved during the pandemic. More on Our Moving Day - Coming Soon
Until recently, we've always lived in a one-bedroom apartment. Moving into a bigger space, one would assume there's room for everything, right? Having lived in a handful of apartments, our mindset has gradually changed from how much we can cram into a space to what is practical. And so, we bid our beautiful dining table adieu.
The old space was a one-bedroom, one bath, and had a small dining nook just off the kitchen (friendly reminder, we're talking about an NYC apartment, so whatever you're imagining- make it 3 times smaller). We had a rectangular counter height dining table with a thick wooden top and steel legs. And I miss it.
The new space is a two-bedroom, two-bath, and an open kitchen to the living/dining space. Don't get me wrong; a dining table would fit just fine, and I've figured out that a round table would be best someday. But what would be most practical for our lifestyle? When we first saw this apartment, I noticed that the kitchen had a large counter that provides space for dining. I thought, well, we already have counter-height chairs, and the chairs just so happen to go with the kitchen style. Which led me to the question: do we really need to keep the table?
I read both of Marie Kondo's books (1 & 2), and one of her methods was -in short form- to thank an item before parting with it. However, I had a minor issue because this conflicted with another one of Kondo's method of keeping things that bring you joy. I also read this article, which helped me determine what the logical decision was. I adored our dining table, and as corny as it sounds, it was more than just a table to me.
I know, I know. It's a table.
Over the years, we've hosted Thanksgivings, countless game nights, brunches, dinners, and Super Bowls. I would sit and write, play music, and have heart-to-heart chats with friends at this table. It was the center point of our past apartments, and it held so many memories. Circling back to Kondo's methods, this table brought me so much joy, how could I possibly say goodbye to it?
Putting my emotions on hold, I reminded myself to think about what was practical. To start with, my son, Mason, is a huge factor. He recently turned one, so he needs more open space to play, and this table would take up some real estate in our new place. We also have a big Labrador, Harvey Specter (yes, named after the character in the show Suits), who needs as much open space as possible. Oh, and there's a pandemic, so we aren't having our usual social gatherings anymore.
The answer was simple and sad. I couldn't bear to see this table put on the sidewalk, so I called my brother, who is coincidentally moving into an apartment and in need of a table. We kept the 4 chairs that comfortably fit at our counter—a new home for us, and a new home for the table.
And yes, I totally thanked the table as we dismantled it before my brother came to pick it up.