Help calm me. House buying and selling stress *Part 10*

Thanks for the update on the disappeared poster karmalady. I wasn't too worried, as having met her in RL and on here, I knew she has a fighting spirit! I hope the far-away trip is everything she dreams of.
My garage is full of carcasses -kitchen cabinets- and what looks like doors and skirting. That's without the worktops, all the appliances and the lighting etc. The cat is having a great time amongst the boxes. Monday is THE day. I am moving out on Sunday evening for the first week but DH and dog will stay behind to be nosey "supervise"!

oh I do hate making decisions that require measurement. Its only a replacement kitchen tap, the one I have has started dripping constantly and of course it is discontinued, besides which I cannot work out what model it is and anyway all the different models need a different cartridge

So I have had to order a different make and hope to goodness that it fits through the hole as I have just found out that there are different size holes

I know the plumber is good, we used them all the time in the last house. They asked me to order the tap and to ring them when it arrives. I know it is only a tap but there is so incredibly much to work out and make decisions about and it is hard when you are on your own

Keeping my fingers crossed

I am still finding myself de-cluttering, I keep coming across things that I have no room for in my life now eg all my specialist sourdough baking equipment. I mean I am never going to use my bannetons or cloche again but there they sit taking up valuable room on a garage shelf. The lovely nordic ware bunny rabbit cake tin too

Wiah I could continue de-cluttering!!! When I moved, involving five years of getting rid of so much stuff - I was determined that I would, never again, just collect 'things'.

Sadly, have not kept to that. Keep finding new kitchen items to purchase. Latest has been poaching pods - for many years I have poached eggs in microwave (have poached eggs most days for lunch). But though I would give these little pods in water a try. Okay they are tiny to store . Not quite so small is an xmas pressie from one of my daughters (off my wish list), a sandwich toaster (which I had), but this one is bigger and has inter-changeable grids to do waffles and panninis. So, sandwich toaster now stored in spare bedroom as this machine takes its place.

I only actually received this machine this week as I was given it whilst in London and it was too large for me to bring back with me. Daughter here, visited her sister over last weekend and brought it back for me. Have three friends coming for lunch on Fridahyj, so it is panninis for us all!!!

With my garage, I have recommenced a habit I used to have in my house of keeping the original boxes for all such items (like this machine), They are useful if I should sell or donate any of them onward eventually - but do take up a lot of room.
I know I have far too much crockery. All in my kitchen is fine, but I still keep an 8-sitting dinner & tea service with extras in my LIving room cupboards - although I am never likely to host an eight person dinner party again. Just cannot bring myself to get rid of it all!!!!

Clothes are a constant problem. Particularly as I do change sizes far too often. Even put on half a stone in the last couple of months last year. Am slowly, very, very slowly takingthat off again, probable will take me a few months but itmakes me reluctant tog et rid of clothes that are too big for me. One of the great advantages of age, is that fashion is not impotrant, comfort is. Clothes really do last forever. My lovely very warm winter coat is now a good twelve years old. Only worn of bitter cold days so has probably had less than six months worth of wear. Goes in washing machine each Spring and packed away for another year.

As, outdoors I use a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, it means that I am sitting down not actually moving - so the cold does get to me far more than if I was actually walking. This wonder (M&S) coat really keeps me totally toastie no matter what the temperature is.

I really do admire minimalists - but just cannot be one.

Joseanne - hope kitchen replacement is going according to plan. Good that you can actually move out. Although I must say that I did like to check each evening exactly what had been/was being done.

Karmalady hope tap fits well. Dripping taps are not just nuisance, they are a really bad waste of an important resource. Are you sure it is not something as simple as a washer that needs replacing?

Oh Franbern, I could have written your post, especially the part about clothes in multiple sizes. I have too much of almost everything, especially books, but so far lack the energy and will power to deal with them. I admire minimalism but am not capable of it.

I have a jug collecting my drips Fran it is actually potentially better value for me to get a new tap, much easier to fit than the elusive cartridge that my carron tap would need, if I could find the right one. New tap is franke and sale price

Like you Fran, I am grateful to have the sun shining in during winter, warming and cheery at the same time. Demonstrates how very important property aspect is and not something we always consider when sidetracked by that shiny interior and excitement of a new purchase

This year for the first time ever, I am disliking january and the winter. I have always been too busy to notice, previously an allotment and a husband and then de cluttering and touching up. Here had a lot to do, last year was full interior decorating and much to move. Finishing is not always good and am now down to using crafting yarn and fibre stash and waiting for spring

My aim now is to declutter anything I can use up and to free-up much space so I continue to not take my purse with me when I go out for walks around town. Nor am I shopping online

How does all the extra stuff work its way back in? I'm sure we all decluttered to pack and move in 2019, then again when unpacking, yet here we are again! I have emptied the entire kitchen to a spare room and filled two boxes for the charity shop. (A mincer type machine, a Denby set which doesn't fit in the dishwasher prongs, lots of plastic Disney stuff the DGC no longer use, 2 sets of old patterned placemats, biscuit tins etc.) I should have disposed if most of it before we left London because we have never used it since. Then enter a new dinner service and matching jugs, bowls etc, and an airfyer, so we fight a losing battle.
The kitchen units were all removed yesterday and the water and electrics cut off. I went back at tea time and was amazed to see the larder cupboard already in place. (Note to self to order those glass storage jars with clip down lids. Or would plastic be better in my old age?). I scrubbed the floor tiles with bleach where the old kickboards had left a dirty scum line. This evening I will go back and strip the wallpaper as the plumber has helpfully removed the tall ladder radiator to get behind it.
The naughty 🐁 is still being a pest, the workmen discovered he had nearly chewed through the oven cable! 😲

The best thing is dining out at lunchtime! Yesterday I had portobello mushrooms filled with Mediterranean vegetables topped with Cornish Yarg, accompanied by a rocket salad with balsamic dressing.

Sorry to ramble. I'm getting hungry so will go off now in search of today's tasty sustenance.

Franbern yes, it's nice to escape to sleep and chill out in different surroundings. I also get to read the story books of my choice to DGC, Ian Serrallier's The Silver Sword at the moment. DH and dog remain back at the ranch.

Karmalady so is that dripping tap one of the hot water ones? I have a franke hot water tap in my new kitchen. Brilliant device. Boiling water as and when I want it to the exact amount I need. In times to come, these will become much more normal in all kitchens, and kettles, etc. will become a thing of the past. I have purchased a new replacement filter for this system, looks very simple to change this ( under the sink), but am asking daughter to be with me this first time I replace it.

No Fran, my new tap is just normal 2 lever swivel

Joseanne, the most useful containers in my pull out larder are from lakeland, tall, rectangular with a vac pop lid.

www.lakeland.co.uk/73184/oxo-good-grips-pop-square-tall-food-storage-container-16l

Thank you karmalady. 1.6 litres sounds perfect. I have some old 1 litre coloured pots but I can't quite get a whole bag of pasta in each one. I have to take off the lid to see what is in them too. Time to make life easier.

oh yes, so true, its time!! to make life easier. What I like about them is that they are taller, so not as much wasted space, there is quite a distance between the metal shelve

It was -5 here all through the night, freezing mist has settled and I am feeling like an island surrounded by treacherous black ice. I cannot even get to the garage and I am in the throes of making crumbles in bulk to freeze. Frustrating. I am hoping it thaws later but maybe it won`t. I need bottled fruit stored in garage

Nat grid is at struggle point with fossil fuel production just 1% below its limit, to balance output and demand. Other sources are much lower today. I want to fetch my trangia, meths, makita radio, lamp and batteries from the garage. I will store them in my utility for a while.

My first time posting on this thread.

We have made the first step yesterday of having our house valued.The valuation was slightly more than expected although if we sell I presume we will get less than the valuation.

We have been thinking of downsizing for a number of years and if we are going to do it now is the time.

Big decisions to be made.We will go for a drive round the areas we would want to move to.

I am fine with decluttering but it’s the thought of all the admin involves which fills me with dread.

Will go back and start reading the previous threads.

Susan you will need to develop a thick skin once you have viewings as people think you become deaf when they look at your home . You wouldn't believe things people say. But once I decided to sell I detached myself from my old house. Remember a house is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. And until you exchange contracts nothing is settled. I had 2 buyers pull out on me one day of exchange and other 4 days before. Put my house on the market March 2018 and finally moved August 2019. Don't believe anyone who says they are a cash buyer unless your solicitor or estate agent sees a bank account with the full amount there.

Be prepared for sleepless nights and stress off the chart. But it's all worth it once you move into your new home and make it yours. I was lucky the sellers of my bungalow kept it for me as it I love it so much. I live my life to the full no longer exist as I did in my old house.

As soon as I decided to sell told my solicitor and she sent me all the paperwork to fill out so when I accepted my first offer she had all the paperwork and deeds etc. I went with fixed fee with my estate agent no sale no fee. And set fee with my solicitor so I didn't have to pay extra when my buyers pulled out.

Wishing you well on your journey.

welcome here Susan, stay with us on your journey

Start to prepare like whiff says. Inform your solicitor to prepare your selling pack and prepare a house file to contain every bit of paperwork you have ever had for your house and for any additional work such as extra sockets. The admin is what almost floored me so I learnt from that and have a house file for my new home, every time I get a certificate, it is added

It may feel as though you have a long time and I know you are ok with decluttering but dig deep into that thought. 3.5 years after moving, I am still coming across stuff I wish I had not brought

Driving around the areas is a good thing and it is better if you stop in the most central car park and talk to strangers. Has it got a decent toilet? Is the toilet and centre graffiti-free? Go and have a meal in the most cerntral cafe and listen in to conversations. All in all that is what gives you a feel for an area and sold it to me. Are small shops standing vacant? that was a turn-off

I know, it is exciting but scary too. It is not just about the actual home, which can be superficially perfect but also the environs. For a quick look, put the potential area into youtube, there are very many walk-throughs that will give you a good initial view

Hi Susan. If your house has been valued higher than expected, that is good. Remember if you are downsizing, you need to get the maximum price for it, as every penny counts.
Our experiences are all different on his thread, but interesting and valuable. We sold overnight for the full asking price in London but there was a hiccup with the person at the bottom saying they were cash buyers when it was a divorce settlement going through. Luckily, despite a nail-biting delay, it all ended well. Just make sure your agent keeps on top of things. Ours was brilliant.
We moved over 200 miles but luckily knew the area and had narrowed it down to two or three roads. There wasn't much to choose from and we didn't want to go into rented (4 pets), so offered the full price to secure something. Maybe a bit silly because since then we have had new bathroom, new kitchen, new windows, new doors etc. But we got out before covid and have had fun making the place ours.
Good luck and just come on here either to vent or to share your journey or to ask questions however basic.

Susan welcome to this thread.
Not trying to be cynical, but do be aware that Estate Agents do tend to overprice new on the market properties - mainly in order to try toget you to go with them on an sole EA basis.

IF.....and big if they happen to find a buyer willing to work on that price, then fine.....but the next stage will be in about four weeks time when they will tell you that you have overpriced your property and need to drop it.

Find out what other similar properties are being offered at/being sold at - and work along that. Does notlook good when properties are 'reduced'

As has been said, get together every possible piece of paper and certicate and proof of work done on your existing property whilst you ve have been living there. Any and all improvements made. FENSA certificates for windows, Chimney sweeping certificate. Gas Safe and electric certificates for any work involving either of those. Proof of annual checks on your boiler, etc. etc. Make a note for future owners as to where your water mains tap is situated, and fuse box, etc. etc.

You will need to decide what fixtures and fittings you are intending to leave behind as these will need to be ticked off on appropriate form.

Be prepared to hear from people viewing that your property is too big, too small has too many/not enough rooms (despite all this information beig clearly shown on EA's information). Have a list of local bus routes, and local schools, etc.

You will need to decide whether or not you wish to be in your property or not when viewers start to come. Sometimes, it is easier to go out and let the EA take those viewings. Put in strict rules as to what can/may not be opened, etc.

Until you have accepted a firm offer there is not a lot of paper work. but then your Solicitor will need to pass on to you any queries made by the purchasers solicitors.

I would strongly recommend having your solicitor somewhere local to you, so that you can drop in important papers and not have to trust them to the post.

Be prepard to compromise on what you wish to buy. Three lists
1. MUST have
2. PREFERRED TO HAVE
3. NICE to have

Also note that the first couple of years in a new property you will be spending money as if it has just been invented, so allow for that in your sale and purchase prices.

HAVE FUN GOOD LUCK

Plumber came, my tap is very good but I saw my sink construction in a better light when he was screwing the tap on. No wonder I had problems with the previous tap working loose. The cheapest thinnest flexible steel possible, not properly fastened down, no clips below and no silicone to lock it to the worktop. I have ordered a good new sink, by franke with 1 1/2 bowl. My present small bowl is very shallow and useless.

I did not expect to spend on a new sink. My worst month for bills too, I don`t want to draw on savings so belt will be tighter for a month

We went down to see DD s new house on South Coast. Well, not new 1850 ish. Where to start? Place needs total refurbishment. She saw a kitchen advisor and the plumber.
I managed to unblock the loo. And read the electric meter and find the gas meter which has a triangular key that I have ordered.
But what views as you drive down the A23. How beautiful are the South downs!
And coming back the cars head lights over the Dartford bridge sparkled in the fading light.
And the dog was so good in the car.
Have a good weekend everyone.

I’m new on here, putting my house on the market.
A bit of history. 10 years ago we downsized from 5 bed, two attics, three shed, 1 1/2 acre property to our “forever” home. I cried lakes giving away all the books and clutter.
Fast forward… DS2 died suddenly 18 months ago. We cleared and sold his house - DH insisted on bracket a load of stuff for his son to take what he wanted. Loads of rubbish left.
In July last year, DH died, leaving me alone in E Kent, DD in Bristol, DS1 in India. So I have to move to be near DD if/when I need help.
I think the EA has given a fair price, especially as the original quote he gave me 6 months ago as been reduced. This part of the country still has an active market being cheaper than London and an easy train journey on HS1 to St. Pancras.
I need a small apartment in the Bristol area.
My biggest problem is knowing what and when to dispose of, + all DS and DH stuff toget rid of. Fran’s list will be very useful.

GM, a very big hug and you will get much help here. I am sorry for your loss

You are doing a hefty downsize and move on your own, like several others on here. Just know that you can do it

I started to sort and de-clutter as soon as I appointed the estate agent, I did some every day even if it was just a kitchen drawer. Be ruthless eg how many pieces of crockery will you really need? How many glasses? I think I re-homed half of my dining room contents and the same with other rooms. I was back and forth to the hospice shop and a large shopping trolley was invaluable for that

I know you have lots of friends, ask them to help, to empty your loft, to take things to the charity shops.

You will be pleased you joined this most helpful thread grandmattie where a group of movers came together (can't believe 4 years ago!) to offer advice and sympathy throughout the process and beyond.
And welcome to West Country, a great part of the world, but I'm biased!
Firstly, make sure you have a good rapport with your agent and the team. Ours was very proactive and even ended up doing most of the work for the seller two below us who had a useless agent. You will need to be sensible and get the best possible price for yours, as this will be your last move and Bristol is expensive for property. We all on here had different experiences. My London sale was plain sailing to start with, with a full asking price offer which we also offered on the property we bought, but it still took four months to complete, and don't talk to me about removals!
I'm sorry to hear about your son and husband. I have no experience there, but would want to keep several special items as memories. karmalady is right to say to do a little clearing each and every day so you can give yourself time to think carefully. (By the way kl had a different name here under the original threads, and I was Ellianne.)
Good luck and keep us posted.

grandMattie Welcome to this thread. How very sad for you the double loss in such a short time and all you plans thrown into pieces.

Be good to be able to welcome you the South West, hopefully, in a few months time. Lots of gorgeous flats/apartments in Bristol for you to choose from and as your daughter lives there, sure you have a pretty good idea about that city.

I had a marvellous lady at my EA - without her work and support do not think I would have made the move at all. Even on moving day it was she who was keeping me informed of the money movement and when my flat was ready for keys to be collected.

Itis going to be a difficult few months, there could well be disappointments as well as good times. Be prepared to have times of wondering if you should be moving. I found that each time things were going well I felt a desire to stay put and each time things went wrong I had a strong desire to move.

Anything you are going to come across with regard to selling and buying you will probably find here on this thread. Do hope you have time to relax and read it right from those beginnings four years ago.

Let us know how you are doing. We are here to be shoulders to be cried on, people to be ranted at, and also here to celebrate with you. Hopefully, lots of the latter and not too much of the two former.

Thank you for the welcome to the thread and for the advice.I have read the posts to DH, he has a clipboard and is making notes.

We have found an area we would like to move to and have started on the decluttering.Whether we move will depend on finding the right property but I think it has been on our mind for a couple of years and so it will eventually happen🤞🏻sooner rather than later.

My kitchen has reached the lull stage until Thursday when the worktops will be fitted and hopefully the appliances connected. I have come home for a few days to do some decorating while the house is empty of workmen, but will disappear again on Wednesday for a few nights. My niece took away the rest of the old kitchen at the weekend. I will get by with a chilli from the freezer and a packet of microwavable rice today and scrambled egg and beans tomorrow. Then will eat out again until the weekend.
Out of interest, did anyone have cornice type top bits fitted on their new kitchen tall units? I don't think mine needs it because it is sleek and modern, but DH wants them finished off with hats on.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202301/medium-636985-20230130-090247.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202301/medium-61336-20230130-090321.jpg

Mine is the one without tops, so far, the other one is the magazine one DH liked.
The tops are already made but I could tell the fitter to just forget it.