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The Big Move

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with New Paradigm Partners LLC EB #1326335

Moving DayA bit over one month ago, Mary and I moved into our new home, and it has been quite an adventure. We hadn't moved for quite a while - we lived in our previous house for 12 years (to the day!), and the lifestyle changes were huge.

 

We went from a 5600 sq.ft. 2-story home on a 2 acre lakefront lot to a brand new ranch-style home less than half that size on a 10,000 sq.ft. lot, so there was a lot of mental and physical adjustment necessary. But it was a very good move that made a lot of sense in many ways.

 

Two people living in a 5600 sq.ft. home was insane; even with the dogs, we only really used about half the house for our living space. The stairs were putting a lot of stress on my garbage knees, and moving hopefully gave me a bit more time before the inevitable replacement surgery - I'm just not ready yet. And fortuitous, although unanticipated, market conditions have left us in a much better financial situation.

 

There have been some interesting surprises along the way. Everything is a lot more expensive than it was 12 years ago (Duh!), like movers, carpentry and especially landscaping. And we hadn't realized it, but living with HVAC systems and appliances a decade and a half old had left us unaware of some technological advances. We spent a very confused evening early on trying to poach some salmon in our broiler, completely unaware that newer ovens required the oven door to be closed for the broiler unit to heat up. And I'm still puzzling over that barely perceptible micro-second pause between hitting the light switch and having the overhead lights come on (is the speed of light slower in new construction?).

 

One of the biggest adjustments is the necessity of dealing with less storage space. In the old house, we never had to worry about where to put anything - there was always space in the storage rooms, an unused closet or the oversized 3-car garage. So our space planning skills were a bit rusty and much thought had to go into what was making the trip with the rest of the team and what was donated, sold or jettisoned. And after we moved in, we had to adjust a variety of routines - especially kitchen and bathroom ones - to accommodate different work flows. We're still working on those. And trying to remember what drawer we put stuff in.

 

But other than the basement and garage - current dumping grounds for the deferred remaining difficult decisions - we're about 95% there and taking a break for a couple of weeks to just enjoy being here.

 

Sunrise at Eagle LakeWe haven't had time to think much about our old home yet, and it will take a while to put that into a meaningful perspective. We spent 12 very happy years there and have more great memories than we could ever count. We miss the lake and the wildlife, fishing and kayaking at sunset, awakening to gorgeous sunrises, and the constant awe at our luck of being able to live in a home like that. But for now, we need to focus on the delights of our new home and look forward to our new lives here.

 

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the impact of the move on our dogs Lulu, Grover and Mario, and our kitty Sheldon. It was stressful and confusing for the dogs, beginning with the arrival of moving boxes and the disappearance of the sofas, sent out to be reupholstered. Extra care and attention during the weeks of packing kept them calm (as did the CBD oil, now available in all 50 states). They spent time at their favorite kennel during the actual move and the couple of chaotic first days in the house. Once they arrived, the presence of all of our things helped them get settled, and along with a lot more care and attention, they're now pretty much into new routines and seem happy.

 

SheldonSheldon was a different story. From the arrival of the first cardboard boxes, he's been in Cat Disneyland. Here at the new house, he hasn't stopped purring and has now tested every flat surface in the house for it's napping potential. He has even slacked off a bit on tormenting Mario, whom he has always treated as prey. He's a very happy cat, but he'd be up for doing it all again tomorrow.

 

And on a final note, we have refreshed our awareness of, and empathy for, what our clients are experiencing every time they buy or sell a home. And we can offer them some current useful advice about the planning tools, packing techniques and other resources we used to make our move a success. I hope those remain relevant for a while - we're not doing this again anytime soon.


Posted by
Mary & Dick

Mary & Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC
2601 S. Lemay Ave. #41
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

 

Data Source: IRES MLS

Comments (22)

Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Dick,

It is an interesting thing about cats, they seem to adjust to moves contrary to common lore.  When we moved our 3 cats from Los Angeles to Napa, they adjusted instantly to the new place, and the same with Napa to Santa Barbara.  This is Quincy's first home, and I have a feeling he will be fine when we move again.  Moving is not one of those pleasant experiences.  We still keep getting rid of stuff that we don't use anymore every other month.  We emptied one storage room last year, and I think we are going to work on the one that is left soon.  

Glad it all worked out, and I am sure you will have a beautiful garden to look at, and perhaps add a water feature?  Have a great weekend.  A

Jul 28, 2017 09:47 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Dick Greenberg Every-time I move I say never again .  Glad to hear you are almost settled in . Enjoyed your post immensely 

Jul 28, 2017 09:49 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Dick

That must have been quite the adventure, for you and your fur friends, with all the changes. It helps put into perspective what our clients go through.

Love that photo of Sheldon! He must be thrilled life has settled down again as he tried out his favorite places for a nap!

I've move a bunch of times with cats and it can be quite the adventure, depending on the cat!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jeff

Jul 28, 2017 11:13 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Dick -- even  though I have never been there...I'm missing Eagle Lake.   Is that normal?   Maybe I need a box to play with and/or in.   Enjoy the new place where many new and exciting memories are waiting just around the corner or perhaps that's Sheldon planning an attack on Mario.  

Jul 28, 2017 11:19 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

My wife and I thought about moving a year ago, but found we have to much stuff to move.

Jul 28, 2017 11:22 AM
Peter den Boer
Atlanta Communities - Woodstock, GA
MBA,GRI, Associate Broker, Realtor

Ah, moving. One of my least favorite things to do. I do see just a short ways down the road a move similar to yours, also for my knees. Enjoy the new digs!

Jul 28, 2017 11:46 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Dick it is a huge change from your lovely home on the lake to a smaller neighborhoodish home! I enjoyed reading all your thoughts and ideas about the process of making such a huge move including all the fur babies....getting them all adjusted and happy!! We are planning a move in the next few years after being in our home close to 20 years. Thanks to you I've got some updated ideas. You and Mary will be a GREAT resource for home sellers and buyers!

Jul 28, 2017 11:56 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Dick, After reading every single word all of my thoughts and comments vanished when I saw Sheldon laying on the cooktop next to the gas burners. Enjoy your new home! 

Jul 28, 2017 11:59 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dick, a move can be daunting.  I am not looking forward to the day have move.  I have been in this house 36 years.  Yep 36 years of accumulating things :(

Jul 28, 2017 03:15 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I'm glad you, your wife, and fur buddies are settling in, Dick.  Moves can have a certain stress about them.  But, I can imagine not having to force your knees to negotiate stairs, along with less house to maintain is helping you relax a bit.

Jul 28, 2017 03:32 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Congratulations on the new home. I hate moving and have been in my home 14 years now, i am nearing a move, i am ready. Good luck on the continued getting use to the big move Dick Greenberg. And i hear you on the garbage knees, i have one of those 

Jul 28, 2017 04:33 PM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Dick and congratulations. I moved 5 years ago into half the space in a lovely place I love. Good for you. The cat is story is classic.

Jul 29, 2017 05:35 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh, how I love this post, Dick! It's been nearly 3 years since my husband and I did the same thing and I have also said I'll never do this again! In our business, it is good to have that perspective for our clients - preparation tips, moving tips, etc. - we are in-the-know!  

Like yours, our two dogs took a bit of time and the cat just was in heaven - exploring every nook and cranny and she was the one we were so worried about!

Storage is an issue but, over time, you will feel fabulous with less 'stuff' - it's so refreshing!  Congrats on the new home, Dick and hopefully the knees are doing better without the stairs too!

Jul 29, 2017 07:45 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Dick - I can relate to this even though we did not move.  Our new 2nd home in Florida has everything different and it is amazing how all home systems have changed.

Jul 29, 2017 08:03 AM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Glad to hear that your move has gone as smoothly as it has, Dick Greenberg ... and the adjustments needed have been relatively "pain free" ... so to speak.  Marilyn and I did the downsizing thing almost 16 years ago.  We too found the amount of space in our former home to be crazy for just 2 people.  There will always be a few things we miss about our former home ... but we've adjusted and are very happy in our present home.  We've never regretted the move.  I'm sure you and Mary will feel the same ...

Gene

Jul 29, 2017 03:44 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dick- I too feel your pain and not just in your knees. Larry and I made the move back to Florida from a home that had 3 levels, 5 bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, a basement to die for and way too much space for 2 people. But for an oven, Larry and I could have lived comfortably in the basement alone. 

Your knees will thank you for the move. I wish you, Mary, Sheldon, Lulu, Grover, and Mario many happy days in your new home. 

Jul 30, 2017 03:38 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Congrats on the new home....a big adjustment I'm sure, but sounds like a good one. My husband and I hope to downsize soon too, but we are starting with the size you downsized to!

Aug 03, 2017 04:31 PM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Oh, boy did this take me back to what we went through, that seems so VERY familiar to me! Moving from a lake, animals adjusting, cat happy, less storage (until the Tuff Sheds were built and carport enclosed to form a nice-sized garage). 6214 sq ft to 1500. Ahem. Yup, I'm right there with you two! 

You had more acreage, we NOW have more acreage. That makes hubby and all of his equipment very happy! One level living, too--man, we must be clones! 

(I have moved more than 30 times...actually I gave up counting). I thought that the lakefront home would be our last....well, that was incorrect.  

Aug 04, 2017 11:49 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Congratualtions to you, Mary and the gang on the move. As I remember, moving is not fun- our last move was 21 years ago.  Enjoy your new home Dick and I really want to know if the speed of light is slower in new construction, why?

Aug 04, 2017 01:32 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Never be afaid to excited about your big moves in life really ever! Usually a great thing for all involved!

Aug 05, 2017 11:38 PM