Sunday 30 June 2019

Phew! New digs, finally.

stolenandmissingpetsalliance.co.uk


Phew! It's done. Another new flat, unpacking, settling in - all that's still happening, but more or less we're under control and really pleased overall. 

It was a long, tough move, despite having the bonus of a garage at either end. I am VERY glad I had the week off for this.

We met our new landlords Wednesday afternoon at the estate agency and collected the garage key so we could start moving things. We did four runs in the car that evening, and the garage door broke the first time we tried to shut it - the cable that assists with lifting snapped (it was just time, it was completely rusted and frayed. It wasn't anything we did). We advised the agency and the landlord came by to have a look. They are a really nice, reasonable couple so I didn't expect any grief and didn't get any. He was perfectly accepting that it was just one of those things. It's since been repaired.

Thursday we had the cleaner in and did several more runs that afternoon, clearing out most of the boxes and 'little stuff' (of which there was/is a phenomenal amount). Out of one garage, into the other.

 We hired a van on Friday for the big stuff and return it only 5 hours later (!), so that was a huge accomplishment. We were thrilled to hear that we'd have the key early and could get started a day early (our official move-in day was 22 June). Roomie E had a couple of her colleagues come by for an hour and they helped immensely, bringing the beds upstairs, helping with boxes, etc. I've never ached so much in my life. It was one thing to move it back and forth from car to garage, but the new garage is a bit of a hike to the flat and then there's a flight of stairs...I was sore for DAYS!

We met all our new (immediate) neighbours, however. Derek, who lives downstairs and one flat over; Margaret, a fully-independent, amazing 95-year old who has turned the communal gardens into something absolutely glorious over the 30-years she's been here; and Charlie, who was a star and made us a cup of tea.

We are more or less settled, but literally, have only one storage closet in the place (we had four in the last flat). So there's stuff everywhere, despite getting rid of stuff. I've set up another box for donations and I have no doubt we'll fill it up.

My plants don't seem to be adjusting as well as we are and I can't quite figure out what the problem is. Where they currently are, in front of the window, isn't ideal for winter because the radiator is there and they'll dry out. But that's a few months away yet, and  I can't really fuss with them too much because we still have stuff all over the place. I'll just have to wait until we're more organised. They're okay where they are for the time being, but it's obviously not ideal. Anyway.

So, here's where we are now. It's still a work in progress, so please ignore the boxes, blank walls, etc.


Rear garden


Living room. Those windows!


Opposite side


Entry foyer and stairs

Kitchen





Front garden - the kitchen overlooks this.




My room, stuffed to the gills with...stuff. Feeling a bit claustrophobic, but it's the same stuff I had in the last one, just 1/3 the space to put it all in (I've spared you a glimpse under the bed, however)!


I'm actually pleased with the smaller space of my room. I don't believe there's a better way that I can set it up I just need to declutter, so this is all a really good exercise in 'what brings me joy' (if you haven't read/watched Marie Kondo, I recommend it - she's quite amazing).

We currently have no Internet but our 'star' neighbour Charlie has given us his wi-fi password and we're piggybacking until ours is set up, which is currently set up for Tuesday.

I was back at work last Tuesday and it was a loooooong week. Fortunately, the boss is away from next Wednesday for 10 days so we'll have a bit of peace & quiet.

My hospital visit of the 14th went well enough. There were four people besides me in the room - two nurses, the doctor (obviously) and another consultant. Wow. Awkward, but carry on...I wound up having a local anaesthetic ('there') and a bit of a reaction to it, but the doctor managed to get what he needed, proving that I actually hadn't needed to have a general the three previous times...ahem. Anyway, the doctor was a huge GoT fan so there was a lot of discussion about that. You know, what are you going to do when you're literally 'in that position'? Hoping, however, that this is the last time.

Anyway, outside of that excitement, I have been going to bed at 9 (earlier than Margaret - not kidding!) and sleeping THROUGH THE NIGHT since we've been here. That means about 8 solid hours a night, which is quite amazing. I also wasn't at work for most of that so I think that speaks volumes. Anyway, I'm not complaining at all, I'm thrilled. Obviously a good move. :)

Happy Canada Day weekend everyone! I'll be looking for some red & white flowers for the office tomorrow as my acknowledgement.

8 comments:

Treaders said...

Congratulations on your move. Your apartment looks lovely. I sincerely hope I never have to move again but I am REALLY trying to declutter just in case. And your neighbours sound lovely so that's great. Better than a day at the gym then!

Treaders said...

Bugger, I don't know why my comments don't go through to your blog half the time!

Live and Learn said...

Moving is really hard, but you seem to have a good attitude. Good luck as you find homes for your things.

JiCaLu said...

Looks wonderful, soon you'll be all settled - congratulations!

Northern Living Allowance said...

Hi Treaders - ha ha! They do show up, just not right away. I've got them set to moderate them. And thank you - I'm actually already more content, although my routine feels a bit off, but I'm sure once things have sorted themselves out a bit more I'll feel better. xx

Hi Live and Learn - thanks for stopping by and commenting! My flatmate actually said the same thing, that she was glad one of us was positive about it (although that only lasted until Friday, when I had to have a little sit down halfway through...ahem!). Our single closet is a bit of a struggle, but we'll get there. xx

Hi JiCaLu - yes, it's a fantastic spot. Really pleased! I'm in no rush to get things entirely sorted (there will be a bit of a struggle as to what goes where, I think, as Roomie E has her way and I've got mine), but piece by piece it'll work out. Thank you! xx

JiCaLu said...

So glad that you're feeling good and pleased :)

Jane said...

I can feel your relief about being settled once again and I really hope you have time to enjoy the lovely green space. What a treasure that is! Somewhere I lost the FBook question you posted about whether I would come to the UK next year but YES, I am up for that! No definite plans yet but we must get together for a few pots of tea!! This year is a no go except to see my sisters in PEI and Bracebridge. I wasn't paying very close attention but I don't have a lot in liquid funds especially once I pay for the deck I'm having built. Earlier in the year I put more $$ into a TFSA GIC which I shouldn't have done so now will wait til next March when a GIC comes due and then I can make plans again. So to make a long story short - YES, I'll be travelling to the UK next year! :)

Northern Living Allowance said...

Hi Jane! HOORAY! Yes, let's make plans for at least a few pots of tea, if not something more hike-ish, next year. Will wait to hear from you. Hope the deck turns out better than expected! xx