Look how spiffy our house is looking these days:
With less than 5 days until the big move, we’ve learned that packing is no joke. But we’ve got our eye on the prize (our exciting new digs) so we’re trying to keep our spirits up, stay hydrated, and play some good music for dancing as we go (the dancing is for Clara- gotta keep the baby entertained or packing progress can screech to a halt). Oh and we got many of our “secondhand boxes” as we’re lovingly calling them by trolling craigslist and freecycle (and even driving to a local reader’s house when she offered some up to us on Facebook). But admittedly we did have to grab a few from Walmart when we ran out of pre-used ones. Oh well, at least they’re made from 100% recycled material and we can craigslist/freecycle them when we’re done so they’ll live on like Leo’s memory in Titanic. Sidenote: anyone else still have a grade school crush on Leo?
Our to-do list is pretty nuts, but so far we’ve managed to cross these things off:
- remove every single item from the wall and patch/paint every nail hole in the house (this was actually about 500 times easier than I expected- just remove all the nails at once, spackle everything at once, and then paint room by room. It’s a lot faster than doing those three things in each room before moving onto the next one since you’d be opening and closing the spackle and cleaning the putty knife about a million times).
- transfer all of our utilities so they start over at the new place on move-in day
- pack the entire bathroom (except for travel sized shampoo & conditioner, our toothbrushes, and the shower curtain)
- pack all of our frames, mirrors, books, ceramic animals, and 80% of the breakables (still need to do our dishware – yikes!)
- pack all of the clothes we won’t be using in the next 7 days (we created a little “vacation stash” of everything from clothes to baby supplies and toiletries that we’ll appreciate having on hand instead of needing to unpack a million boxes to find those necessities).
As for what’s still on the list, here’s what we’ve got on the agenda:
- pack the rest of the kitchen along with about 20% of the other rooms that still need to be done
- rake the yard so the new owners don’t think they’re moving into a giant leaf pile
- oversee the completion of a few random inspection items (some flue work is being done by a pro tomorrow)
- get our oil measured for closing (new buyers pay for the oil that’s left in the tank, isn’t that a nice fair way to do it?)
- wave goodbye to our tan slipcovered Pottery Barn sofa in the den (someone from craigslist is supposed to be picking it up at 4)
- clean the oven and the fridge (can’t really do this until right before we go)
- vacuum/sweep/scrub the house spotless before locking the door with a tear in my eye
Assuming all goes well, the new owners are supposed to be closing on our house on Monday morning and once those funds come through we can close on our new place on Monday afternoon. So for a few odd hours in the middle of the day we actually won’t be homeowners at all. Weird, right? This necessitates an airtight moving plan, which doesn’t exactly sound easy but we’re sure we’ll somehow get ‘er done. We’re planning to move all of our stuff into a giant U-Haul by Sunday night and are paying to keep the truck overnight so it’ll essentially become a huge storage locker on wheels until we can unpack it on Monday afternoon at the new house (where our alarm system will be getting installed at the same time). Should be interesting total chaos, especially since we’re used to a few trips back and forth when it comes to a big move like this. Thankfully we have John’s awesome family helping with the loading and unloading. Did you think we’d hire movers? Come on, we’re total cheap-os. Besides, we love a good DIY adventure. Here’s hoping it has a happy ending and none of my ceramic animal friends have to die for the cause…
Jo says
What a weird way to do settlements! Where I am in Australia, we do them at the same time. So the purchaser of your property will make the cheques out to the seller of the one you’re buying – the money goes straight to them, with the bank kicking in the balance.
Have fun with the move!
YoungHouseLove says
That sounds AWESOME! I wish we did things like that over here!!!
xo,
s
dd says
we hired movers this last move and it was the BEST $1000 we’ve ever spent. i’m never doing it myself again…with all the packing and cleaning and painting, not having to lug a million pounds of books and furniture around was well worth paying someone else.
Mallory D. says
Fun tip for packing all your plates, wrap them in towels/clothes. It’s much safer, plus you have to move the clothes/towels anyways! :)
Karen M. says
Best wishes with the move!
Kati says
Just seeing all those boxes gives me butterflies! I’m so excited for you guys… I know it’ll be hard to say good-bye. As someone who’s moved over 35 times (at some point I just stopped counting) in my 37 years I understand fully how stressful/exciting/overwhelming/emotional moving can be. Not to mention physically draining! Good luck with the transition. Can’t wait to see the new house! xoxo
Jennifer says
Liquor stores have great boxes!!! Super durable and strong, and if they have the dividers great for glasses and vases!
Kathleen W says
Good luck with the move! One suggestion I have for boxes is to go to a local Staples, Office Depot, etc and ask them for old paper boxes (the kinds that hold reams of paper). I work at Staples Promotional Products in Kansas City and scored a TON of those paper boxes when we moved last month. They are perfect for smaller fragile items because they’re super strong and come with lids.
Oh, and I STILL have a crush on Leo. My uncle used to be his stock broker and my aunt was his assistant up until this year (no joke!), so I have a signed picture and I’ve stayed at his beach house in Malibu. My childhood crush has definitely turned in to an adulthood crush! I’ll try to track down one of those autographs for you. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hold the phone. You have a Leo autograph!!!!! And you stayed at his beach house!!! I am in awe. Well played Kathleen!
xo,
s
Sara says
I hope your move goes smoothly! I’m sad you guys are leaving that house! I can’t believe you are moving, it’s so weird even for me and I don’t live there and didn’t do all that work you guys did!
Samantha says
Your moving process and closing process sounds identical to ours back in April. We even did the hole patch- paint. And dusted and left the house spotless and smelling of Febreze.
Then we got to our house, which we had the carpet cleaner clean that morning. It was disgustingly, gaggingly filthy. Our oven, was black on the inside. Do you know what color it is supposed to be? Pale blue. We were soooo disappointed. We got all boxes in the garage and then cleaned for a solid 2 hours with 3 other people. I wish you an easy move and a clean house!
Beth says
How exciting for you guys! We’re trailing behind you in the process a bit. Hoping to put the house on the market (ourselves, eek!) early spring & then move.
In anticipation of our move, we’ve decided to go ahead and start whittling down our load. Which leads me to a question for you. I often find myself saying well if I sell/donate/toss X item, so that I just don’t have to move it, will it end up costing me more $$ down the road to replace all of these things? I hate to waste, but I also hate to move stuff unnecessairly.
Any words of wisdom? A guideline that helped you define the line in the sand for your stuff? Thanks and best of luck with all your packing & the move!! Can’t wait to see the new place!
YoungHouseLove says
If you need and use something, we say keep it! But if you discover something in a closet that you forgot you even had- sell/donate/toss it! You’ll never rebuy it because you never had a need for it in the first place! We just tried to take a good hard look at things and only keep things that we love and use, because we figure things that sit around without being used that we only semi-like (or even semi-hate) won’t ever be something we’d go out and spend money to replace. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Rebecca @ Smiths in Progress says
Oooh, these pictures make me pretty sad! I think I’ll choose to remember the house as it was in its glory days, and not taken apart. I’m sure this most be a bittersweet time for you all. Like the boot camp drill sergeants of DIY renovating, you made that house “be all it can be.”
Glad I found your blog in time to begin the next chapter with you!
LittleMissEclectic says
I know how you feel, we’ve packed and unpacked our house three times in the past year, and know we’ll be doing it again next summer. Good luck!
Dana @ House*Tweaking says
Somehow your home still looks pretty amazing all packed up!
I could have scored you a ton of boxes from the pharmacy I work at part-time as a pharmacist. Next time {when you buy your 3rd ranch?}, ask any retail pharmacy for boxes…they are happy to save and give them away. All of the supplies {vials, lids, labels, etc} come in great packing boxes. Or maybe this could just help out a YHL reader.
Happy packing and moving!
Kate says
Isn’t is crazy how stuff multiplies when you move!! I remember thinking, there’s no way I have this much stuff!
schmei says
Probably too late, but if you need a few more boxes, head to the nearest liquor store. Super sturdy, and they’re always trying to get rid of the boxes for free.
I also have to say: you’ve got 5 days? You’re golden. I know people who didn’t start packing _anything_ until 48 hours before the move. Of course, those people also didn’t have any friends around to help them when they moved a second time, but that’s a different story. ;-)
Patricia says
This is a question about your front loader washer. I’ve been meaning to ask you this, but never saw a good spot to do so…. How old is your washer? Does it have a weird mold smell? Does it get on your clothes if you leave them in there too long (My washer is an hour tops and they smell)? I’ve read so many reviews on so many different brands of front loaders having this issue and wondered if yours does and if you ever solved it.
YoungHouseLove says
Our washer and dryer are over three years old but we don’t have any mold smell and can leave clothes in there overnight if we forget to switch them without any issue. Maybe it depends on the type? Ours are Whirlpool Duet Sports and we highly recommend them (might get them again someday for the new house if we find a good sale). We have heard that running vinegar through the washer and keeping the door open to air out between washings can help if you have a problem though. Good luck!
xo,
s
Ellen says
We don’t usually see that angle from your kitchen into the dining room! I enjoyed seeing the new perspective.
Good luck guys!
P.S. I will always and forever have a crush on Mr. Dicaprio (and my husband is well aware of this fact)
Adam says
Kudos for not hiring a moving company and major kudos for your family helping out! Now that it looks as if you’ve packed the first hundred or so boxes, have you come across things you wish had made the list of your 100 things to get rid of? I am looking forward to seeing how you begin unpacking at your new place!
YoungHouseLove says
We have definitely sent things off to Goodwill since our moving sale as we’ve packed up. Oh well, organizing and paring down is an always-evolving process I guess!
xo,
s
tiffany says
Congratulations on your new home, and god-speed on the move. Also, kudos for foregoing future freebies, etc. I think it can be hard to pass up such offers, etc. and this is just one more way that your good character comes shining through. Plus, I don’t come to your site for any sort of giveaway or discount but for all of the positive energy you two share!
abigail says
A house always looks strange broken down, but how EXCITING to be able to do it all again! I rearrange my room all the time– cheap and a fun change. And make stuff, love crafs and it feels so personal.
You’ll always love that house. I’m very young but when we moved when i was 11 it was so hard leaving my first house! We pass by it and it still has a bit of my heart :)
would it be creepy to ask the new owner if i could look inside haha
Good luck moving
SarahC says
I just had the song “Sunrise, Sunset” run through my head while I read that. Good luck! :)
Ashley says
Oh. my. goodness. I know the feeling!! Though we were moving out of a two bedroom apartment at the time. The next five days will fly by SO fast for you guys! Happy packing :)
SarahC says
Also, if you run out of boxes again, you should try your local bookstores. They usually throw out/recycle a good portion of their boxes, and they are all super strong, nice sized boxes.
Aimee says
You guys are REALLY nice. I’ve never moved into a home where the previous owners spackled & painted over nail holes. Ever. And I grew up a military brat! Same goes with the raking. Consequently, we’ve never done it when we moved out, either…
Kaz says
Watching this all unfold with bated breath!
We have listed our house for sale last week. We are still getting the upstairs carpet (of a 3500sq ft house) replaced next wednesday (my first day back at work after 3 weeks off) so have to completely empty upstairs.
Luckily I have already started packing. It’s just the big stuff that will be a pest.
When we move, hopefully our house will sell over the Christmas/Summer break, we are going 4 hours away to a rental house while my hubby goes back to fulltime study. We are trying to downsize while keeping it as trauma free as possible for our 2 boys, 5 & 7, who are about to finish school for the year and are unsure if they will be there at the start of February. It’s doing my head in! Schools, house, carpet, job interview for me next week, helping our parish find a new minister who is also leaving…. aargh!
You guys sound positively sane and organised. Hoping it will rub off a bit!!!!
Katie says
That’s the good thing about moving from a house with no levels to another one with no levels. I could not imagine the hell if you had stairs to deal with!
I’m a cheapo too, but moving from a third floor apartment to another third floor apartment was not happening without movers!
RC says
Liquor/wine stores have good sturdy boxes too. I love that you sealed all your boxes with painter’s tape, rather than proper packaging tape.
Good luck with the move!
Leah says
Ah that awkward pre-move phase – I hate clutter and mess so this was a real struggle for me. Unfortunately we still have a bit to do on our place before we can get fully unpacked, so I’m still negotiating boxes in the hall and a dis-assembled bed beside the bed that’s in use! I just have to put my type A personality away for a few months!
valerie J. says
These pictures bring back memories. My husband and I had the crazy experience of closing on our first house when our daughter was just 5 days old, packing, then move day was her 2 week b-day. All that after 2 days in labor and a c-section. Craziness. Never, ever, ever try that. She’s 14 months old and I think I’m still recovering from that craziness. I’m super excited to see a “before” tour of ya’ll’s new digs. You all have been really inspiring as we renovate our house and I know the great ideas will just keep coming. :)
Alissa says
Having moved ten times in twelve years, The first three things I carry into any new abode are:
1. TP
2. towel
3. bottled water
Nothing worse than being in the middle of moving, having to go, and realizing ack! No TP! Then no towel to dry your hands after washing!
Ditto with getting tired and wanting a drink, only to remember that all of your glassware is packed up!
Good luck to you four! May your move be pleasantly uneventful.
Lindsay says
This just made me so sad!!! So bittersweet… Wishing you all great luck with the move and many happy memories in your new home!
Val says
I’m gonna cry…
Lindsay says
umm… i still love leo. love. my heart will go on and on!
Allie says
We did the whole homeless-for-a-few-hours thing too when we moved. It was a little nerve-wracking. And staying our last night in the old house on an airmattress wasn’t the most comfortable way to prepare for a day of heavy lifting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world! Love our house!
maggie says
we close on our house on wednesday, so these photos look familiar! good luck with the move…i am super excited to see the new place!
Renee says
Congrats on the new home! Here’s hoping everything goes well for you! I’m sure you’ll be all settled in no time. A year later and I’m still unpacking :) Here’s a quick tip: use bright colored duct tape to seal your fragile boxes. You kill 2 birds with 1 stone, marking the box fragile and sealing the top! This really helped me because I could easily see where the breakables were and not stack heavy things on top. Good luck with the move!!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so funny! That’s what we used our blue painters tape for!
xo,
s
Usha says
Congratulations you guys!!!!! I’m super excited for you. Good luck with everything. Also you’ve probably thought of this already but did your home inspection check if there’s any asbestos insulation in your new home? It’s just one of those things that you hear about in homes built in the 50s or 60s and that you would want taken care of preferably before you move in.
Julie says
Check with your homeowners insurance. Your stuff might not be covered while it’s sitting in that truck! Keep an eye on it…..
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Julie,
Not to worry- we’re parking the U-Haul in a “secure and protected location” overnight – which is fancy talk for “a place where no one can mess with it.” Thanks for looking out for us!
xo,
s
Bebett says
Here’s wishing that all goes well with your move. Hope you all are indicating on those boxes (and furniture) the room they are going into – so that your helpers do not constantly ask you. Perhaps your next article will be on how to move smoothly & stress-free.
Chari says
you guys are so nice- spakling holes and raking leaves for the new owners! So nice I tell you!
Gina at Temporary Nest says
YAY! This is so exciting!! Good Luck with everything I’m sure it will go as smoothly as possible with you two planned to a T! :)
tara says
I think I mentioned this before when you were soliciting advice for an easy move – but please consider packing a suitcase for each of you before the move. I found it was much easier to know where my toothbrush was, and clean undies, rather than rifling through boxes marked “bedroom” or “bathroom.”
jenn says
what are you guys going to do about the picture of your house? will you keep it as this until you get the outside to how you want or just take one when you first move in?
YoungHouseLove says
We know we’ll have to change our header to something but we’re not sure yet whether it’ll be the “before” pic of the new exterior or something else entirely…
xo,
s
kathy says
It sure would be FUN to see how your house looks after the new owners make it their own. Maybe someday they’ll share a photo for your blog–?
YoungHouseLove says
It would be amazing to peek in on our first house in the future! Here’s hoping…
xo,
s
Amy says
If you need boxes, go to the local grocery store… usually if you call first, or ask them in advance, they’ll save some for you (or go early when they’re unpacking all their shipments for the day.
Sarah says
Hang in there, guys! We are currently on the other end (unpacking) and it is a lot more fun than the packing. :) We ended up only having to buy 4 boxes ($4 each! ouch), so I’m obsessing over breaking down all of the boxes and sticking them in the attic for any future moves.
reyanna says
*sniff*
I’m getting all sad seeing your house packed up! And leave it to DIYers like you guys to tape their boxes with painter’s tape! ;-) Too funny. That made me giggle. :-p
Can’t wait to see what you do with the new place! Oh! One more thing. Funny story…
When we closed on our house, we also chose the morning, so we could get our keys by the afternoon/evening. We waited and waited and waited. Turns out, there was a power outage at the bank where the funds were being transfered, and we didn’t get to move in till the next day! LOL. Ah well. :-p I hope everything goes smoothly for you guys!
Elizabeth says
Congrats on the house!!! Was it on YHL that I read about some nifty company that lets you rent boxes for moving, or was that something I did for an article (I’m a freelance journalist)?
My husband and I will be moving this summer into a bungalow, so I’m starting to plan on how we’ll accumulate enough boxes without hurting the wallet or the environment. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! We looked into those cool green moving boxes but they weren’t available in our area. Bummer. But we figure recycled boxes are pretty green too!
xo,
s
Clare says
Hi Guys! Just wanted to share that the hubs and I are between houses right now and our old house looks a lot like yours does! Crap everywhere! We have both places until the 31st of December and cannot wait until we are 100% moved in to the new place!
Also for future reference – you can get AWESOME boxes (with lids and side handles) from the grocery store. If you go early in the morning or on their delivery dates you can get banana boxes that are large and easy to carry!
Good luck to you! Ill be thinking of you guys as we finish our move as well :-)
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
I’m so sorry if this is a repeat question; I don’t have the mental stamina to scroll through all the previous comments right now! :) Anyway, I’m just curious as to why you guys feel that you have to spackle all the old nail holes. Was that written into your contract?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jessica,
We asked people on Facebook if it was standard to do it (we didn’t know what the protocol was since it’s our first time selling) and the answers were pretty split. But the people who pointed out that it’s good karma and brought up the whole do-unto-others golden-rule thing got us thinking that it would be nice to make our house truly turn-key as we had advertised it. It really didn’t take that long, and it feels good to leave our house looking as good as possible (instead of all holey and sad!).
xo,
s