Downsizing
cont. from page 28
I’m convinced that a Realtor and a stager are essential to guide you through the house-selling process. They are worth every penny and Windermere pays for the stager. After nearly four months we got an offer and Judy negotiated a settlement that was fair to both parties on September 20. Closing was set for December 2. Now it was becoming a reality and I did not have a place to live … time to seriously start the moving process. Buying a home or condo was not an option – I had lived 17 years as a single homeowner and did not want that responsibility. Apartments in this area rarely have two bedrooms and two bathrooms and it was essential to me for times I had house guests. One day I was driving along Third Avenue and noticed a banner outside the River’s Edge property saying they had condos for sale, corporate furnished units, and unfurnished units for lease. After reviewing the brochure, a tour was arranged. Within a couple of weeks, I signed a lease and made a deposit. It was thrilling!
Ray McDermott. I’m sure he hopes I am happy here and don’t want to move again. My daughter flew over from Denver for three days and helped me hang pictures and shop for a few things I needed. Now it feels like home and I can gaze out the doors to my lovely balcony and savor the view over the Cowlitz River as the sun rises. I am content I did the right thing and love the surroundings. Hope my next move is taking me out feet first!
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••• Retired travel agent and community volunteer, Shirley Smith is on the path to becoming Grand Dame of Longview. More power to her.
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Now the real work began. I started the “three pile” system – give away, throw away, and keep. We all fill up every inch of space in our homes and it was almost overwhelming to go through everything and make a million heartwrenching decisions. My sisters’ granddaughter was helping her with her big move and said “Grandma, it’s just stuff.” Very true but hard to accept. The next big shock came when my children (son Brad in Spokane and daughter Colleen in Denver) really did not want any of my treasures. I had spent a lifetime collecting crystal, silver and china that were so beautifully displayed with my 10-piece dining room set. Gradually, I sold, gave away or threw away the necessary “stuff” and was ready to move. On November 18, the movers from North American came with the big truck and started packing. I can’t say enough about the professional job they did – even my bed was put together by the end of the day. The next morning when I faced the 57 large boxes they had put in appropriate rooms, the unpacking began. Fortunately I had two weeks before the closing to finish the outside and garage of my former home. What a mess! My wonderful helper, Michele, and her husband, Mike, did a great job with the final cleaning. I would not have survived it all without the constant help and support of my dear companion,
Columbia River Reader / January 10 – February 14, 2014 / 29