Moving after 30 years in my house

[Mxflamingnoravera]

After 30 years in my lovely Victorian terrace I've decided to downsize to a two bed new build flat.
I've had back surgery which was not entirely successful and other aches and pains which makes my house too much for me.
I'm 15 years divorced and my son left home 10 years ago, it's time for a new family to love this house and garden.
....
But I'm lost, heartbroken, excited, don't know quite how to get the house sale ready. Can't clean because of my back, and can't garden for the same reason.

I've got a blitzer coming for the garden on Wednesday, and a decorator to paint over old water stains on my ceiling.

But how do I go from all this to an apartment? My son's room is pretty much the way it was when he left for university. His childhood books and toys are still here. I'm overwhelmed by the enormity of my decision.

I've seen an agent, I know what the house is worth. That's not the problem, it's the 30 years of STUFF that feels so overwhelming. Where do I start? Help!

Cutlery to go with the plate etc.
Water and snacks

Empty your bins.

They'll pack them as they are and you don't want your rubbish in your new place.

Brilliant news @Mxflamingnoravera 🍾😊

I had things like scissors, screwdrivers and cleaning materials, broom / vaccum cleaner and bin bags on my list.

Best thing I did was arrange a supermarket delivery on the first evening.

Also don't forget to arrange insurance for your new place from date of exchange if you haven't already.

Yay, that's brilliant news.

Don't forget a phone charger and keep your phone and keys with you or in one specific place. We kept losing keys and phones on move day.

Any meds, even some OTC.
Good luck!

Great new, OP - keep us posted!

Oh, I've just read this entire thread and I am so happy and thrilled for you! What a rollercoaster of a ride! And you write very well! So many ups and downs, so much emotion and angst; I have felt it all with you! All my fingers are crossed for you. And yes, your buyers are knobs! Don't even leave them a packet of biscuits but do leave them a bin bag of random rubbish in the corner that you 'must have forgotten about'! In weeks to come, you'll smile about this act! Good luck k!

Congratulations @Mxflamingnoravera that’s nice news to wake up to.

With a full packing service there isn’t much to do in advance of moving day as they do nearly everything for you including dismantling furniture, taking pictures off walls, disconnecting the TV etc.

I would pack your valuables like passport somewhere safe where they won’t get temporarily lost in the move. Put our tea/coffee/ milk/ sugar/biscuits for the removals men and tell them not to pack that! Make lots of cups of tea on the day as they will appreciate it.

On the morning of the move take a meter reading of gas/electricity etc and inform your utility companies that you are moving today. They will need your new address unless you are switching to a new supplier.

Set up a postal redirect service with the post office if you haven’t already done so, then any post you get after you move out gets automatically sent to your new address for 6 months or a year (depends how long you pay for).

Aw thanks everyone it's been a blast. I'm here in my nearly empty house, doing as much cleaning as I can manage, waiting for my son to arrive, he's decided he wants to be here too. It's been his home all his life, I moved here 4 months pregnant with him.

Packers have been amazing, buoying me up when I got a bit teary after my neighbour appeared with champagne and a card. They've taken all my bin liners and a bit of furniture I was going to leave, but it's too far buried in the van to get it out again.

I have too much stuff for my new place, I know that now. But I'd rather be there getting rid than here trying to find reasons for keeping it.

I can't wait for tomorrow, I'm so excited! 😆

Omg one of my removal men is texting me! Saying how much he liked my taste and hoping I'm ok tonight. That's not ok is it? Thing is, he's rather lovely, but has to be a player?

That's a bit weird, but may be harmless. Suggest a brief reply thanking him and saying you are fine now you have your son with you just in case he gets any ideas! 😉 . I remember having a very flirty removal man when I moved to my previous house. He was very lovely too, but my boyfriend was less than impressed! Maybe it's a thing with removal men - they see us at our most vulnerable!

If you think they are messaging as you're vulnerable it would be very stupid to reply.

I've just messaged to say thanks I'm fine and son is here now.

Good Luck for today @Mxflamingnoravera .

Good luck today. Hope it all goes well.

Delurking to say "Good Luck!" And wishing you happy times in your new home.

Another delurker here! Have been following your moving story and just want to wish you all the best in your new place. Moving house is always stressful and especially after living somewhere for 30 years, I'll be following in your footsteps very soon.

I'm in! I've done it! It's wonderful. But I need to get rid of half my furniture. I don't care now I'm here! It's such a fab apartment. I was attached to it all whilst still in my Victorian house but now, I'm happy for it all to go.

I get afternoon sun on a lovely long balcony, it's spacious (even though I'm surrounded by boxes) and I've met neighbours who seem lovely. It just feels right. 😁

Thank you all for your good wishes and support these last four months. It's been so helpful.

We are not just a nest of vipers on here. Sometimes mumsnet can be one of the most supportive places to go.

Cheers all! X x

Enjoy your new home

Cheers @Mxflamingnoravera & congratulations on your lovely new home x

Congratulations @Mxflamingnoravera. Your new home sounds wonderful.

I wish you many happy years there.

So glad you're in and settled. I've sold so much furniture since downsizing. Even had to buy a smaller laundry basket. Everything needs to be smaller.

Happy new home.

@Mxflamingnoravera put all the trials behind you and enjoy your new home. Hope you'll be very happy there 💐🍾

Oh wow, @Mxflamingnoravera I am so happy for you! I've followed your story since you posted and felt there were similarities with my situation so was interested to see how you managed everything. Wonderful. Il hope you'll be happy and settled there.