Help, calm me. House buying and selling stress

Our large cream g-plan cabinet from the hall was collected today, going to DS's house. Now we can pack some stuff. The removers will pack the kitchen and guest room, where we have a huge ikea cupboard full. Plus some tinned food for "no deal" ! I can see my married life unwinding before my very eyes. The searches and my bowel cancer test result both arrived this morning. Pass marks on every single thing, thank goodness.

Franbern. We used GB Liners but did our own packing (just the boxes) the rest they did and we were very impressed with them.

RiversideGirl - I have decided to splash out and have the removal company do all my packing. Just started getting quotes, first one today. Will be interesting to see how they all come in, I have four coming over the next week or so. As much as it will be so good when (if) I actually get to the stage of them coming in to pack (which will be the day prior to actual completion), I am also dreading it. Having ones life packed into boxes.
Every week I have been taken a large box of things to charity shops, one in the car now ready to go tomorrow. New box in place to start yet again.
Once (if) contracts get exchanged, then I will have some furniture i do not want offered to BHF, then final stage is to get in a rubbish clearance company.
Today have sorted out a small drawer in kitchen - amazing the 'rubbish' I have stashed away. Also, I ran an office from my house for many years and still have far too many envelopes and other stationery. Trying to sort that out. Will not have room to store such things in my flat.
It is difficult at this stage to really getting motivated as nothing is certain.

Drying washing and airing towels in a new build. I have searched high and low for a small airer that will fit into my small bathroom, on a non-permanent basis. The bathroom has an extract so is a good place to dry or air. Found it, got it reduced but today it is reduced again to rock bottom. Its a nice quality and mine is propped on the side of the bath, leaning against the wall. It can go flat for woollens and right now I have my bath towel on it. The towel rail on the en suite wall is close to the wall and tbh anything at the back will not dry. Be careful too about putting towels against plaster, it eventually bubbles and the paint comes off
www.lakeland.co.uk/25998/Over-Bath-Indoor-Clothes-Airer-Deluxe-Grey-7-5m

Once my rotary is in place, this is all I will use plus the tumbler

Franbern, we are in the same stage. I keep sorting out drawers and cupboards prior to packing, DH thinks I should leave it and do it all when we pack! When you have 50 odd years of stuff, nothing is easy. At least we have taken loads of stuff to the tip or charity shops. Do we have to pack garden tools etc? I am not sure what just gets bunged on the van, and what we pack.

oh Franber you made me smile, how lovely to be that sort of bored!! It will go very quickly now, the completion date will be arranged and exchange happens as soon as paperwork is in place

I actually have a heat pump drier but couldn`t think of the type. They are very different today, much more efficient. Mine weighs the washing and changes the timer accordingly to weight and dampness

Windows now, I decided to clean mine upstairs in prep for getting my shutters in a few days. I have been amazed at how clean the windows are and rain makes them sparkle. I thought it was just luck, until I washed one inside with a cloth and the water went into a different `pattern`. I have self-cleaning windows, wow, how good is that. The outside windows still don`t need cleaning after almost 11 weeks. Jumping up and down with glee here.

Should read what I have written more carefully, before posting. Meant to say that my Utility room has an external WALL, and further down, that the newer Heat Pump condensor tumble dryers are more expensive to purchase but cheaper to run.
Anyway, when surveyor was here on Friday he said his report would be done same day. Obviously, he was true to his word as the EA's have just run me to say that my would-be purchasers have today received their mortgage offer on this house. Good news for me.
Still finding it difficult to believe that this move may actually go ahead - but each little step on the way is good. I am still trying to use up all the food stuffs in my very large upright freezer - in my Utility room. Should I move I will be just having a 50/50 fridge./freezer. Think this will be good for me, too easy just to store far too much food stuffs in my large freezer. Have largely been living out of it for meat and fish over the past three months and still a way to go.
I alternate between real excitement that the move may go ahead, and then come down with a bump as I know there is still a long way to go.
Keep trying to think how boring next summer could be, if I have successfully moved and will not have all this to keep me occupied.
Oh, how lovely to have that sort of boring!!!!

Further to tumble dryers. I have always had one and as my small utility room in my present house has an external that has made it easy to have the cheap ones,. However, I will be leaving that at the other 'whites' when (if) I move - will be purchasing all new ones. Looking at Condenser Dryers, I have discovered the newer 'Heat Pump' ones, - more expensive to purchase, but much cheaper and more eco-friendly, so will be getting one of those.
At present, in the summer I dry washing outside on whirlygig in garden , and in winter rarely use the tumble dryer, just put washing on airer in south facing small bedroom. Few years ago, I looked at those indoor dryers that have a cover over them and plugs into electric, tried one for a few weeks, but was not impressed.
I spend considerable time looking on line at the different 'whites' I will purchase should I managed to make this move to my flat.

It's ok Urmstongran I didn't think you were being critical. Glad to have you join in. I have found having this forum very helpful and have loved reading everyone else's stories. Look forward to more of your posts.

Oh gosh - I wasn’t being critical in the least! Please don’t apologise Whiff and no need to justify your posts!

I genuinely love how threads can morph - just like conversations.
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Craftyone thanks for that. I will get a condenser tumble dryer. Sorry Urmstongran I tend you write as I speak. So I am always veering from the topic I started with. My kids tell me about it all the time. Also I tend to forget what I am saying mid sentence. I haven't got any form of dementia it's just I'm always thinking about the next thing I have to do. Anyway welcome.

I’ve just peeped on here and love how the thread has morphed into dieting!
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oh yes, it has to be a condenser dryer, so the steam turns to liquid and it does not need a hole in the wall

Oh yes Whiff, re the heated airer v tumbler dryer. I had a dry soon for many years, the big one and also a heated towel rail. They were both used and useful in the last house, with the bigger rooms and humidity sensors and extractors in kitchen, utility and bathrooms. New house does not have those humidity sensors and the builder said I should get a tumbler dryer so as not to make the room humid, which could lead to mold. I did that, got rid of both heated airers, use a folding airer outside as much as possible and a tumbler if I need to finish off or when winter hits

Mosaicwarts and Craftyone thank you for your comments. I still eat biscuits but I have 3 rich tea finger ones with a cuppa mid morning. They have the lowest calories. I found I couldn't eat just one biscuit say a ginger nut. But by having the rich tea fingers it sort of fools me into thinking I am eating more than I really am . Hope that makes sense. Also I have a slice of bread everyday in my lunch time soup. Even when it is hot I have soup for lunch. I make it with veg and lentils a big batch to last me 6-7 days keeps well in the fridge. I want to get to 11st. Any lower and I will look ridiculous. My nephew is 27st and broke his toilet seat. He is in his 30's and I wish he would lose some weight. But everyone has to decide that for themselves.
Any way back to houses. Does anyone have a opinion on heated clothes airers versus a tumble dryer? I don't know which would be the best option for me.
Hope you all have a good day.

The way I look at it, it is usual for women after the menopause to shrink a little and naturally the organs extend the container body outwards, therefore many of us look rounder. It is good for us to carry a bit of weight, we need it to keep the oestrogen going. We should not worry too much unless it is affecting joints and the ability to move and climb stairs

I had biscuits and a piece of cake today and so what, I also had at least my 7 a day and got some jobs done. A productive day although still whacked from having sis here

It's just being healthy isn't it. My Mum was so heavy she broke a few of my second hand dining chairs - I had to buy a special chair for her. I think she was 27 stone at her heaviest To this day I regret being embarrassed about her weight, I was too young. If people had to make cakes I don't they'd eat as much - including me! I'm often seen walking the dog with a box from the local cake shop/cafe on my way home. I wrecked the kitchen making the banana cake this morning, so out of practise, got the blimmin mixer cable in the mixture and flour everywhere. I had forgotten how much sugar was in it. A huge amount! The trick is, everything in moderation. My biggest problem is bread, I love sandwiches for lunch, but on slimming world it was a no no. My daughter doesn't eat bread at all, is very slender, and I'm glad she hasn't inherited my weight problem.

Mosaicwarts. Thanks for reading my story. I feel fitter at 61 than I did at 40. My late husband never made an issue about my weight. He supported me when I tried to lose it and never criticised when I gave up. He was normal size. Luckily the children don't have any weight problems. I am hoping to find another over fifties or should that be over sixties exercise group when I move. Have a lovely time with your daughter.

I read your weight loss story Whiff, well done, it's a huge achievement.

I have a weight problem too, and need to do something about it, I feel so unhealthy at the moment. I serve myself too large portions and often eat until I feel uncomfortable, hardly the point of comfort eating!

My poor mother ate herself to death due to my Dad's adultery - she was so big her umbilical hernia didn't show until too late.

Have a good Sunday everyone. My daughter is back for a few weeks tomorrow, back to normal routines of washing, cooking, going out for lunches before she disappears again.

welcome boho, I am hoping that someone can add some good positive news this week

Planning was the best bit and I agree re storage, I kind of had storage because I was able to buy first, before I sold. Storage will ease the pressure

Re fitted wardrobes, I love mine, paid a lot, made by a time-served cabinet maker and curved with the ceiling. I used to have the mass produced ones, fitted by bedroom people, hated those

Sis came and went, like a whirlwind, talked non-stop. Aus is no distance via the internet

Greta8's suggestion about putting your things into storage is a good idea. I am going to have to do that for a short time when I finally moved whenever that is. Because the bungalow has 2 fitted wardrobes on 2 walls in what will be my bedroom. My wardrobe won't fit in and I hate fitted wardrobes, any way they are horrible made with cheap wood. Also all the carpets need replacing and the flooring in the hall. I might as well have them done while it is empty and then everything can be put into place when I have my stuff delivered. I am not going to decorate until next year. This year I will need a new kitchen and shower room fitted. Which I am looking forward to. I have lived in this house for 34 years and my kitchen is 30 years old. All the viewers I had complemented me on the condition of my kitchen. We always brought the best we could afford at the time and looked after the things. Just hope I hear some good news about my move soon.
I hate not being in control. If I decide to do something I do it and do not go back on my word. A case in point I have always had a weight problem so I am doing something about it. If you would like to read my story I started a thread a while ago titled never to old to lose weight and exercise. I am not blowing my own trumpet. I just though if my story helped one person it was worth me telling it.
Hope you all having a good weekend and good luck with selling and buying your properties . And those who have moved hope you are enjoying your new homes.

Hi boho43, welcome to Gransnet!! Many of us on these property threads feel your pain. The convoluted process that constitutes house buying and selling in England is a nightmare. Is your delay due to the fact that your newbuild house isn't ready, or is it for another reason? If it is because of a delay with the newbuild you could put your furniture in storage and live temporarily with your family in the interim. Whilst it's a nuisance and hassle it might be wise to hang onto your buyers if you possibly can. We took the decision right at the beginning of our selling and buying journey that we would prioritise our sale (a period property, ironically in Somerset!) and go into rented if needs be. I don't know where you live at present, but around here the market has definitely slowed since the earlier part of the year. A swathe of property, including ours, sold in February/March time and now nothing. It just all takes so long, we finally move into our new house in three weeks time, so it's taken five months to complete what was a very short chain and our buyers and us being mortgage free. Keep posting, it really does help to get other people's perspective. Hold onto the fact that you are absolutely doing the right thing to move nearer your family and doing it whilst you are still fit and able. Maybe discuss it with your children, too - my daughter has been a great help to us in terms of moral support (we are moving nearer her, which was what she wanted). You will look back and pat yourselves on the back when you're in your lovely newbuild - fingers crossed for you!

Good for you Whiff, it is good to be principled. I am glad the bungalow is still waiting for you and you feel the same about it.

When I read your message about the woman in Costa it reminded me of the time a parent lent on my car window, and said 'if I win the lottery I'd like a car like this'. I was angry initially and wanted to say you can have a car like this if you work a 70 hour week like my husband - but didn't, she was a poor unfortunate soul without many prospects.

Off to the beach with my doggie who has waited patiently whilst I battled through the Next sale ... only to find a 5-6 week wait for the goods. What a waste of sleep, I had to get up early to go on-line!

Good for Whiff. You are planning to keep your word, let’s hope this week sorts everything out and you move soon.

Morning all. Because I had such an awful night Monday. I made a decision that has enabled to sleep well the rest of the week. The people selling the bungalow have never taken it off the market even though they accepted my offer a year ago. When my 1st buyer pulled out in September and got another 1 in October they agreed to sell to me again and did the same thing when my 2nd buyer pulled out and I got the buyers I am dealing with now. About a month ago they reduced the asking price from
offers over £220,000 to offers over £210,00. I was going to see if they would accept £210,00 and not the £220,00 I had agreed to. I have decided to pay the price I agreed to because I don't want them to pull out on me. I know I couldn't live with myself if they did that knowing it was my fault. Everything that has happened to me so far is because of other people I have done everything right. If they do pull out on me it will be their fault and not anything I have done. When I went to see the bungalow again in March I still felt the same about it as the first time I went.
My children have both supported my decision as they just want me to be happy. I know they have worried about me and they feel helpless as there is nothing they can do to help the sale and buy go through. Hate living in limbo.
A few months ago I had a supposed call from the inland revenue saying there was a warrant for my arrest due to fraud. Off course I put the phone down and called the inland revenue. It was a scam. They had had a lot of calls about it . Yesterday I had one supposed to be from my internet provider. He went away with a flea in his ear. Called my provider and reported it. I can see why some people fall for these scams as they sound so genuine. It's like having an email saying you have won a prize and need to send money for the p&p. It's also a scam.
To some people the idea you have to work for a living is a foreign concept.
Hope you all have a good weekend.