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House and home

Want to move house but ....

(66 Posts)
JaneJudge Mon 11-Nov-24 18:14:07

Are you on Facebook? There are people who can come in and declutter for you, it’s become a thing. Maybe tackle your ‘stuff’ first? As a goal? then work on your husbands mindset in smaller chunks?

Jeanathome Mon 11-Nov-24 18:02:56

Perhaps it's time to put yourself back on the radar?

It's a big job, moving.

Tizliz Mon 11-Nov-24 17:48:33

For part 3)

There are companies that specialise in sorting out houses after problems - next door used one when their plumbing burst (their insurance company sent them in). They will assess the damage and do what they can and recommend builders and decorators etc. We are too far away for this particular company to help but perhaps your house insurers could recommend someone

crazyH Mon 11-Nov-24 17:28:08

I think you need to sell and move to a smaller, more manageable house. The flooding might be a bargaining point for potential buyers. Even if you have to sell it for a lower than expected price, just get rid of it. I’m sure a builder will be interested. Good luck !

Grammaretto Mon 11-Nov-24 17:17:41

I couldn't have persuaded my DH to move, though we should have years ago.
He died 4 years ago and at last I have made some decisions.

I am going to move next year.
I have had a couple of valuations though like yours I fear a structural report and home report will be far more realistic.
I need to sell before I can really look at other properties and am trying to keep my expectations reasonable.

I hope you can take control now so that you can choose a place together.
Good luck!

Madmeg Mon 11-Nov-24 17:17:03

I would definitely move now. Do not bother with repairs etc, just pay for a good clean and rubbish removal and find a place that suits you better. Sheltered housing would be a good option but I imagine there might be a wait for that. If you choose a flat make sure there is a lift if you are not on the ground floor. A communal garden would be pleasant, or a decent balcony. A spare bedroom would give you extra space if you have a lifetime of belongings that you "need" to keep.

Good luck. I can see my DH being equally reluctant to move even though he cannot do his share in maintaining our 5-bed detached house and garden - and has never really had the inclination - but after a year of cancer treatment for me I realise I can't do it all any more - and don't want to.

A feel my DH is being very selfish in not at least seriously considering making a move now, while we still can.

Luckygirl3 Mon 11-Nov-24 16:59:20

Do not underestimate the stress of a house move. It might seem a good solution, but takes its toll.

loopyloo Mon 11-Nov-24 16:20:53

Also if your husband is shown a pleasant flat or small house he might be able to visualize it and get used to the idea. You have to box clever, I find . Pick the right moment.

loopyloo Mon 11-Nov-24 16:15:34

Do think about contacting GP surgery about health issues. There may be more help available than you realise.

Shelflife Mon 11-Nov-24 16:14:43

I understand your predicament. Your husband is finding the thought of moving difficult and under the circumstances he is probably behaving irrationally! My husband has Alzheimer's Disease and it does make everyday life very complicated at times . I recognize the term ' how do I get through to him' and know exactly what you mean ! May I suggest you speak to an estate agent , your husband may listen to him/ her!
My husband has not had a stroke but his decision making is not what it should be - does he listen to me - 'no', is the short answer to that. It never used to be like this and it is not easy to acknowledge the change in him . Please get someone else to speak to your husband about the consequences of remaining in your present house , he may take notice of someone else. Thinking of you.

loopyloo Mon 11-Nov-24 16:10:26

Yes absolutely ask the advice of some estate agents.
It doesn't commit you to anything and won't cost you anything.
I find writing lists very helpful.
Start to think about where you might like to move to and start doing research.
Best wishes with it all

Bea65 Mon 11-Nov-24 16:04:58

Hi, am also Midlands area and want a granny flat as can’t manage the front and back gardens and it’s getting too expensive to pay others… I’m no real help but do understand why you are looking to move now and not later…agree with Skydancer, go into local Estate Agents who I think would be interested in selling your present property and finding you a new home. Good luck 💐

Norah Mon 11-Nov-24 16:03:33

I feel for you. flowers

Perhaps sell as it stands, in need of renovation? Take a lower price - condition updates and improvements cost money as well.

Oreo Mon 11-Nov-24 16:01:23

I really do feel for you, it’s hard enough moving house when older but especially with a husband who won’t decide or help.
Get on this problem right away as you know you need to, which means being firm with your DH about it. Get two different estate agents to come and do a valuation on your house.Don’t do much with the house other than everything being clean and tidy.New owners will change kitchen and bathroom anyway.
Make a list of must haves for the next move and the town and location that interests you.
Doing those things is a step in the right direction and doesn’t mean you have to follow through if you change your mind.

Skydancer Mon 11-Nov-24 15:56:46

Definitely definitely ask the opinions of a couple of estate agents. Their advice is free. We have moved a few times and have found their help invaluable. They can take everything off your hands.

NonGrannyMoll Mon 11-Nov-24 15:50:14

OK, this question has probably been asked countless times, so please bear with me. DH is 82, I'm 77, both in somewhat poor health (he's a stroke survivor, I have a heart condition). Time and Fate have left us with no family or local friends and we've slipped through the usual state help nets because we're the type who manage ourselves and thus we don't appear on their radar (wouldn't know who to ask anyway - please don't tell me Age UK because all they seem to do in our area is organise lunch clubs). So, what's the problem? Well, we absolutely need to move - long story, basically house is now far too big for us & needs a lot of work, plus for the first time ever, floods came to within inches of the foundations last month. My view is different from my DH's view. I say we need to get out while we can still get at least something for the house (I'm in no doubt that the local floods have already knocked several thousands of pounds off the potential asking price). DH says wait and see (which drives me crazy but I feel we both have to be in agreement before we do anything). I face two huge problems: (1) how to get through to DH (bearing in mind his brain damage) that we're in a very precarious position, (2) how to get somebody (anybody!) interested in helping (we'll pay, of course) and (3) how to get the house in good enough condition to attract interest from potential buyers (bearing in mind the threat of flooding). This has to be tackled very quickly - who knows when the flooding will return? Sorry, I know that many people are facing just the same problems but I'm absolutely on my own here (West Midlands, UK) and can't think where to turn. Just a "Hi, I feel for you" would make me feel a mission times better! Thanks.