← Return to Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question

Discussion

Downsizing, To Move or Not to Move? That is the Question

Aging Well | Last Active: 19 hours ago | Replies (476)

Comment receiving replies
@joybringer1

When we had to move my mother-in-law out of the house she and her husband purchased to be near us, we were almost overwhelmed. OK, we were. After my father-in-law died, we thought my mother-in-law was grieving because of her actions. She had dementia. Anyway, the first step for her was independent living which did not last long and then it was assisted living so fewer pieces of furniture and art work went with her. We could hardly make ourselves go into the house and work every day. Finally, we had friends come help us and choose anything they wanted after we selected a few items. It was great to see them go home with things they could use. Then we rented a storage unit for almost everything else, but only after we had a local thrift shop come and get loads of stuff. They are a wonderful shop and use the money to help people get back on their feet by giving them a place to stay and also teaching budgeting skills. We brought too much home with us. We are still working on that, but made room for more stuff by giving away things from Nana. We had a set of dishes from Nana with a 12-piece place setting with every bowl and serving piece imaginable. We decided to give all of that to a couple who loved old-fashioned dishes with pink roses rimmed in gold. That eliminated lots of boxes. Then we decided to give Nana's silver ware to the same couple. We had not used any of it and were so happy this couple wanted everything. The final step in the in-laws' house was a call to 1.800.gotjunk. Two nice young men showed up with a truck and cleaned out the basement and the garage. They told my husband they try to recycle everything. There were lots of good tools and so much more. Since we still had art work on the walls, my husband asked the young men if they would like to select a piece. They did and we removed the rest. A friend helped us clean and the house sold within a week. What a relief! Now it is time for the two of us to get serious about all the stuff we no longer need. We have no children so nobody wants anything. We might check with our friends again, but most of them are full up, also. What a long post. We are struggling! @joybringer1

Jump to this post


Replies to "When we had to move my mother-in-law out of the house she and her husband purchased..."

If you live in a metro area, look on Facebook for a group called "Buy Nothing [name of your town]" We have sent dozens of new things to eager new homes, including tools, fabric, hosewares, furniture, baby things, doors (when we replaced our doors and woodwork) a Christmas tree... Mainly young homeowners, people starting over, and a lady who fixes things up to sell while caring for a disabled husband.
Sue

Hi my name is dave and I read your post and I'm so happy you had the support to get thru the house. The reason for the reply if not to personal your last sentence says your struggling could you explain that to me? You and your husband sound like everything is going okay and mom is in a better place for her. Keep positive thoughts good things will happen dave

@joybringer1- Good morning. It is never easy to close up someone's home, be it yours or a relatives. It's very hard. When my sister and I closed up my mother's 2 homes it was horrible. We were cleaning out our memories too. I know that my husband and I have a lot, but nothing compared with my folks.

@joybringer, Sounds like quite an endeavor but one you managed successfully! A friend told me about 1.800.gotjunk a few years ago and I never got around to calling to see if they pick up in my area. Thank you for this reminder. It would be a great relief and assist for those items not given to charities or family/friends.