Monday, 16 November 2020

Making a Big Decision

I bought flowers on Saturday.....why? Because  tomorrow a man is coming to take photos of the house - Yes, I've decided to move! It suddenly seemed the right moment.

 I love living here, it's the best home ever,  but the worries of a old house with all the things that can go wrong, lots of grass to cut and a ride-on mower that keeps breaking down have made me decide it's better to go now than later.

My original plan was to stay until I was no longer able to drive but "Move while you can rather that when you have to" is a common Estate Agents mantra (well they would say that wouldn't they!) but it is a good idea. Less responsibilities of a new build is my plan and with so many people wanting to move to somewhere with land in the country due to the covid situation my home is now worth between £50,000 and £75,000 more than we paid for it, making it a really good time to move and houses around about are selling very quickly at the moment  and this house needs a family.

As long as there's room for a few vegetable beds and a small greenhouse in the new home I shall be happy but I don't plan to downsize house size too much - did that with the year in Ipswich and didn't like it.

I'll keep you posted on progress but our last two house moves (smallholding to Ipswich and Ipswich to here) each took 6 months! and that was without a chain...............so who knows. Plus the houses I'm hoping to move to are not even built yet.

 

Anyway, back to the here and now..............

No spend November (with flowers!)


(Direct Debits for Council Tax, Phones, Car Breakdown Insurance,Charity Donation Total £260)

1st.        No Spend
2nd        Food  £33 + Cat £6 +  Diesel £18 + Printer Paper £4.          = £61  
3rd         No Spend
4th        Swimming £2.25
5th         No Spend 
6th        No Spend
7th          No Spend
8th         No Spend
9th        No spend
10th       Food £18 + Cat £5 + Kitchen stuff £2.50 + Pharmacy £3.80 
               Christmas bits £3.50      = £32
11th        No Spend 
12th        Whoops forgot I'd pre-ordered a book published today from up the amazon £8.19
13th       No Spend
14th        Fruit, Veg and Yellow sticker pizzas + Flowers  £11
15th      The cat calming stuff for Polly which I have on a 3 times a year regular order £34 

Halfway through November and all is well.

Back Tomorrow
Sue

 

60 comments:

  1. That came as a shock, but good luck with such a big decision. And I think the estate agent's mantra is probably right - move when you can, and it will certainly brighten up the next few months for you.

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  2. Makes sense. No point leaving it until you're too old for the upheaval.

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  3. Goodness, that was a surprise to read but I can see your reasons and completely agree with them. You live in a lovely home but there are a lot of things that can go wrong and be costly to repair/replace, both in monetary terms and in terms of worry and nuisance.
    Fingers crossed that it is a good, positive experience without too many hold ups and frustrations.
    xx

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  4. I agree Sue, much wiser to move whilst you're fit and able, and not leave it till you have to. We plan on doing the same, but our plans have been held up somewhat by lockdown and husband's operation. Hopefully we can resume looking next year. Good luck.

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  5. I'd be interested to watch your progress re moving in these times, we have thought we'd like to move as well. I want to go back to Wales, where I have cousins and school friends to meet up with. I'm always looking for properties there but would we find anything as nice as this house. Lots have very small kitchens and no walk in showers, so we'd be back to having builders again! Good luck.

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  6. I agree with you as well. I still try to declutter when possible, and encourage DB to as well just in case. However, still oodles to do, especially in the dreaded attic!

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  7. I thought this might be the big decision and I can completely understand why. Life is for living, not worrying about the next big house expense. I hope you find a new build with a decent garden. All of the ones where I live have postage stamps where you could barely swing a cat (apologies to Polly if she's reading). Our new builds - being built by the major house builders -are also so much on top of each other that you don't seem to have any aspect where you aren't looking straight at another property - don't think I could cope with that.

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  8. Houses are selling like hot cakes here in West Wales, too. You don't have to go totally new-build - 60/70s houses are usually straightforward and have larger plots. Good Luck!

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  9. I have been a reader for little more than a year, but am impressed by how you keep on top of everything, especially the garden - quite an inspiration. But there comes a time when it is too much and I think it very sensible to take action at the right time (yet another inspiration).

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  10. Ha ha, I thought you would, I am very good in reading in between the lines. It is a good time to sell now with the low interest rate. And the houses indeed have gone op in value during the last couple of years. So a wise decision. And a new house being built sounds great.
    Plenty of more interesting blogs from you for us to read in the near future!
    Exciting Sue and good luck with everything.

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  11. Something to look forward to. I hope it goes well.

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  12. I hope you get a buyer straight away and can take advantage of the stamp duty holiday. Property in Herefordshire was flying out but has slowed down a bit now, plus the same in Carms and Powys. We were lucky to get a house which was on the market for a while so last year's price. I assume you will be moving nearer family. Good luck in finding your next home.

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  13. We were reluctant to leave our characterful country house in France two years ago but we knew it would be better to make the move while we were still fit and healthy enough to enjoy putting a new home together in the UK. Our bungalow may not have the magic of our old home but it is spacious, comfortable and easy to maintain. It was a sensible decision.

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  14. you are the third person I know to go on the market, and I don't blame you. The market is surprisingly buoyant all things considered. I hope it sells quickly and the sale goes through smoothly.

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  15. Oh, goodness. Downsizing seems to be becoming a bit of a pandemic in itself! We know several people just now planning on doing the same thing...including me!
    I just have to convince him indoors.
    Good luck!

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  16. It was the best move when I moved 3 years especially when I had the stroke, it is so quiet and I just love it here. It a big decision and I am sure you will find a nice house to settle down in. When I looked here to find a house (after a few weeks looking) I was looking in a village near my D and saw i bungalow which I said I am not looking at it for I want a house but I looked to keep her quiet - and I fell in love with the garden and the fields behind and of course after having the stroke it is the best place on earth.
    I wish you well Sue and I know you will be do what is right for you.
    Hazel c uk šŸŒˆšŸŒˆšŸŒˆ

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  17. Good luck with your house sale and move. Scary but also kind of exciting!

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  18. Well, that's a surprise! Probably wise and I do hope you find just the right house to move to.

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  19. Wow Sue, you certainly know how to give the group big surprises. As much as a bit of a wrench this might be I think you’re wise. I moved into my 2 bedroomed bungalow 14 years ago and absolutely love it. Unfortunately during that time health issues have come about and now I’m. So glad I am here. Sending much good luck and hoping everything goes quickly and smoothly.....

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  20. I think you're very wise and are doing the best thing. Less house maintenance = more time for more enjoyable stuff!

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  21. Well you seem like a decisive woman, and I quite understand your reasoning. I think I’m the same age as you, and whilst I don’t want to be on top of people , I’m happier living in a small village with people around. We also grow our own veg, and I used to be envious of people with large plots, but now I’m happy with the size of our garden. It would stress me to permanently be keeping on top of a very large garden, especially if I couldn’t keep it nice. We can grow for all our needs, and a large Bramley apple and a plum tree is plenty for us. Good luck with the move, my twin sister lives in Suffolk, it’s a lovely county xx

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  22. It's funny how suddenly you just know it's the right time isn't it, but once the decision is made it's best to get the ball moving quickly, which it sounds like you are already doing.

    Also taking advantage of the Stamp Duty break will be really beneficial, more so in England than it is for us in Wales as your threshold is higher. If you're buying somewhere that's not even built, are you buying off plan and having the ability to choose your own fixtures and fittings? That's what we did with our flat in Llandudno.

    I hope it all goes smoothly for you.

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  23. Very wise decision, especially as you are on your own. You have to think about the future and any health issues you may get (just being realistic). Old(older) age is about relaxing, taking it easy and enjoying what you have worked hard for, not about worrying if the ride-on mower is working or not, stacking wood for the winter etc, etc. The beauty of not 'having to move' is that you can take your time deciding where you want to go. I hope your move is hassel free and that you sail through it.

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  24. This was a surprise to read but agree that moving now, while you can, is a sensible decision. Are you planning to stay in a village location? Good luck with the house sale.

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  25. I hope you find somewhere just perfect for you. X

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  26. Wow, this is a surprise. I can understand wanting to move to a newer build so there isn't as much to go wrong. Upkeep can be the very devil.

    I hope you find just what you are looking for.

    God bless.

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  27. Golly, that was a surprise but I fully understand your reasoning. We moved 11 months ago to our small new build for health reasons. The garden probably wouldn't be big enough for you, Sue, but we have our allotment to grow veg on. If we could have afforded a bungalow we would have chosen that rather than a semi. Good luck with the sale, Sue, hope it all goes smoothly.

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  28. I completely understand where you are coming from Sue. Having to rely on others to do jobs is frustrating. I get annoyed when hubby puts things on the top shelves that I can't reach or screws lids too tight! I'm sure it will sell quickly, GOOD LUCK x

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  29. I did rather wonder if this would be the news you were referring to. Good for you for making what is always a tough decision. It sounds like a very sensible decision and I look forward to reading all about this latest adventure.

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  30. It’s such a good idea to move now rather than later, Sue and there are new builds with large gardens. My daughter’s house is the end of a row of 5 houses. She has a decent size garden at the back and it wraps around the side. A shed was provided by the builders in each garden. It’s ideal for her dog to run around in. But she could easily have several veggie beds in her side garden and still have a lot of garden left to relax in. Good luck when it goes on the market x

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  31. Just please stay in East Anglia, don't decamp to Wales or Dorset. I would be so disappointed to get to Norfolk next year and discover you'd gone west!!! I think you are wise to make the move now. I hope everything goes smoothly xx much love xx

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  32. This is a surprise, but I understand completely. We have lived in our 4 bedroom home on 2 acres of land for over 30 years. As we are getting older, and maybe ''lazier'' the work on and in the house and yard gets harder and takes longer. Haven't yet brought ourselves to think seriously about moving on yet.

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  33. That's exciting!!! HOpe it goes well.

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  34. A good decision. I hope the new place puts you even closer to your grandkids. We made that decision when we moved here to NH from Maryland. And now we are moving even closer to grandkids here when we settle on a house next month. I have not liked the apartment living so much but it fit the need when we moved here.

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  35. Excellent move, stay in control events, don't let events control you (ie getting older). Release some equity in the house and make life more comfortable. There will be lots of fun decorating and arranging the new place. Hope you find somewhere soon, Suffolk is such a nice place to live.

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  36. That was a surprise - but a good one, as it's your choice and in your control. Hope it all goes well - and I look forward to hearing all about it :)

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  37. Hope everything goes well for you.

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  38. Good Luck Sue. Just take us with you!

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  39. Definitely a big decision for you to make, but I feel it is the right one. It might be something agents say (move before you have to) but it actually has a lot of truth in it. I hope everything goes smoothly for you.

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  40. I'd like to offer congratulations for a big step forward and the courage to take it. The just-right new place is only waiting for you to find.

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  41. I hope it all falls into place perfectly for you. Arilx

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  42. Congratulations on making a difficult decision. I had a feeling this is what you were talking about as you have mentioned the possibility of moving many times. You have a wonderful home but the upkeep does require a huge amount of work for one person. I can understand you making this decision and the timing of it since you can likely make a larger profit right now. Most importantly, if this is something that will make you happy and able to live an easier life then it is a wonderful thing for you to do!

    You had previously mentioned that a new neighborhood was being built near one of your children's homes, could this be what you are looking at to buy?

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  43. Wishing the very best of luck , i'm in a very similar situation, it's just making the decision i'm finding difficult at the moment, Hopefully the New Year will bring times for all of us. Take care & stay safe.

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  44. Good luck Sue, never easy but you seem to have made the difficult decision and that is the first positive step. Sending our best wishes

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  45. Sometimes you just know when a house needs a family. Best wishes I bet your tummy has a few butterflies! From my side of the world I will really enjoy seeing around your new neighborhood and house.

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  46. We are half way to making a similar decision. An acre with a lot of grass cutting is getting too much for us. We had an honest conversation in the spring and agreed not to wait the two more years we intended. Our decision is which bit of family to move closer to. they live far apart!

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  47. How exciting, lovely to hear you will make a bit of profit on the sale which is always handy for the many and varied moving costs.
    If you decide on the new build, please inspect one of their previous builds for quality of finish and overall workmanship. Take someone with you who knows what to look for,you don't want to be dealing with ongoing problems once you have moved in.
    If you plan to have a nice garden, don't forget to include good access through fencing etc.
    All good wishes that the process goes smoothly for you, can't wait to see how it all falls into place.

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  48. It is a big decision Sue, but you are right to be making it while you have time and energy to spare. Hopefully your lovely house will be snapped up, and the build will be speedy. I have realised I need to be close to good medical care, and in a house that's easy maintenance. Oh, internal access (from the garage - do you call in that too?) and no stairs are the next things on the list.
    I'll be cheering you on - and commiserating with you when you're tired by the process. Good luck

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  49. good luck to you, i look forward to reading about your progress x

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  50. It is a huge decision but it is better to make the decision before your body makes the decision for you.

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  51. Oh my goodness that is a big decision. But good for you to choose the best time and be able to go ahead. I will be intrigued to know which area you pick and what type of house.

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  53. Sorry, I deleted by accident! I have been following your blog for quite a short time. It is always full of good common and practical sense and this decision is on those very lines. I wish you well and good luck and look forward to following your future journey.

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  54. Woah!.. didn't see that coming. How exciting. Hope everything goes well with it :)

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  55. Oh wow! Good Luck! I hope you still end up in Suffolk. I really love seeing your local adventures (when you can have them!) and they give me a nice taste of home especially this year when I haven't been able to come back for my dose of home.

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  56. Good luck with the sale Sue. I moved, 18 months after I suddenly lost my DH, to a bungalow nearer my family. It backs onto fields, and has a reasonable garden including a couple of vegetable beds, I can walk into town and there is a free bus that comes down my road. Having a dog I soon made a new group of friends. In the circumstances it was the best thing ever did. Hope all goes well.

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  57. Wow big decision, but can imagine the relief of moving somewhere easier to maintain while you have the energy and enthusiasm to embrace a new home. You may find your house sells faster than previously, as the stamp duty holiday means the housing market is crazy busy right now. Good luck!

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  58. Oh good look with selling the house and moving onto something more suitable. If you are in the proper mindset and ready for the change, all shall go well.

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  59. Good luck Sue. We moved a few months ago, and decluttering was very hard, but got it done.

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