Whew! Glad the move is over. Though “over” is a relative term, since there are still plenty of boxes to be unpacked, pictures to be hung, and stuff to be put away. And we’re not done with the townhouse yet, either: there are a lot of stragglers we need to bring over and cleaning to be done. This move will be an ongoing process for awhile yet. But at least the worst part is over.
Thankfully. I’m tired of being tired, and sore, and sweaty. Even with a professional crew doing the majority of the work, it’s still been exhausting. Add “professional mover” to the list of occupations that aren’t for me.
Actually, go ahead and add “professional unpacker,” too.
The fun began Friday morning, when Tara and I loaded our cars and made the first of three trips between the townhouse and the apartment. After fueling up with a hearty breakfast, we got the keys from the leasing office and climbed those three flights of stairs for the first time ever (a feat that was repeated approximately 50 times over the course of the weekend, most often while carrying heavy boxes, so the novelty wore off quickly). We eagerly opened the front door, nervous because we hadn’t even seen our future home before that moment. Luckily, it didn’t suck. Actually, it was quite nice: our top floor unit has colored accent walls, a gas fireplace/mantle, vaulted ceiling in the living room, outdoor deck, and a nice picture window with a view of the tall Douglas fir trees separating our building from the next. I figure, if we have to live in an apartment for a couple of years, it might as well be a nice apartment. And this one definitely is.
Have I mentioned we are on the THIRD floor?!
Anyway. We hired professional movers for the bulk of the move, since I am eligible for relocation expenses through the short sale process. Even if I hadn’t been, we probably still would have done so. Three flights of stairs and all. They showed up right before 9 AM on Saturday, and were friendly, courteous, and professional throughout. They even accommodated a special request – taking our refrigerator to my parents’ house, since we couldn’t bring it to the apartment – without hesitation, and were kind enough to move their old one out to the garage and hook up the new one. Watching those guys make multiple trips up three flights of stairs, carrying heavy items on their backs without complaint, was inspiring. Altogether, the move took about nine hours with the detour to my parents’ house, and they were finished by 6 PM. After resting for a bit (it’s hard work watching people haul things up three flights of stairs), we walked around the corner to Sweet Tomatoes for a late dinner, then came home and crashed.
Fun fact: when I moved into my townhouse, a guy named Marty drove the truck and helped with the move. When we moved into the apartment, a guy named Marty drove the truck and helped with the move. What are the odds?
Sunday was spent unpacking and sorting. I was able to hook up the cable, BluRay player, and wireless router without incident, so I’m proud of that. The lava lamps and record player were set up, and Sunday evening Tara and I put on a jazz record and listened to it while kicking back in front of the fireplace. After a busy and tiring weekend, that felt almost magical. And Monday night after dinner we spent a glorious half hour soaking in the hot tub next to the pool. Goodbye, sore muscles! I should point out, these are amenities that I never had in the townhouse, so despite the fact that we are now merely renters, there are some positive things about apartment living, to be sure. And some negatives – I hate the tiny fridge and having to use ice cube trays again, and the walls are thinner than those we had before – but it’s all a tradeoff. Not being saddled with a hefty upside-down mortgage any longer more than makes up for a few minor inconveniences.
Now ‘scuse me, I’ve gotta run. There’s more unpacking to do…
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Mark My Words 
I feel your pain. Truly I do. All the best in your new digs. Next it will be us unpacking…hopefully.
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Too bad you don’t live closer. I’d have given all our used boxes to you. I know how valuable they are when you’re getting ready to move!
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Yeah, we could have struck a deal. I have a sleep number bed I would trade for some cardboard boxes. HA! (funny and true)
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Oops. LOL! How do you like your bed? (In all fairness, I did read that the people who are happy with their beds are REALLY happy with them).
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I’m willing to trade it for cardboard boxes. That says it all, doesn’t it?
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Yes, I s’pose so. Sorry to hear that.
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Yes, people who purchase what amounts to air mattresses on an egg carton, on an egg crate HAVE TO say they are happy with them 🙂
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So glad to hear you hired movers. That was wise! The living room looks lovely. I would SO enjoy a fireplace. And a pool and hot tub are great bonuses, as well. Congrats on being semi-settled.
Hugs from Ecuador,
Kathy
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I’ve had a “thing” for fireplaces most of my life, Kathy. I think it’s because of all those years I spent in Hawaii. They are still a novelty to me. The townhouse had one, but it was a direct vent model and I was unable to use it. Within seconds of turning it on, fumes would fill the room and the smoke detectors would go off. I even had repairmen come out, to no avail. This one works like a charm, and I’m thrilled to use it! I only wish we were headed into fall instead of spring.
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Yay…I was waiting for this post, Mark!
WOW…how nice of those moving guys to move your refrigerator to your parents’ house! And you’re right, what are the odds of TWO Marty’s!?!
“And Monday night after dinner we spent a glorious half hour soaking in the hot tub next to the pool.”
How AWESOME is that…you have a HOT TUB!!!
And yeah, I have a tiny fridge and have to use ice cube trays as well. In fact, my freezer is one that I have to defrost it every 6 weeks – UGH!
LOVE the photo of your living room area. A fireplace and a balcony/patio, how cool!
Congrats on the move, buddy! And the best to you and Tara in your new home!
Cheers!
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Thank you, my friend. I love the hot tub! And I hate the ice cube trays. Luckily, I hit upon the idea of adding a small container to the freezer where we can dump ice cubes as they’re ready. It makes it a LITTLE bit easier to deal with, at least.
Happy Hump Day!
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Good luck new digs
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Gracias, senor. So far, so good!
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It looks really nice! The stairs are a b*tch, but think of it as aerobic exercise!
I’m anal about organizing, so I like to pack and unpack (except for vacation, when I’m then paranoid about forgetting something). Issues? I’ve got them!
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Aerobic exercise, indeed. And I must be strengthening my hamstrings, because they have been hurtin’ like a mo-fo lately!
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Awesome!! I could almost feel your excitement as you opened the door to your new place for the first time!!
I can’t wait to come down and see it in person and since we don’t know how long that is going to be, perhaps you can post some pictures of the whole apartment?
Pa-leese?!?
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We can’t wait for you to visit!
In the meantime, yes, I plan on posting pics soon. First we’ve got to get everything unpacked – or at least tucked away into closets and under beds, so our home has the illusion of looking neat and orderly. So give me a few more days. 🙂
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I can do that!
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Moving up flights of stairs? Reminds me of college moving day and hauling bed frames and dressers up flights of stairs. Ugh! Think what great shape you’ll be in though. Almost worth buying a Fit Bit just to brag about all the steps you’ll be taking. 🙂
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Tara is already looking forward to having “buns of steel.” I’m looking forward to Tara having buns of steel, too!
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Movers are the best thing, I would never do a move without them. I have done the last 5 without them and think I would be lost if I had to. Looks as if you are settling in well.
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I think you just reach a certain age where you’re like, “Rent a U-Haul and do it myself? Screw that!”
Apparently I am at that age…
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Still catching up! I remember our first night in this apt. too – we both slept in our recliner sofa because Kelvin was way too tired to try setting up the bed.
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Luckily, our movers set up the bed without us even asking them to. That helped!
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