So… I’ve moved

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 Permalink

I’ve just moved house for the zillionth time. Okay, that may be an exaggeration… but it FEELS true. I worked out at one point (in 2000 or so) that I’d moved cities 11 times (involving 4 different countries) in a 15 year period, so you’d think I’d be kinda zen about the whole business of moving house. Sadly the reality is very different, as I always end up teetering on the edge of a tantrum a two-year old would envy.

Interestingly this time around the stuff I thought would stress me didn’t. Instead, I was plagued… well bothered, by unexpected problems.

Long term readers will recall I put my place on the market 4-5 months ago, frustrated with living in a fish bowl and stressed by some body corporate issues (though not the body corporate committee itself). I loved my location and my view. I loved most of my neighbours, but needed more space and wanted something that felt more like home.

Ten weeks of Open Houses passed and I’d essentially given up on my place selling, figuring I’d be staying put. In fact it really wasn’t until I told my agent I wasn’t going to keep my place on the market that he started bringing more potential buyers through! So, 11 weeks into my 12 week contract, my place sold.

leaving home

I’d been monitoring the market but was caught unawares. I’d seen nothing I’d liked, so figured I’d rent. Until I broadened my search zone to include a couple of smaller suburbs on the outskirts of my (kinda still new) hometown, Hervey Bay. And then I saw it. The place I loved.

When it dropped price overnight I decided it was fate. I didn’t mess about. I looked at it. It felt perfect. I put in an offer and it was mine. The views didn’t quite measure up to the old place, but they were still pretty impressive.

moving house

 

But then there were hiccups with my sale and because my purchase was dependent on it, my dream house seemed as if it was slipping away.

My buyer lives overseas and things are obviously done very differently there. And as the sale was about to go unconditional she asked for a discount because she wanted to move the washing machine (into an unsealed room with no water or power). She contacted me directly on one occasion and emailed a number of other owners with questions (and no, I’m not sure how she got their contact information!).

I was excessively relieved when the sale went unconditional but (naturally) then started to stress about the move. I expected trouble.

But… the uplift and delivery were amazingly stress-free. My removalists were great. The ‘settlement’ for the sale and purchase went smoothly despite the usual week-before hiccups about deposits and the like.

However… I’d arranged for my old place to be cleaned. It’s not necessary I know, but the right thing to do. And yet, my buyer was unhappy with the 4hr clean I’d paid for. It’d been cleaner than it’d been for years, but she offered to send me pictures of her concerns and apparently DID send them to my Real Estate agent and the cleaners themselves. Seriously!

Whereas the house I bought hadn’t been cleaned at all. It’s not filthy but all of the curtains and blinds need a clean. The cupboards and benchtops all had a sticky film on them and needed a good wipe. The removalists traipsing in and out didn’t help the floors so now it needs a good vacuum. But… #longstoryshort (!!!) it’s wonderful.

There. Is. So. Much. Living. Space. And I have my own study (aka the third bedroom).

study

Better still, I feel ‘at home’ in this place in a way I never did in my previous place.

It feels like me.

living room pic

So yes readers…. I’m in love.

If you read Sunday’s weekly check-in you’ll know I’m yet to actually shelve all of my books; and of course I’ve not managed to hook my TiVo up correctly yet, have ants in the kitchen, need to work out the gas, septic tank and need to get a handyman in for a range of odd-jobs, but still…

I’m home.

I know it’s the perfect time to declutter however,  surely only true masochists enjoy the self-flagellation otherwise known as moving house?

 

64 Comments
  • Jo
    September 6, 2016

    Happy new house! That will be us in 6 mths… Yep, putting ours on the market in January & heading north- although not quite as far as you. Decluttering starts now.

    • Mel Kettle
      September 6, 2016

      OMG YAY JO!

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Oh Jo, I’m with Mel… yay!

      • Jo
        September 6, 2016

        Yep, decision made, things just need to fall into place now…

  • Kate W
    September 6, 2016

    Enjoy – the new surrounds as well as the relief of finding a place that makes your heart sing.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Thanks Kate. It most certainly does!

  • Nise' (Under the Boardwalk)
    September 6, 2016

    Congratulations! I am so glad you felt at home immediately and hope the minor problems get resolved quickly.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Thanks Nise’ me too. Mostly it’s stuff I just need to organise or be more patient about.

  • Mel Kettle
    September 6, 2016

    Am looking forward to coming up for a visit 🙂

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      You’re very welcome Mel. I’m not quite as close to the beach but I can still it.

  • Cate Brickell
    September 6, 2016

    yay for a study with a great view!

  • eatingasapathtoyoga
    September 6, 2016

    Welcome home!!

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Oh… thanks so much. It really feels like that!

  • Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
    September 6, 2016

    Moving house sucks balls, but the good thing about it is, it’s finite, and it’s always worth it in the end! The new place looks totally fab – hope your new home is jam packed full of happy!

  • Sarah @sarahdipity
    September 6, 2016

    So glad you have found your ‘home’. May you make many happy memories there.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Thanks Sarah. I did feel like this about another place I bought but that was a long time ago!

  • MyBlissPoint
    September 6, 2016

    Congratulations! The place looks great.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Thanks… I’m very happy – so far! 😉

  • theplumbette
    September 6, 2016

    Your house looks wonderful and I’m so glad the move sorted out for you. It can be stressful – especially before the unconditional period. I hope you can make many happy memories in your new home Deb. x

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Thanks Bec and yes the unconditional period was a long one (and was extended)… It was a month or a bit longer and then I only had under two weeks to get organised.

  • Karin @ Calm to Conniption
    September 6, 2016

    I think your new view is pretty spectacular too.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      It is most certainly Karin. I was very very spoilt with my last location and very spoilt this time around!

  • Penni
    September 6, 2016

    It’s so beautiful! I have always wanted to visit Australia and your post(s) are making me wanting to visit it more and I can’t afford it LOL.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Oh dear…. sorry about that Penni!

  • hugzillablog
    September 6, 2016

    There aren’t many things in life that are more stressful than buying and selling real estate. Throw in the fact that you then have to bloody MOVE HOUSE, and it’s shitsville all-around. Your place looks absolutely divine and I’m glad that it all worked out for you in the end. Congrats!!

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Thanks – and it’s true… the whole buying / selling / moving is one of the more stressful things you can do. Though last time I did it I’d taken a redundancy and was moving towns at the same time, so it was probably worse!

  • Janet Camilleri (@middleagedmama1)
    September 6, 2016

    GAWD, buyer from hell by the sound of it. Your new digs look lovely by the way!

  • Denyse Whelan
    September 6, 2016

    Excited for you as you know!! Please tell me you are writing your memoirs..I would love to read about your life in your professional capacity and where you have lived… You could make it anon! Love this new home of yours as it suits YOU so much better I think!! Denyse x

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      It does suit me a lot better Denyse! Interestingly I found all of these folders (during my move) containing letters I wrote home while overseas. I’d always thought of writing something which interspersed real letters with everyday life stuff. It’d have to be faction though as it’s too long ago for me to remember the detail.

  • Kathryn
    September 6, 2016

    View in your new place looks pretty good to me. That buyer is a nut,imagine the joy she is going to give the body corporate! New place sounds great, especially the space.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      That new buyer is a Kiwi Kathryn!!!

      And yes, the space is wonderful. If I wore a pedometer I’d have increased my steps markedly just walking from one end of the house to the other!

  • Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
    September 6, 2016

    Love your new place! It looks amazing! And I guess the best thing is feeling at home 🙂 If I’m ever out that way, I’ll shamelessly just invite myself over.

    I’m dreading having to pack up and move even though I’m not selling my place.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      I had lots of moves before I owned places and I think they’re as bad if you’ve got furniture and stuff cos you have the landlord replacing the buyer fussing over how you leave a place.

  • Kathleen Kruger
    September 6, 2016

    I’m really excited for you – it looks so fresh and the view is very nice! I hope you enjoy the extra space (more bookshelves!) and especially the feeling of being ‘at home’. X

  • Kathleen Kruger
    September 6, 2016

    PS – I’ve been a very slack blogger of late and have missed lovely comments from you Deb and others. I love your new ‘profile’ pic (or maybe it isn’t so new because I’ve been MIA). So lovely to see your smile.

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      I’ve become increasingly paranoid over recent years Kathy about my not-so-white teeth so haven’t smiled in pics for a long time. This was a very casual and messy pic and I did so without thinking. (And used a filter!)

  • writeofthemiddle
    September 6, 2016

    I’m so glad you’re feeling happy there and more settled than at the other place. It looks gorgeous from all the photo’s I’ve seen. 🙂

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      I’m definitely feeling settled Min! Already!

  • Cops and Novels
    September 6, 2016

    Your new place looks awesome, Deb. Even better that it ‘feels’ awesome to you. Ah, Home 🙂

    • Debbish
      September 6, 2016

      Yes Jay, it certainly feels like home!

  • JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter)
    September 6, 2016

    It looks lovely and bright, and really spacious. So glad you’re finally in, and loving it!

    • Debbish
      September 7, 2016

      I love the massive living area Jodi. I spend a lot of time at home, so it’s great!

  • Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
    September 6, 2016

    Congratulations, Deb!! That feeling of being home is so important, because that’s the only way we can truly relax when we’re in our house 🙂
    I’m happy you have managed the move, and that you love your new place. I look forward to seeing your shelf pictures when you get the shelves and books sorted out.

    • Debbish
      September 7, 2016

      Oh yes, will need to do an ‘after’ picture Lexxie!

  • Yvonne
    September 7, 2016

    Your new home looks lovely. The great view from your study could be an inspiration or a distraction!

    • Debbish
      September 7, 2016

      Interestingly there’s a bit of a glare in there Yvonne so I may need to rethink the position of my computer, or close the curtains a little when I’m working!

  • Hello Sydney Kids (@HelloSydneyKids)
    September 7, 2016

    Hello Deb, love love love the views…. some people are never satisfied are they? I’m a person who doesn’t like to make a fuss and get astounded by people who do. Oh well, it’s done now and you are home… always takes a while to settle in but space and esp an office sound marvellous.

    • Debbish
      September 7, 2016

      I’m the same re not making a fuss, particularly over something like this where the cleaning is a nice thing to do but not compulsory.

  • charliegirlteachergirl
    September 7, 2016

    I get panic attacks about moving now. Since I was a college freshman I have had to pack up and move over 20 times. If I sat down and really counted I’m sure it’s more than 25. Ironically, the most unplanned and last minute necessity move when my engagement ended was not as stressful because it was just “get this shit done and moved and out before he’s back.” That move actually surprised me in how quickly it was done with no advance planning. Just day of. (BTW, he broke it off and thought he was going to clean out the apartment, take Baby and leave me saddled with all our debt and the apartment when I was gone for almost a week to bring my brother home from Ft. Benning. Nice guy, huh?)

    I love what little you’ve shown of your place! I’m glad it feels like home. My little house feels like home, too, but that may soon be ending.

    • Debbish
      September 7, 2016

      Ugh the end of your engagement sounds horrible! What a traumatic experience, but great you could get out quickly!

      I hope you get to stay put now!

  • laurelrainsnow
    September 11, 2016

    I’m happy you feel at home, and I’m with you on stressing over each move; I also moved a lot in the past. In one 10-year period, I had moved 14 times, and some of those were big moves from different parts of the state.

    Then I settled into staying longer in each place…until the last home lasted 13 years!

    Thanks for sharing your experiences, and enjoy settling in!

    • Debbish
      September 11, 2016

      Thanks Laurel. I’m really looking forward to spending time there now.

  • Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews
    September 12, 2016

    I love the new place! It sucks that you went through so much trouble especially with the lady that bought your house. Like, seriously. When I moved, we had to clean the whole house for 3 days because it was so dirty! That’s so normal for the buyer to clean, so it’s weird she was all pissy about it.

    • Debbish
      September 12, 2016

      True. And thankfully that’s all behind me now…. it’s nice to be starting from scratch!

  • Allison @ The Book Wheel
    September 12, 2016

    Congratulations! I’m so glad you were able to find something!

  • Ashlea Kerr
    September 14, 2016

    Moving and selling is one of the most stressful situations. Go you! I am like you, always leaving it cleaner than before I moved in. Me on the otherhand, always have to spend a day cleaning before I move in. Maybe I have high standards?! hmmm. Love that view, what a sunny lovely spot to be!

    • Debbish
      September 14, 2016

      I probably would have given the place a good vacuum if I’d had time before the removalists arrived Ashlea but sadly there was no time (and my vacuum cleaner was packed!). And yes, I’m very fortunate as it’s a great spot.

  • Jo Morgan
    September 17, 2016

    Moving house is sooo painful but it sure looks like it was worth it 🙂 Cheers to making many new memories in the new space xx

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