Getting closer to staging and showing

[Travelinana]

I thought about waiting until I could post the pictures of the house ready for showing but this morning I am sitting here enjoying my coffee and oj before going back to the house to work. My friend couldn't help me with the cleaning this week as planned so I jumped in on Monday morn and started in. I have worked all week, scrubbed bathrooms, kitchen, washed windows inside and out, on my hands and knees scrubbed the mortar (is this the right word) between ceramic tile, wiped down the cobwebs in large garage (attached garage has just been painted). I scrubbed the siding on the front porch entry (might have the rest of the house power washed). I have 3 blisters and one pretty bad burn on my arm from cleaning the underside of range while it was it was in self-cleaning..Today I will do the floors, polish the wood furniture, shampoo the carpet in the walk in closet, and might get to the touch up painting which will be the very last thing. Most likely I still have two days of work left (can't do this physical labor over 4 to 5 hours each day). I mentioned in another post that I'm a few thousand lbs lighter in stuff and 28 lbs lighter in body. My size 12's were getting a little snug but it started melting off the first of June when I started this project. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done and I have had many emotions and fears during the process. Knowing how hard it is now would I do it again? Absolutely. I would recommend to anyone to be sure you can part with these things that evoke a memory as you pick each one up and prepare to send on to it's new home, also be sure you can live in a small space. Even 40 footers get small after a while. Make sure a house which allowed you to have family and guests is something you can part with. It's not to be jumped into just because other's are doing it. Now I need to finish up the house, list it and start some serious practicing (one will be trip to dealership for a few issues we call bugs).
Girls I am 68 and I am thrilled that I was able to do this. My body is in far better shape..I feel better and stronger and tho I won't be doing this kind of labor anymore I will work out. I don't even like to work out but I know it will be worth it. We know from watching the Alaskan girls and others who are out there enjoying this country's beauty that it takes stamina to truly enjoy this lifestyle.

[Dawn309]

Nancy, you are so right that this is hard, hard work. There are so many emotions you go through as you sort through your life. I cannot remember the last time my muscles ached from head to toe day after day, but I too feel like I am in better shape now because of emptying the houses. It is hard to go from 2000 sq ft to 400 sq ft of living space, but for me, so far it has been worth it. I am still sorting some things I just threw in a bucket to deal with later. I got rid of at least another 20 lbs yesterday. Still have more to go through. I am still such a newbie at this full time living. Everyday, I think I will continue to enjoy this. I do have my moments when I think "What in the world have I done?". Especially when fighting with a water hose and sewer hose in 100 degree plus temps.

I cannot wait to see your pictures of the staging when you are finished. You are so near the end!

[Echo]

Awesome!!! Both of you Ladies are to be commended on jobs well done. It was hard work and you both stuck to it. It is worth it in the end!

[Pooker]

OMG! I'm exhausted just reading about all you did! Think I'll have to go get another cup of coffee and a muffin!

Way to go.

Pooker

[Gentleladybear]

I am heading back to Florida to finish clearing my house and put it back on the market. Changing realtors will be high on my agenda. My neighbor put her house on the market in May, sold it, closed and moved. Mine was on the market six months and was only shown once. Something isn't right about that. But every load I get out of there, makes me feel lighter. I have had several yard sales, sold some stuff through Craig's list and still have a bunch to go, but I will get it done.

Glad you are progressing with your house Nancy. See you on the road.