If it ain't one thing, it's another...

Originally Posted By Lisann22

Ok, so I just spent a 1.5 years of my life in a state of flux. I still continue to be in this state of limbo. We haven't sold our house in California yet. 5 buyers have walked away within 24 hours of closing the deal. Take about frustration and stress.

So we have once again lowered the price and changed agents to get our house back to the top of the MLS lists.

I'm still living out of a suitcase. My job offered me a furnished apartment right around Christmas time BUT we were in the middle of a sell so it felt silly to move to an apartment for 30 to 45 days. So I turned it down.

Well, now it's the middle of March and another buyer bolted.

So instead of a corporate furnished apartment, they are very expensive running in the $2000 to $2800 range for a 2 bedroom place because it includes all utilties, furnishing, electronics, appliances and kitchen supplies. I've decided to rent a 1 bedroom/1 bath apartment that my job will pay for and I'll furnish.

My job has been wonderful and we are tanking. I feel really bad that my way is being paid and yet we are still cutting people's jobs. I just can't live with that.

So now what I'm really frustrated about is everything I've worked hard to get rid of for the past 1.5 years - extra stuff.

As I have to supply my apartment with things I need for probably 6 to 8 months more of living solo.

I know I can go to Goodwill, Target, etc to get things. My job is going to pay to bring out my truck and some of my personal belongings; my bedroom set, clothes, and whatever we can split between two households.

Aye yi yi. So I have to decide do I buy a futon for a living room couch? Will I use it again? Do I buy a small TV? Do I live off paper plates and plastic utensils or do I get a cheapie set at the Goodwill?

What spices can I live with? Do I buy a crock pot? Or maybe it's more feasible to do something like Dream Dinners and keep my cooking limited.

If there is anything I hate more it's doing laundry at a public place. I hate lugging my clothes down to the apartment laundry room. So do I go ahead and invest in a washer/dryer?

Aye yi yi...

Input/suggestions, anyone been in this situation before?

 

Originally Posted By Autopia Deb

Are there any jobs in your field back where you used to live? If your company is tanking, maybe you should look into returning home instead of selling.

<----no help whatsoever.

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

Sorry tanking might have been a poor choice of words. We are experiencing what most all other companies are - negative numbers, severe downturn in business, reinventing ourselves.

I've gone through three different headhunters over the past 8 months. It's dry. All three recommended I look either out of state or take the relocation. All manufacturing, operations, TQM, warehousing management type of positions are being hard hit.

Times are tough, I'm not sure I'm ready to walk away just yet. Even if I stayed home if I took a lesser job or lost my job, I'd have to sell. I could not afford our home long term with a drastic pay cut.

 

Originally Posted By mele

Wow, that's a lot of stress to handle. I'm sorry you're going through so much. Hugs.

I can't believe 5 different buyers have walked away after closing. What the heck?

I don't have much advice but I would get a cheapy set of dishes cos disposable ones can be expensive after awhile.

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

At closing. Most have not been able to secure their loans, or they've had 2 part loans. I told our agent, if they aren't pre-approved, tell them to move along this time around. LOL

 

Originally Posted By mele

No kidding. It's a rollercoaster when you only do it once...I can't imagine what 5 times would feel like. ;-)

 

Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove

Could you rent a 1BR that already has the washer/dryer? That would be the most depressing part for me. I agree with the cheapie dishes thing vs disposable (mele). Are you a huge crock-potter? Can you see yourself really doing that all the time?

Sidebar: I'm making some corned beef and cabbage in mine right now 'cuz we're going to be working on 3/17 at a new account and the house smells heavenly.

Okay, I think it would be good for your spirits to really do this on the cheaps. See how much $$$ you can save by being smart, and yet allow yourself the little victory good-for-me purchases now and then during this horrible flux stage you're in.

Make the decisions that will ultimately help keep you the happiest while you're sensibly meeting the challenge you are facing.

For me, number one would be not hanging out in a laundromat. (If I could possibly help it.)

Follow your sweet heart, it will lead you in the correct path, and I hope against hope that all will fall into place for you as soon as possible. {{{Lisann}}}

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

Can you check into a freecycle type place? We donated a bunch of stuff through a friend to them out here. I don't know if they have something like that out there - but I have heard that they will have washers and dryers even some real furniture. They usually only like to recieve nice reuseable stuff.

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

Thanks villians, I'll check.

SoThisIsLove - I was just throwing stuff out there, I'm not "really" looking for a crockpot. LOL

 

Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains

As far as kitchen stuff - I would go with a Good pan that you could stirfry or cook eggs in... A pot that you could make soup or pasta/rice in. Maybe a small george forman type grill for meats..

Stuff that you can get at the local walmart and won't be sad to let go when you get your house sold and have all your real stuff.

You will probable feel more relaxed and at home if you can come home and make some of your comfort foods and just relax.

 

Originally Posted By jnemo

Do you have an IKea close? They have cheap dishes and furnishings. Sorry you are dealing with this.

 

Originally Posted By Autopia Deb

I would one of those boxes at Big Box-Mart that has a set of dishes, glasses and utensils. Then once the family moves out to be with you, you can donate to your church, Good Will or the like.
A futon couch might work in a guest room or enclosed patio if the new house has either and extra room or the enclosed patio.

 

Originally Posted By -em

For bigger things like futons, washer dryers, tvs etc- check craigslist/free cycle. I know around here lots of people are downsizing so there are lots of ads for stuff cheap

For smaller things, you can actually get decent stuff between Mart and IKEA. I bought a set of pans from Mart when I moved here and they still are in great condition and the set of 4 cost less than 30 bucks.

Silverware I bought the dollar for 4 piece sets and they've held up well.. I was raised on paper and plastic dishes so I cant comment too well

One thing Ive learned is to buy something exactly when I need it vs buying what I think I need...

-em

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

Thanks ladies.

That's what I was thinking -em I'll buy it when I need it. I'm not going to "stock" or speculate what I might need.

I drove around a bit this afternoon and found a great Thrift store.

 

Originally Posted By ReadingMom

Lisann..my suggestion would be to just buy a "starter kit" of items that you are most likely to use. I've seen these at Target and WalMart...they are mostly for college dorm rooms. It might get you through until you know exactly what you're going to need. Also, they are not that expensive.

 

Originally Posted By RockyMtnMinnie

I think you would feel more comfortable if this place fealt like a home. I would find dishes and other items at the big box stores, goodwill stores and other second hand stores. I don't think I could live without my washer and dryer. I would also think of bringing over some sentimental items from your home to cheer you up. Some items like photos and some little things that are special to you. Also keep an eye out for something that you may find that will become a sentimental item from this moment of your life.

 

Originally Posted By beamerdog

I would not want to be without my own washer and dryer.

Check the scratch and dent places (sears and some of the local appliance stores) for deals on small or stackable washers and dryers. And wait until they offer coupons or special sales for additional $ off. Also, try asking for the manager for a "better" price!

I got a great upscale GE fridge on the cheap a couple of years ago at the Sears discount place around here. I got extra money off for being one of the first 25 people in line and buying on a Sunday. I did see the stackables on sale there.

Just make sure that your new place allows them

 

Originally Posted By LuLu

I hate being in limbo, so I empathize. But I guess I'm th only one who doesn't mind the laundromat! When we first moved here, we used the local laundromat for at least a month while we had renovations done, including having gas piped to the garage where the dryer would sit. This laundromat was VERY humble but it was OK with me. And when I lived in apartments, the laundry was usually by the pool, so I just relaxed by the pool while the washer or dryer ran. Anyway, you'll figure out what works for you. I'm sorry things are so topsy-turvy, it's a pain!

{{{Lisann}}}

 

Originally Posted By Lisann22

Well, most of you have shared the ideas running in my head so it makes me feel better that I'm on the right track. ;>

I might be able to rent an apartment that already comes with a W/D, that is a huge relief. As my other problem is I'm all by myself so getting someone to help me load and unload if I bought from a place other than a store would be a problem. I can hook it up, but I'm not the Incredible Hulk.

LuLu my issue with the washer and dryer is right now I basically work 6am to 7:30pm every single day. I don't really have time to sit in the laundry mat. That would make me really really grumpy. LOL!

 

Originally Posted By beamerdog

Ask a local church if they have some strong young'uns who might like to help you out. I've had some luck with this when I was moving my dad's stuff out.