I'm never moving again.
August 15, 2017
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Hey strangers! Remember me? :) To say life has been overwhelming lately would be an understatement. Tonight is the first night in quite some time I've been able to relax a bit.
Moving is no joke people. I've heard it's up there with life's top stressors and now I totally get it. This is where I'd normally throw in a "first world problem" hashtag, but I'm not quite ready to joke just yet. 😅 Selling a house is very real stress, even though it's a stress most would consider ourselves lucky to have.
Originally I didn't plan to announce our move until we closed on our house -- for many reasons. Most of those reasons have happened in the past few weeks. I won't go into much detail, but it's been one thing after another. Today we got some news that makes me want to laugh -- but a maniacal, I rarely sleep anymore and don't answer the phone cause I'm afraid it's more bad news and I've been packing for 12 hours a day for the past week kind of laugh. Ha! More on that in a bit.
SO. We moved all of our stuff out today!! We had some plans we made nearly a year ago that made it so we had to move out a little early. Our closing was scheduled for next week. But we planned to camp out on blow up beds and make the best of it before moving into an extended stay hotel in a few days. (The whole hotel instead of an apartment is another story! It's cheaper to stay in a hotel, at least in our situation.)
We used Two Men and a Truck here in Indy to move 13 years ago and were so pleased with them, they were the first ones we called this time. They came out, walked inside and outside the house and gave us an estimate. I appreciated that they actually counted our beds, furniture and TVs and were able to give us a really good idea of what our final cost would be.
Because we will be in between houses for a couple months, we needed a storage option too. Thankfully they offer that -- they are taking care of both moves and the storage and it's eased my mind quite a bit.
I'm a little surprised at how excited I was for this day. It could be because we've lived in a moving box jungle for weeks now. It's gotten really bad in the past week:
Yesterday I was in throw-random-crap-in-boxes-mode -- you know what I'm saying if you've moved recently. It's the part where you start to panic and are afraid half your stuff will be left at your house. I legit labeled many boxes "RANDOM." I'll enjoy that later I'm sure!
We had a crew of four guys (Rapheal, DJ, Brandon and Rondall) and they were AWESOME. Super professional the entire time and they worked their butts off. They provided two trucks and had a third one available on call if needed:
There were a few things that we really appreciated -- first of all that they put a mat down in the entry where they were rolling the dolly over and over:
Then, how they protected the doors -- they wrapped and taped the side of the door, the glass door and our front door:
I was surprised they wrapped every single piece of furniture. Not just with plastic, but every one got padded with blankets as well:
Even the upholstered chairs!:
So we had a storage bin full of Legos -- but I had lost the lid. (Who loses a storage container lid??) I was planning to just dump the Legos in a box and pack them up, but never got to it. I forgot about it till I saw them take it out to the truck -- they wrapped that thing so well not one Lego will emerge. It was little things like that that really impressed me.
We all joked that their job is a real life version of Tetris -- they worked items just so, so that most of our house was in just one truck! I was shocked at what they were able to (safely) fit in there:
Those four guys worked their tails off for six hours!! We couldn't be more thrilled with how they handled our items. Then they left to unload and fill our storage rental as well -- that's a hard day.
We loved the little things they did, like the Lego bin, and that they didn't roll the heavy dolly down our wood steps. They carried the it down, and then put it on the floor to roll out. I was pleasantly surprised at that. A friend of mine just had a horrible moving experience so I was grateful for these little touches.
Our storage is temperature controlled so that gives me peace of mind as well. And we can add to it any time -- we have a few things like our treadmill that we didn't get apart in time so we'll make an appointment to take that over later. Overall we were thrilled! Two Men and a Truck locations are independently owned all over the country. If you'd like to check out a location near you, check out their site here. Our local Indianapolis location was top notch. (If you're nearby be sure to check them out on Facebook too.)
Want to hear the best part? Are you ready? ;) Not even two hours after they drove away with all of our stuff...beds, cooking utensils, chairs...pretty much everything...we got word that the buyer of the buyers of the buyers of buyers of our house (got that?) had to back out of their sale. So. That house (four removed? I've lost track) is back on the market and our closing could be pushed out one week to a month. Or more? Depends on when it sells.
If it sells soon this is actually a blessing in disguise because we'll get to stay in our house longer and save money on our in-between living. If it doesn't sell soon...well, it gets sticky and not so fun, so we're not even going to talk about that, OK? :) I have a good feeling about it all -- I think it's going to work out for everyone involved. I just hate being in limbo. And not having chairs.
We were going to buy a new bed for our son, so we'll probably do that sooner than later now, if we're going to be in the house for another month. Not sure the inflatable beds will cut it that long.
Another good thing? I've been so stressed I've lost ten pounds in about a month. Probably more, but I wouldn't know because our scale is packed away in a storage facility across town. 👍
I'll keep you updated on the news of course! Please send good house sale vibes to the buyers down the line. Us four families would appreciate it. :) We'll survive -- the bests in my life have all come after some tests, this is just another one. AND we got word that cabinets will be going in at the new house next week, so I'm giddy at the progress. It's a beauty!
I'll be back later this week!
Disclosure: I worked with Two Men and a Truck on this post but already had them scheduled to do our job anyway -- I only share brands I know and love with you all.
Moving is soooo stressful, I totally understand! And 10 pounds... now that's successful weight loss, haha!
ReplyDeleteCharmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
We have moved so many times in our lives I've lost count. We have used many different moving companies. Three years ago we went with Two Men and a Truck and it was hands down the worst. experience. ever. Stuff was ruined, we had to fight to get things repaired or get compensated.Near the end of the pack up they even tried to tell us they underestimated how much stuff we had and if we wanted them to continue, we needed to pay more. Truly, it was traumatizing. I am so happy your experience has been different! Perhaps them knowing several thousand people would be watching was helpful. The last thing you need when moving is to have one final HUGE kick of stress at the very end of the road. We really felt victimized and their response was more or less, sorry, can't help you.
ReplyDeleteI have followed your blog for ever it seems. It has been a joy to see the beauty you bring to your home and we even copied your living room turned library(LOVE it!) We wish you the best in your new move and will be praying this latest hiccup is resolved quickly.
We had an almost identical awful experience and never did get full compensation for all the things they broke/damaged or even an apology. We are still in our "starter" home years beyond what we planned partially because of how traumatized we were after that move.
DeleteWe used Two Men and a Truck here in St. Louis for a move across town and they did a great job. And not to mention that it was 99 degrees on the day of the move. We'd call them again.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for your move and new house, Sarah!
Sending up prayers all works out for all involved. I know it is stressful for all being in limbo.
ReplyDeleteWe moved twice in seven months. . . . three kids, two guinea pigs and a cat. Hell is the only word to describe it! :) Hang in there!! It's been over a year now and I'm just starting to think back at it and laugh. HAHA
ReplyDeleteWe have used Two Men and a Truck for moves twice and couldn't have been happier. Those guys really work their tails off. I can tell you, I almost cried when they told me I wouldn't have to empty the dressers and pack the clothes. They'd just tape everything and move as is. It was like the skies opened up and angels sang. You are so smart to have a temperature controlled storage unit. We lost a dresser, entertainment center and an arm chair to mold in our. All we can figure is that some snow run off must have gotten into the unit over the winter and by the time we came to get our things the next fall, mold had infiltrated. We were really lucky it was just those three items, but we did end up having to buy our daughter a new dresser. Fingers crossed that the four sales go through without a hitch.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your stress. This is our third week in an Extended Stay hotel while we wait on our household goods to ship from Hawaii to Atlanta. Our condo in Hawaii took 90 days to sell and we almost lost our dream house here. Now we're just waiting for them to close so we can close. (I know you understand.) Heard this morning that our stuff is in California, so that's good news. Hoping our seller will let us in a few days before closing so we can unpack over Labor Day weekend. Good luck to you! I think I found the 10 pounds you lost!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Atlanta! I'm glad you were able to hang onto your dream house here - it's a tight market right now! I hope your seller is sympathetic and you are all settled next month.
DeleteWe also used Two Men and A Truck on our recent move. It was a great choice. They were really careful with all of our things also. I hope all works out well for your closing and the other home sells really soon.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, the in between times are THE WORST. We closed on a fixer upper property with 2 residences 6 weeks ago and are basically in the middle of three back to back DIY remodels. We just finished work on the rental on the new property and got our renters in, now moving on to the main house in which we'll live, and then after we've moved we'll be fixing up our current house and renting IT out. Being neither here nor there is a constant drain for the whole family!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I thought a friend was buying your house? Did that fall through? Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteOh they are! It's a house way down the line that's having issues now.
DeleteI moved THREE times in FOUR years after my divorce and, like you, I swore I will NEVER move again!! It sucks!! Good luck with the closing, mine took five longgggggg months and it was incredibly stressful. You know how I got through it? Lots of martinis!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteEven a move where everything goes smoothly is stressful so I can only imagine what you are experiencing. Just keep that positive outlook and your eye on the "prize" and we will keep cheering you on from afar. Here's hoping/praying the rest of the timeline goes smoothly. So thankful you had awesome movers, too!
ReplyDeleteI live in Northwest Indiana and we used Three Men in a Truck in our area and had FANTASTIC service! We moved two homes - ours and my Mom's- into one big home. They were the BEST! Can't wait to see the new home and the personal touches I know you will add.
ReplyDeleteWe moved when I was 40 weeks pregnant...due that weekend...not hired out, just family to help! After we moved our closing fell through...it was awful, I had a baby a few days after moving and then my husband went back to the other house for a few weeks finishing things we hadn't gotten or fixing stuff...all the while I was hormonal, sad about our move and crying ALL THE TIME! It was epic! WORST.MOVE.EVER!
ReplyDeleteFast forward a few years, we just moved last year...sold our house, moved to a small rental for 9months with MINIMAL stuff while we built our new home! It was worth every bit of effort to finally be in our new home!! Honestly I can't wait to come home from vacation because I can't believe THIS is my house. We love it! It was soooooo stressful and my four kids fought living in the small quarters of our rental for 9months and we could never find ANYTHING when we needed it...but I'm a couple months into the new house and even though I haven't decorated and still have boxes and I want all new furniture to match this all new house...I'm super happy and content to just BE...even with our paper blinds we've had for 4 months as I waited so I could get what I really want on the windows...I'm happy to take my time and really be intentional with our new space!
I guess I'm just empathizing with how hard it is and also saying...IT IS WORTH IT!! Keep your eye on the prize =)
PS...can't wait to see how you put your new home together...long time reader and always love your stuff =)
I needed to hear this! It helps to be reminded. I have no doubt in my mind it will all be worth it...can't wait!!
DeleteHa! I thought we were the only crazies moving while 40 weeks pregnant. We actually signed on our house ( sale and purchase) while I was giving birth. The nurses later told us they had never seen that one. :) but our sale fell through, had to put house back in market and do showings with newborn and 3 other kids in tow while husband was accross country already at new job: It was hell! At the end of the day, after 3 months in 2 different rentals, it was totally worth the pain: we love our home!
DeleteOh, and our movers were horrible, took a week to pack, a mostly packed home, I'm truck and our previous house was tiny. They mixed everything up. Nothing like finding bathroom stuff in your kitchen utensils.
Haaa! It's the past.
Good luck to you Sarah!
I hated moving. We bought a house last year and moving out of our apartment was horrible. We only pre-packed some of the apartment and when it came time to move we made so many "Random" boxes that I'm still wondering where certain items are a year later. :( We also did not rent a truck and I regret that so much. I really think we should have at least got one of the the small to medium U-Hauls. It would have made for a lot fewer trips instead of the million we took with our cars, my parent car and a couple of friends trucks. Good luck with closing! Hope it moves forward smoothly.
ReplyDeleteI thought a friend was buying your house? Im sorry for all the stress you are having, and i agree, moving is awful. However, I am so excited to see your new house and what you will do to it!!
ReplyDeleteThey are! It's the buyers of their buyers that are having the issues. Something like that. :)
DeleteWe moved almost 3 years ago and we bought first and then sold out townhouse. My husband thought we could just put our townhouse on the market without touching it, that was so laughable. I had a 3 year old and a 7 year old at the time. I painted, repaired, made calls etc. My skinny pants were baggy and my husband questioned if something was wrong with me, ha!!! I packed with the "help" of my 2 girls and we moved ourselves with the help of friends. We moved in stages. After it was all done, my husband actually said to me " you know moving is really not that bad". I think I left the room. We love our house but I am no rush to do it again!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a big job. I'm so glad you worked with a professional company, vs DIY where relocating is concerned! It sounds like they do a great job, & like it went well. Not everything is better when DIY! I think you had enough to do with packing. Whew. I'm hoping you can borrow some things now to make your place temporarily livable.
ReplyDeleteAnd I get that you can really only laugh like a crazy woman right now. Yikes. If the pets were boarded, I'm sure they'll be surprised & thankful to see you already.
Bub may need a queen sized mattress so he doesn't outgrow the length of the bed! That looks like a real possibility with that growing boy.
Hang in there! xo Chrissy
Moving is traumatic even when it goes as smoothly as possible! Good luck and keep us posted, even if it is short! It will be great after it's done.
ReplyDeleteSo your friends backed out of the sale? And 3 buyers since them? Dang! What a nightmare!
ReplyDeleteI completely and totally feel your pain! We moved 3 weeks ago from Louisiana to Texas for my husband's work. He had been working here for several months while we were still trying to sell our home in Louisiana. Then having to deal with everything....scheduling closings and movers, dealing with buyers, rescheduling closings and movers...all while being 5 hours away from each other! But in the end we are now here and getting settled in. Remember it will be worth it in the end! Just keep the faith, your humor and LOTS of wine!!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand how the buyers of the buyers of the buyers can affect your closing as your contract isn't with them but with your friends...unless everyone had a gazillion contingencies down the line... not a good scenario.
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain! When we married we moved my husband out of his house into mine, then sold my home and moved into the house we built. Then 18 mos. layer moved across town into another house. 4 moves in two years times. You talk about stress and packing!! Hope all gets better soon
Yes every house has to sell in order for the next one to go through. Not usual but not ideal. :)
DeleteThis is so real! We just moved this past weekend and our new house is utter chaos! Our closing was pushed back from early July to last week so I feel your pain. And, don't get me started on the mad dash to pack! My husband, who swore he labeled what he packed, in fact, DID NOT and everything not labeled went into the garage. My garage looks like something out of an episode of American Pickers! I'm enjoying the much bigger house but the site of cardboard gives me hives!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move. This too shall pass!
I totally get it. I have one suggestion, don't move when you are 70 years old and have lived in the same house for 26 years!! We donated twice a week during the boxing up period. It got easier as I went along to donate. So many boxes, I think I have kept everything all my life except the garbage. I too, lost weight. Plus the inspection was a nightmare, we thought we had updated our house in every way, NO!! Our house sold in 3 weeks and the closing kept getting pushed back, which gave me more time to pack more boxes. You do start throwing things in random boxes. The unboxing was so much easier than the packing, so hang in there! Just remember, don't move when you're 70, you've accumalated too much crap!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI love your positive attitude! Everything will work out so hang in there and before you know it, you will be in your beautiful new house!
We just moved from California to Colorado and have been here a week. My husband refused to pay for movers. We had heard the stories of getting one bid then it being raised and then you can't get your belongings back until you pay. I suggested we go with a well known reputable company. Nope. So hubby buys a 24 foot trailer and puts it in the driveway and loads it at night when it's not 100 plus degrees outside. Just us. He's 62 and I'm 59. Across town my daughter and husband also sold their home and we were trying to get the same closing day which we did. So they are packing, we are packing, I'm watching my granddaughter while my daughter is working still. We planned two garage sales and one day it was 108 degrees. Now we are in a small apt on a blow up mattress since we got rid of many things. Our realtor in Co will text me asking if we are ready to start looking at houses but I need a break. Even the drive here was stressful with 4 of us in 4 separate vehicles. 2 dogs, a toddler. Then we have to get new insurance since ours isn't offered in Co. car registration switched over. New bank account since our bank isn't here. We put some of our items in the apt then the rest are still on our trailer at a storage facility. Once we get a house my husband can sell the trailer. I did curse him a time or two!
ReplyDeleteThe last time we had a military move to Eastern Europe, our household goods were sent west rather than east across the States and Europe It was a last minute assignment to begin with, so we only had suitcases (no extra baggage allowance and I can't remember why we didn't have an air shipment) from January until mid-May...we had gotten an e-mail saying our crates were "swinging from a crane over such-and-such Chinese port." Totally comforting. My kids were 18 months, 4, and 7....no toys, very limited furniture & dishes. We can laugh now! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember that you sold your current home to close friends, so I am wondering if you used a real estate agent? Or even a real estate lawyer? I know it seems like a waste of $$, but when unexpected things come up in a sale/closing, both professionals can be a godsend to help you out. It's their job to know things you don't know, and it's not like they haven't come across this situation before. OK, I will get off my soap box now. By the way, I have no connection to either professional I mentioned. I am typing from past experience only. I wish you nothing but good luck, and am looking forward to seeing the magic you can work in your new home. It will all work out!
ReplyDeleteYep! We are using an agent. :) Thank you!
DeletePoor you guys! That is NOT how you want to lose 10 lbs. :-[ Good luck. Hope it all works out sooner rather than later so you can relax. Sending you good closing and moving ju ju.
ReplyDeleteMoving is the absolute worst-although it does feel good to purge some things in the process--we are in the process of selling our house as well and plan to rent temporarily until we find a home to buy---but with the cost of rent we will likely be in small living quarters for a little while as well! Glad your experience with the movers went well! Praying that all works out well for you guys!
ReplyDeleteReading all of these stories. . .I feel blessed. We have moved four times (well, 5, if you count the 5-month stay in a rental) in 20 years and we only used professionals on this last one -- first time we could afford it! I'm noticing that we have been blessed with not-terrible experiences. I've often thought I should start a side business helping people to pack and unpack. . .I remember unpacking my sister's lower level one day when she was at work and I *enjoyed* it. Hmmmm. . .I must have a mutant gene -- ha! Best of all to you and the saving money by staying in your own home is a nice bonus. . .can't wait to see your new place!!! Give yourself a break if you can on the work side of life. . .we would miss you here in blogland but we all know the wait will be worth it!!
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