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!

Oh yes mid century ladderax would be lovely. Always reminds me of my granny though 😂

I'm remember reading your original post earlier in the year. It's lovely to read how you've settled in. I've wanted to move for a while and it gives me optimism that it'll work out for me too...

Have just read your thread, op, and having moved six months ago after 21 years in our last house, it completely resonated with me, down to the ridiculousness of buyers. I injured myself moving, so have had to take it really easy since, but I know it’s been the best move we could have made and it sounds like you’re in a similar happy state. congratulations on your new home - I wish you many, many happy years there, watching the clouds from your sofa and enjoying your surroundings.

@Nonamenoplacetogo sorry I missed your request. I bought a Tefal set. They are great, really sturdy and they fit into my pan drawer beautifully and cook nicely too. They are a mix of stainless steel and non stick. There are a good range of sizes and cook everything from rice to stir fries. I got them from John Lewis.

@Mxflamingnoravera thank you for the recommendation. Are they the ones with the clip on handle?
I hope settling in is continuing to go well

Hi, @Nonamenoplacetogo Yes the clip on handles.

I'm down to the last four boxes to unpack (kind of!). I can't do those until my new shelves are delivered next week. The poor old elephants will need to stay in transit until then.

I can't get TV signal to work properly no matter what I try. So tomorrow I have a friend who worked briefly as a tv repair apprentice coming round to see if he can figure it out. It's because it's flats and a communal Ariel (I use freeview).

I have way more paintings and pictures than I have wall space for. This will be the worst of the decluttering. It's not clutter. But I just don't have enough wall space.

You've done so well @Mxflamingnoravera and to be honest, you need to take your time to consider the paintings and pictures so that you make the right choices.

We live in a detached house, but when our old aerial in the loft started to become patchy, I bought these for each TV set, because it was far cheaper than getting a new main aerial
Portable aerials on Amazon
There are lots of different types. They can be hit and miss depending on where the transmitter is and where you are in the building, a bit of shifting around sorts it for me, but if it didn't work for you, you can easily return. Get a magnetic one if you go for it.

I couldn't resist! I had balcony furniture delivered today and sat out for the first time properly. Attached is my view.

Lovely!!! 💖

Aw lovely how nice on a summers evening to sit out on your balcony enjoying that view.

Pretty, what a lovely spot to sit and contemplate

We’ve just been through this in my family home. Sending lots of hugs. Think of the outcome, a beautiful manageable flat. And it’s great you’re focusing on the thought that another family can love your house. You’ve gotten great advice already so I just wanted to add my support

Haha I see you’ve come out on the other side already! 🥂🥂🥂🥂 congratulations that’s a beautiful view!

What a wonderful view!

Congratulations, OP. Lovely view but what we really need to see are the elephants once they've settled in 😊

Oh yes, we want to know the elephants are happy in their new home.

So happy for you!

Today John Lewis tried to deliver my new shelves but they were too high to fit in the lift and too heavy to be hauled up three floors. So I had wave goodbye to the shelves and the elephants' new home.

It's back to the drawing board for my books and elephant storage.

Oh what a shame!

I am so pleased that you are now settled in your new home @Mxflamingnoravera, apart from the storage for your elephants and updating your new address with the bank etc.

I am hoping to move and it has been a tortuous and expensive process. Reading this thread has given me hope that I will find somewhere too.

Take pictures of things if you can't keep them.

Ask for help!

Practical help I mean.

The first pic is the shelves that John Lewis had to take away because they are fully assembled and were too big. The second is a modular system that comes in blocks.

I wanted the metal and gold detail but I could add some gold detail. What do you think? I have a very long space in my sitting room with very striking wallpaper behind it that I don't want to be covered by having shelving with a back board.

I can't have the first one, so is the second a good choice? It's so difficult to decide and I don't want to make a costly mistake.

I prefer the second one. It looks more interesting. Is it also John Lewis?

I prefer the second one too.