First, the downstairs had to be painted white, because the colors we'd chosen two decades before were no longer in vogue. We crammed aging furniture, favorite paintings, and collected decor from 37 years of marriage, five cities, and dozens of trips into the garage to make way for the painters. They whitewashed the walls in record time, converting our cozy abode into a cleaner, brighter version of itself. After they walked out, the stager walked in. She did a brisk preview, then ordered us to remove additional furniture and area rugs to create more space and less stuff. A potential buyer would need to picture their own furniture in the house instead of ours. We checked everything on her list, and she delivered a minimalist makeover, including smaller furniture items, textured wall hangings, large and small plants, black and white books and decor, lots of baskets, and appointed lamps, calling it "coastal ranch." We both felt there was a lot to like, wishing we'd done it sooner!
The crowded garage was now a hoarder's paradise as our realtors prepped for three open houses. Time to take photos and post them on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Offer Up. With so much collected over our lifetime together, letting go was both emotional and torrential. We begged the kids to take a few pieces, and were thrilled when they did. Neighbors also picked up some sidewalk items. After rock bottom prices in online ads failed to empty the garage, we boxed and donated small appliances and leftover furniture along with endless bags of clothing to Goodwill, local thrift stores, and consignment shops.
Best news of all, the house sold quickly. Whew! Dan and I moved five times before, to new cities, but we'd never stayed 22 years in one spot, so this was the BIG move within the same city that tested us on so many levels, mainly related to age. On March 23rd, the moving van pulled up in front of the Rancho Carrillo house that was no longer ours and loaded enough furniture and other belongings for us to start the next stage of our lives. We were trading years of memories and great times in our house for an exciting new neighborhood and a simpler, more convenient lifestyle near the beach. We are so happy we did. The new hood offers tons of restaurants, a theater, a library, a train station, and endless galleries and shops to explore within walking distance. Finally settled, we were able to host 17 family members for Christmas Eve! In 2024 we look forward to more good times with our new neighbors, browsing shops, joining a book club, and eating our way through Carlsbad Village.
Carlsbad HS Chorus
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