Packed and Ready to go...

What a manic, exciting, motivating, exhausting couple of weeks we have had. As soon as 2nd January came around we got straight on to the packing. As you know, from my very first blog, I had thought everything through, I had a fool proof move plan, and I am happy to say, now we are almost out the other end, that it has all pretty much gone to plan. The movers come later this week and we are ready!

As much as I hate to admit it, (especially to my hubby), having the skip right there on the drive has been a godsend.

Our first task was to get ourselves moved out and into No 10 our home for the next 10 months and we set ourselves the deadline of doing this by the Wednesday 8th January. I am pleased to say that we accomplished that mission with room to spare.

Going through each room collecting together what we wanted to come with us to No 10 was an enormous plus in helping us identify items that would not be worth storing, because they would not suit our new renovated home. We could then decide to either sell them on or if they were at the end of life and could not be recycled, they could make their way into the skip - much to my hubby’s delight.

Moving out and into No 10 and being able to walk away from the chaos for a few hours each day made all the difference to our sanity and once we were finally completely moved out we were ale to really crack on and get everything left, packed and ready for the movers to take into storage later this week.

We have moved many times over the years, including several times to and from abroad as expats, but we have always had the movers pack for us.   This time we packed ourselves and I must say although it was hard work, it really did ensure that we weren’t storing/keeping anything we really won’t need when we move back into the in new house in 10 months time.

I must admit I was apprehensive about selling all our unwanted items on FB Market Place and local FB Buy and Sell Group, but once I got started, whoo hoo, I took to it like a duck to water. It’s amazing, we pretty much sold everything I posted. It seemed more I posted and reposted, the better I got and the quicker things sold.

Of course I am no expert, but if you are thinking of doing the same my top tips would be:

1. Price realistically (as low as you can go) you really can’t be sentimental and remember it is only worth what someone else will realistically pay for it.

2. Take good pictures, the more the better, but not loads of the same, FB algorithms will pick up on it and then hold your posts under review.

3. Always put the dimensions, even if you think it is obvious from the picture.

4. Try and give as detailed a description as possible, particularly mentioning the condition of the item and any marks or in-perfections.

5. Make your posts as interesting and easy to read as possible. I used an app, called Canva (its free), see below.

6. If your item has not sold within 24 hours, don’t just leave it, edit it (be critical, honest about how you could improve your add/description/price) and repost.

7. Post on your local group first, but it if doesn’t move re-post on FB Market Place. FB won’t let you post on both if you use the same photo for both adds, but if you are clever and use different photos and slightly different descriptions you can get you add running on both groups at the same time.

Example of Canva Add:

Rather than a hassle, selling what we didn't want turned out to be good fun and very rewarding. As well as earn a few pounds to put towards our build/renovation/move, it was also really lovely to see people genuinely pleased with their purchase and know that items that I had cherished over the years were going on to have a second life rather then ending up in the skip or tip.

Last, but not least, having the “lock up” has been a real game changer in terms of reducing the stress of trying to fit everything we are going to need for 10 months and several seasons into our small, but perfectly formed temporary home. Knowing that things like our spring/summer/holiday wardrobes, suitcases, jet wash, tools etc., that we don’t necessarily need daily access too, but will need to get to at some point over the next 10 months, is not in our way, but very easily accessible is very reassuring. Our lock up is no more than a quarter of a mile away and accessible 24 hours per day, which is perfect. Of course, it is a bit of extra expense, but I really think it is worth it. If you can afford it and have access to something similar then I would highly recommend doing the same.

That’s it till next time. Don’t forget you can also follow us on Instagram @thedunlins, where I also post daily renovations happenings and other life, food and fun stuff.