A Near Moving Experience

Should we stay or should we go? 

While most people rush to fix up their home to sell, the goal should be to keep your home comfortable and “ever-ready” for that day when you do make the decision to sell for one reason or another. 

In our own case, we have had thoughts of selling but have been hesitant to take that step for several reasons: Our house serves our needs. Our health is good. We are still very active. We have single floor living. We like the location although the physical property is not without its challenges.  Not to mention selection inventories are low with interest rates so high, so where would we go?  Yet we still have thoughts… 

In our previous life, we moved every few years. Nine times to be exact. You just never knew when that next move or promotion was going to happen. You were always somewhat up in the “career air.” The best advice we received was to live and enjoy your house like you are going to be there forever. Do the things you want to do to make your home comfortable. Why make yourself unhappy by not addressing those things that you would like done thinking you may be moving.  

Recently, we made the decision to refinish our wood floors. They were showing 30 years of life well lived. It was a “near moving experience.” We removed all the furniture. Dismantled my wife’s craft room. Pictures came off the wall. The TV and entertainment center were disconnected.  Knick-Knacks packed away. Open spaces were screened off with plastic and anywhere dust could land was covered with even more plastic. Moving might have been easier?  

From that point, we retreated (aka downsized) to living in our kitchen, mudroom and guest bedroom over the garage. Disruptive it was. Comfortable it was not. It was like going on vacation and ending up in a less than desirable vacation rental. Drafty, small bathroom, poor TV reception, spotty internet and less. I might add that the bed was also uncomfortable. We accommodated all the warts. The experience has certainly added to our list of projects.   

The experience also provided some insights relative to today’s “post pandemic-lifestyle”-- The need for more space. Space for office & remoting—Space for distance learning—Space for crafts & hobbies—Space for exercising & recreation—Space for family and friends. The space may even be available in your current home with some thought and creativity. Measure that against moving. 

The message is simple… Do the things that will make your home comfortable for your purpose while you are living there. Don’t let the “uncertainty of your uncertainty” hold you back from doing those things that would add to your enjoyment. It might just change your perspective relative to should I stay or should I go…