Another " I'm selling my house thread"

[Blonde Granny]

I don't know where the last thread on this topic is, so I'm starting a new one.

I finally decided that like it or not, now that I'm a widow it's time for me to move back to eastern Nebraska to be closer to my son and his family.  I talked with the leasing manager of a new apartment complex in Lincoln yesterday, and wouldn't you just know it, they have available to unit I want.  Decisions, decisions.

Last night was our community dinner, so I put a bug in the builders ear that I plan on selling my house.....he has bought the last 2 houses that have gone up for sale, so with a little luck he'll buy mine too.  I've also given permission for his Granddaughter who is responsible for selling the new houses to show mine.

I'm no where ready to do any showing, but will do what I can to straighten the pantry and my closet (it's a mess).  Nor do I have the time or energy to start packing boxes in order to get the house a little more uncluttered.  Even if I could, I'm 72 now and not willing to pack boxes and lug them over to a storage unit until the house sells.

As my friend says, this move will be a point & pack, which means the movers will pack everything up and the van lines will take them to my new home.  The apartment I want is a 2 bd 2 ba with an attached garage.  The complex is 1 year old and convenient to shopping, the VA Medical center and churches.

I guess life does come full circle........when first married 52 years ago we lived in an apartment and that will be where I will live as soon as I can get this house sold.  I will also be trading in my 2017 Mercedes SUV for a much smaller one as I'll no longer be doing the hiway driving as I have in the past.  I'm thinking a new Honda CR-V is my best choice.

[zibazinski]

Wow!!! That's a lot of changes but probably good ones for all concerned. Best to make them while you're able to make them. Do you have a friend that can help you? Probably a good time to purge. Everything you take need to have at least two uses. Think IKEA focus. Unless you're in a comparable place space wise.

[zibazinski]

Do you have a garage where you are already? Do a box a day thing. One day box what you can't live without, the next day box and get rid of something you can live without. Clothes are the easiest to go through imho.

[busymom]

I've always been a firm believer that when opportunity knocks, answer the door!  


If moving closer to family is something you've been considering, it sounds like a great opportunity to do it.  There are services available here to help you sort through your things, if you feel you won't have enough time to do it on your own.  Or, do you have extended family near you who could help?

[alabamagal]

I'm not sure how well you know the area that you are moving too, but I would definitely visit in person and view apartment complexes in person before you decide. There are a lot of things you can't see by looking on the internet. Things like surrounding areas, how busy street, etc. my kids have both made distance moves to apartments and changed their mind once they visited the area.

Also spend time now and declutter.

Good luck!

[buystoys]

Best of luck to you BG! 

[Deleted]

A few pieces of advice although I've posted them in other threads:

1.  Free Stuff on Craigslist is a great way to get rid of just about anything (except scrap lumber- no one wants that).  List it, put it at the end of your driveway, first to arrive gets it.  Delete the ad when it's gone.   DH once guessed that the takers are people who sell at flea markets and they may pitch things if they don't sell, but at least they have a chance of being used somewhere else.  (Judging from the number of times one person has shown up and taken all of the disparate items I've carefully listed separately, I think DH was right.)

2.  I highly recommend "Rightsizing Your Life" by Ciji Ware- does a great job of addressing all the practical and emotional aspects of paring down.  Big emphasis on taking a few things you love from large collections and getting rid of the rest.  (My Dad is downsizing and found that no one wanted his old college textbooks- I laughed out loud when he told me he kept Lange's Handbook of Chemistry, which is a virtual encyclopedia containing a periodic table, various constants, and a table of logarithms.  I LOVED That book.)

3.  Remember that movers will not take liquids, house plants, frozen stuff, etc.  You'll need to run down the supply, keep them in your car or get rid of them. And you need to be on the premises when they pack and move.  I learned this the hard way- if the packers forget to box things that were in closets or obscure storage areas (e.g., drawers in your stove or a garden shed) the movers may leave them behind.  Check every closet, every shelf, every door.  The guys on our last move probably hated me because I kept following them around with a vacuum cleaner and pointing out what they'd missed, but everything got moved.  

[haapai]

Well good for you!  This why people save, so they can buy themselves a less-stressed summer in their seventies. 

And it might not cost much more to do it this way.  Catching selling season and ditching the Benz might offset quite a bit of the reduced net and extra costs. 

[busymom]

I just reserved that book online from my local library, @athena53.  I figure I can use some fresh ideas on getting rid of more of our stuff, too.  


In my neighborhood, I usually don't even need to post anything I'm giving away on Craigslist.  I just put things at the end of my driveway.  That's the universal symbol around here for "come & get it!".     Favorite freebies are furniture, anything made of metal, and pieces of wood (I don't know if people use the wood, or burn it, since fire pits are legal around here).  People will even take non-working lawn mowers & snow blowers.

[NoNamePerson]

I don't have anything to add since you will get lots of really good advice from others. Just want to wish you well in your "new adventure"  You strike me as someone who will embrace the change and all will be for the best. Best of luck to you. 

[countrygirl2]

Your only 72, I consider that pretty young, we still can have a lifetime ahead of us.

Do what you need to do to enjoy it.

Don't think of yourself as old, just another adventure.

[alabamagal]

Great advice on the movers. And don't worry about packing breakable items yourself. Let the professionals do it. When we moved the only thing damaged was a $5 Walmart picture frame! I did not file a claim. Only downside was we did all the unpacking of small items and there was a ton of packing paper. I remember opening a few wrapped package and finding clothes hangars, seems a bit overkill.

[TheOtherMe]

Congrats on making the decision to be closer to family, BG.  If I remember correctly, aren't you originally from Nebraska and you and DH had retired to where you are now?

Hope the house sells quickly. 

Remember you don't have to go out in Lincoln in the winter if you don't have to or want to.

Have a friend who lives in an apartment in Lincoln.  She isn't quite 70, but no longer wanted the responsibility of a house.  She has a 1 bedroom apartment with attached garage.  She loves the social life she has in Lincoln and Omaha with the Lied Center in Lincoln and some venues in Omaha.

[vetswife]

Best wishes, blonde granny-hope it all works out smoothly.


2 and  a half years ago we decided to move near our two younger children and 4 grandchildren in the Houston area.  We needed to get out of our high maintenance house and since both children had finally moved back to Texas in the same area figured it would be a good time.  Unfortunately, shortly after we moved DH was diagnosed with state 4 stomach cancer.  It has been nice to be near these kids; they couldn't be more helpful and supportive; and we are able to see more of the grandkids.  The downside is I miss my friends and church where we lived for 40 years; might move back there eventually near my oldest son and oldest GD, but we'll see.  We've got some friends here and the medical care has been much better for DH.  Overall it was a good move-our house here is much easier to care for and I am still fairly healthy at almost 70.  I'll see where the Lord leads.

[Blonde Granny]

My house is only 3.5 years old and we had it built to our specifications. We already downsized when moving here from 3000 sf on 2 levels to 1750 sf on 1 level. 2 bd 2 ba, great room, office space and sewing room. There really isn't that much left to get rid of.

Bernina sewing & embroidery machine, all fabric, all sewing supplies (in other words all sewing stuff has to go). Will ask about $6K for everything. Sewing/embroidery machine was $10K new an my new Bernina serger was $800. Will take pics of everything and post it at the local Bernina store. Will also let my small quilt group know in case someone wants to upgrade. At that price it's all a bargain.

Have a Kitchenmaid stand mixer seldom used and a seldom used Food Saver, and both need to go, along with 16 cf freezer in the garage. Other than some odd and ends, there isn't much left that wouldn't fit into this apartment.

The other me: Yes, I'm originally from Omaha and son, dil/3 grands have lived in Lincoln since they graduated college in 1993. I'd be about 5 miles from his house as this complex is on 84th & Cheney Ridge Road just north of Hiway 2 that leads into Lincoln or Interstate 29. Lots of shopping close by and far enough away from the University to not be bothered with events going on there.

My Mom is in assisted living there located at 55 & Pioneers Blvd.

[debthaven]

BG, I wish you the best of luck on your move. But I agree it would be better to see the apt first.

Why can't you take some of your sewing things with you? It seems like you must really enjoy it, to have that equipment. Couldn't you set it up in the second bedroom?

[Blonde Granny]

Debt....I lost interest in all this about 2 years ago.  I plan on using the second bedroom as an office and guest room.

[dee27]

Good luck Blonde Granny with selling your house.

[lund]

BG, I think that moving closer to family can be very wise in your situation, and I also think that it is good to move while you are still sufficiently active, mentally and physically, to be able to rebuild a social life of your own.

As to your sewing items, please think honestly through if losing interest in them could be because of mourning/depression, stress or lack of energy. Many say that they lose their creativity when depressed or stressed. If you feel a general lack of energy, I think that you should tell your doctor so it isn't anything that is fixable (like the thyroid getting lazy).
Joining a quilting/sewing group in Nebraska may be a good way to meet people there who are not family.
Depending on the ages of your grandchildren, within a few years, a wish for items for a new home, or baby quilts, may arise.
Also, you know your equipment, which sounds first-class. It may get more difficult to learn new equipment with higher age.
It would be so sad if you would want to create something and not have your trusty equipment and stash of good material. To be able to create/construct/make beautiful and useful items is such a rich gift.

I would also suggest that you ask your relatives if they want to buy or be gifted anything that you don't want, need or can keep. The almost new/gently used kitchen items sound as if they might be an upgrade for all but those having the latest. (Or do you have a grandchild on the verge of moving out on his/her own?)

As to another car, do you intend to drive during the winter? And do you have any problems getting in/out of cars? (I know two persons who have; one of them bought a Mercedes because of it...)  Those things may influence what you want to drive.

I hope that you don't have a very full freezer and a well-stocked pantry to eat empty. (I remember that you are not very fond of cooking.)

Have you seen the apartment? It sounds as if it could be just right for you from your description.


Wishing you a smooth sale and move, and hope that you will have time to write and let us know how it progresses...

[cronewitch]

Good luck, remember moving cost by the pound so don't move cheap stuff you don't love or stuff that fits a big house but not not fit a smaller space.
When I move my dining set and couch aren't coming, maybe no sewing machine and some other things besides excess stuff like clothing I don't wear.
I will pack some of my own things so the boxes are labeled to my satisfaction at least with the room they came from. Use up things so you don't pay to move them like food and soaps.

[Blonde Granny]

Mar 12, 2017 16:35:55 GMT -5 lund said:

BG, I think that moving closer to family can be very wise in your situation, and I also think that it is good to move while you are still sufficiently active, mentally and physically, to be able to rebuild a social life of your own.

As to your sewing items, please think honestly through if losing interest in them could be because of mourning/depression, stress or lack of energy. Many say that they lose their creativity when depressed or stressed. If you feel a general lack of energy, I think that you should tell your doctor so it isn't anything that is fixable (like the thyroid getting lazy).
Joining a quilting/sewing group in Nebraska may be a good way to meet people there who are not family.
Depending on the ages of your grandchildren, within a few years, a wish for items for a new home, or baby quilts, may arise.
Also, you know your equipment, which sounds first-class. It may get more difficult to learn new equipment with higher age.
It would be so sad if you would want to create something and not have your trusty equipment and stash of good material. To be able to create/construct/make beautiful and useful items is such a rich gift.

I would also suggest that you ask your relatives if they want to buy or be gifted anything that you don't want, need or can keep. The almost new/gently used kitchen items sound as if they might be an upgrade for all but those having the latest. (Or do you have a grandchild on the verge of moving out on his/her own?)

As to another car, do you intend to drive during the winter? And do you have any problems getting in/out of cars? (I know two persons who have; one of them bought a Mercedes because of it...)  Those things may influence what you want to drive.

I hope that you don't have a very full freezer and a well-stocked pantry to eat empty. (I remember that you are not very fond of cooking.)

Have you seen the apartment? It sounds as if it could be just right for you from your description.


Wishing you a smooth sale and move, and hope that you will have time to write and let us know how it progresses...

Oh lund, so many things to say: My machine weighs 40#s.  Even to use it takes an incredibly strong table to sit on.  There simply isn't room for it and every thing else a quilter needs.  It goes.....as for the vehicle, I already have a Mercedes: The largest SUV they make.  It had a sticker price of $86K  As much as I love it, it goes.....Honda CRV here I come.  My days of extreme interstate driving will be over after the move.  Freezer is almost empty, another 2 weeks or so and I'll be able to defrost it and dry it out.  Since it's in the garage, I may try Craigs List for it.

My life now revolves around being a concierge volunteer and chuch, both Sunday school and services along with singing in the choir.....I believe that will continue.  Thanks for the encouragement.

[TheOtherMe]

For the short time my mom lived 20 minutes from her grandchildren at the end of her life, she loved it.  They downsized 25 years of stuff to fit their things in the independent living apartment.  My sister and I felt that was the beginning of our going through things and we did just that.  Then mom wanted some things back that neither of us had wanted.  Oh, well.  All gone.

My sister quilts and has an entire room devoted to her equipment.  She spends a lot of money on her hobby and gets great pleasure from it.  If it no longer brings you pleasure, do the things you enjoy and enjoy living near your grandchildren.

[Blonde Granny]

I contacted the local moving company for Atlas Van Lines. Online estimate for 5 rooms is $3200. They will send out a rep to give a more accurate amount. My choices with the furniture etc. is to have a consignment/auction company take everything and start the final phase of my new life with everything news or move it and then get rid of what doesn't fit or look right. Cost to move certainly makes a difference. However my soft leather Lazyboy recliners cost me $1700 each......oh the decisions. Definitely my dining room furniture will not be moved and I don't think the guest room furniture will either.

[Blonde Granny]

The builders sales lady has someone who is interested in my house. She's coming this morning to take photos and will send them to prospective buyer. At this point I'm not getting overly excited and have not gone crazy getting the house ready like I did before.

I have 1 medium box packed with odds and ends, and 1 very small box that I put all my spices into. The pantry was cleaned out yesterday and "staged" for the photos. This afternoon I think I'll tackle the cabinet in the master bath. Tell me, just how many bottles of body lotion and shampoo do I really need?

I also need to pack up all my sweaters and get the linen closets back to normal....that sounds like a good job for tomorrow afternoon. I did get all the spring and summer decorations put back by the front door so at least one other task is complete.

[Wisconsin Beth]

Good luck with this move BG.

[Iggy aka IG]

BG, I am there with you.  late last year, DH and I began moving forward with our 10-year-plan, the first of which is move to the country.  We put our home on the market at the end of November and put a contract in on a house we liked a few weeks later.  Let's just say we lost that contract because they were tired of waiting for our home to go under contract.  The day we learned this, I fired our original agent, and hired a new one the next day.

It has been months of moving stuff to our storage unit, donating items, eating down food supplies, etc.  Dan has busted his hump resealing windows, laying down fresh grout, restaining windowsills, etc.  A third of my hanging wardrobe is folded neatly in a laundry basket on the backseat of my truck.  The other half of my wardrobe is in the guest closet and t-shirts are bagged up in the storage unit. (I've been working with a capsule wardrobe whether I want to or not, LOL.)  But, the walk-in master closet is now spacious.  Last weekend I packed up the pantry top shelf and half of two others.  What a huge difference!

Our new agent had an open house last weekend, and as of today, we've had 4 showings.  This morning's potential buyers asked our agent if they could come back in this afternoon for a second viewing. 

It's exhausting.  I'm usually organized, but this is really getting to me.  The making sure every dish is clean, the straightening of towels, worrying about every speck of dust, put away all clothing items, turn on the lights, open the blinds, etc.

I will say, however, it is well worth it to work with a professional stager.  This is something our realtor's agency insists on, and our realtor paid for.

[busymom]

Just a suggestion on all of those little bottles of shampoo & lotion:  if you don't want to keep them all, your local battered women's shelter would probably LOVE to take them off your hands.  That's on the wish list of the one near my house.


Best wishes on getting a great offer on you house! 

[zibazinski]

Take all your good jewelry and put it in a safe. Purge purge purge.

[zibazinski]

Homeless shelters are good places to donate sheets and towels.

[zibazinski]

If you have good China or bake/cookware, I'd sell that.