Advice on moving or staying!

10 years ago

My husband and I just moved in to a rental in Kentucky (my home state) in December. It's a beautiful 2200 square foot house with a full finished basement (900 sq ft additional). It's a bit outdated, as you may have noticed if you've seen my posts, but it's on 5 beautiful acres with a creek in the back! Out of city limits so we can shoot in our backyard (we are gun enthusiasts). But we don't own it, and my husband worries that the rent could go up soon which I honestly doubt will happen.

The house is pretty much full of my husband's junk that just sits around. He won't admit to being a hoarder. We have finally settled in now though.

A couple of days ago, my mother in law mentioned that we could move into a vacant house that she owns in a city (Marrero) just outside of New Orleans, LA. My husband is from there, and the house is actually his brothers house, who passed away in 2001. She is going to give us the house, and we can live there for free since it's paid off and there aren't property taxes. So we just have to pay utilities and insurance.

The house is small, 1050 square feet. Although it's just my husband and I and we don't plan on having kids for awhile, keep in mine that all 3000 square ft of our current house is pretty much used. The yard here is very small too, but it's the street my husband grew up on. We won't be able to shoot in our backyard but we will have access to our 40 acres that my husband inherited just shy of 2 hours away from the New Orleans house. We can shoot on the land.

But it's free! The biggest issue I have with the house is that it's 2 bedrooms and 1 bath. We have never had just 1 bath, always atleast 1.5 since we have lived together (4.5 years) and by the way, we are in our twenties. Second issue is that there isn't a garage. There used to be a garage, but it was rickety and got destroyed by hurricane winds at some point. There is still a concrete slab there. My husband has a really nice convertible (pictured) that has always been garage kept, so I worry about leaving it outside in a New Orleans neighborhood. He says it's not a sketchy neighborhood (I've only visited it once), and it's safe but someone can easily rip into a convertible so I worry about it. So we really need to build a 1.5 car garage on the concrete slab that's there. I've looked into it, and it seems that the cheapest garage would be $6000+ so that's not really doable. Atleast for awhile.

Plus storage, we need storage. My husband suggests buying a $1600 shipping container and just storing crap in it.

This move could potentially be pricey, having to get the biggest Uhaul truck and a trailer to tow a car so we don't have to make two trips. Wow, this post is getting long! But we would live for FREE! Saving $1000 a month from rent. We have extra money right now anyway. Plus we will have to sell a lot of stuff so our stuff will fit there.

If we do move, we would move in August-!Before my job turns to part time and I have to find another part time job to supplement income. That way I don't have to start a new job and then quit soon after.

Last night I was feeling home sick just thinking about moving so far away. All of my family is here in ky, and I'm very close to them. But all of his family is in LA, which we aren't close to them, but probably just because we never see them.

What would you do?
Should we stay here in KY and I find my new job to supplement income in August- or should we move, live for free, and start new jobs there? Main concern is the storage and garage. But it will be our own house, we can change it in whatever way we please! Of course we will have to pay up though.

*sorry this is so long

Featured Answer

smit2380

10 years ago

Unless, ownership of the property was legally transferred prior to the move, I would not even consider this. Business dealings with family are always super stressful.

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Comments (70)

Bev
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I accidentally typed 400 instead of 40, which is now fixed. Sorry for the confusion. My daughter has not lived close to me since she was 18! She went away to Bowling Green (in Ohio) for college and ended up dropping out and joined the Army, which I was not very happy with but it really turned out alright. She has lived in Georgia, Colorado, Hawaii (which we loved and visited her while she was there), Germany, and finally Bosnia where my granddaughter was born. I did not get to hold my granddaughter until she was 5 months old! She and my son-in-law moved to Chicago for a year before settling in Virginia, which is where my daughter and granddaughter still live. You just never know where life will take you--just enjoy the ride!
2dogssashatess
10 years ago
personally I would hate to relocate away from family and friends, but if you are going to move you might find it helpful to check out www.meetup.com as a way of making new friends with similar interests
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Lampert Dias Architects, Inc.
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Congratulations for being adventurous and graciously accepting the wonderful gift from your mother in law .... I'm sure this will make her very happy.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that 4 years ago I left my California home and moved to Hong Kong with my husband and with only 3 suit cases ... What an adventure we had. I'm back now in my small comfortable California town but I'm so happy that I took the challenge and had a great adventure ... I'm a better person now.

go for it and enjoy ...
RubyRoses
10 years ago
Best of luck on your move..it will be an adventure. You will have to keep posting as you pack and move..let us know how things go. (:
RubyRoses
10 years ago
wow! many people who live outside the city like to target shoot. I don't but I've had many neighbors who did. Don't put your own issues on someone.
User
10 years ago
Relax. People have opinions on Houzz all the time.
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Yeah, we don't shoot animals. Ever. We don't hunt or anything, my husband is the manager of a gun store and we target shoot just for fun. We have never killed an animal. Thanks for your opinion
User
10 years ago
Well that's good then. Lets all relax.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Yes, good luck to you. If you don't like it, then it's easy enough to move somewhere else.

Sometimes we get a little spoiled with "stuff" and it makes it difficult to go smaller. But you can do anything really when you think about it. You could live in a tent if you had to and you would be fine.

I would love the opportunity to downsize....I'm so over taking care of a big house...

I really do agree with some of the other suggestions to purge, though...It's the best time to do so and simplicity is so freeing.

Good luck!
overthehighway
10 years ago
Enjoy the new adventure and remember that your little family is what comes first (you & your husband).

Moving with just 3 suitcases or a whole shipping container can be an adventure if you keep the right frame of mind. So long as you're in it together it'll be great!

Good luck!
User
10 years ago
Have your adventures now while you are young and free enough to enjoy them. If it doesn't work you can change your path and bounce back. Don't let things hold you down at this age or any other. If you don't really need it to make your life better or happier then it's just a burden. I recently downsized, got rid of about 70% of what I owned. I'm not saying this to be a smart alec. I honestly can't remember what most of it was, it was that important to me. I think we just get used to having it around. As the last poster said. As long as you are together. Go enjoy life and see what you can see of the world. You have plenty of time to settle down. Enjoy.
Robin Kropog
10 years ago
This story was on our local news tonight. A Kentucky girl might want to prepare herself for alligators, nutria rats, mosquitos! I'm a transplant to Louisiana. Left Mississippi cornbread, greens and covered dish church suppers for louisiana crawfish boils, gumbo, jambalaya, cafe at lait and beignets. Love the people and the lifestyle! Good luck with your move! If you don't like it, you can always change it. it doesn't have to be forever! Best wishes!
User
10 years ago
My daughter wouldn't like that, she's loved crocs and alligators since she was small. You guys ain't got nothin' on our huge Aussie crocs!
User
10 years ago
Oh please the whole east coast has them. I'm not saying I'm asking one in for sweet tea, but if you leave their territory alone they usually don't bother. I did say usually. Unless they get bored , or hungry, or lost... :)
User
10 years ago
Our drop bears are much worse.
User
10 years ago
Well, on a 46 celcius day, it's preferable to walk in the open, rather than under the trees, especially if you're a foreigner. They prefer to eat those.
User
10 years ago
@ted do the gummy ones melt in the heat?
robin701
10 years ago
As long as you've had your daily Vegemite, or wear forks in your hair, you should be safe......
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memararchitects
10 years ago
Buy it
User
10 years ago
Robin, since Vegemite got bought out, they changed the recipe. So putting some behind your ears no longer works. But the forks still work.
User
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Memar, do you mean buy the car? Because the house is free.
robin701
10 years ago
But, Tribble, it's supposed to smell like the old formula and be even easier to spread!!
robin701
10 years ago
Mandkeet, good luck with your new "adventure!"
User
10 years ago
Robin, do you mean like babies spread formula all over the high chair? Yes, it's that easy.
robin701
10 years ago
Yes, they do seem to spread it so easily - and quickly!
User
10 years ago
MMmm gummy mess.
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Bahaha thanks everyone!! I can't believe someone found an alligator under her car in Marrero... Exactly where our new house is! Lol, I'll just run from the house to the car and jump in. Just like how I used to turn the light off and run and jump in my bed as a kid so nothing under my bed could grab me!!
Robin Kropog
10 years ago
Hi again. On a more serious note. How is crime where you live? Crime is terrible in the New Orleans and surrounding area. Seems to be getting worse. I hate to say it, but it's true.

Have you ever lived far away from your family? When you describe your dilemma, you seem to list more reasons to stay in Kentucky than to leave Kentucky.

Free housing may not be enough of a reason to move so far away from your family. There are so many factors to consider. Family, community, work opportunities, educational opportunities.

Down here, we also have issues with homeowners and flood insurance, due to hurricanes. This area has its own set of difficult issues.

How close do you want to live to your mother-in law. Will you get the house titled in your name,or is it an agreement to live there rent free. Could be awkward and difficult if you don't own house outright. Beware of "golden apron strings."

I wish you all the best in your decision. I pray for your wisdom, discernment and peace in making your decision.

Best regards,

Robin
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Crime isn't too bad in that neighborhood, my husband's uncle lives in the house currently and has never had an issue. My husband also used to live across the street as a kid, up until Katrina. His grandma also lives two streets over, never had a problem with crime.

My MIL lives in Tennessee, she's not moving back yet so we will actually be further away than closer.

The house will be titled in our name immediately, before moving in.

As a kid my mom moved me and my brother around everywhere. I was never close to the family that I'm so close to now (still two hours away though). But I hate the snow. Hate the cold. Ive been begging my husband to move south for so long.

And yes, the insurance on the house with flood insurance went up this year, it was $3000. I figure putting aside $250 a month is still better than giving away $1000 for rent!
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
We have family down there. We can hopefully find jobs before moving as well. We won't move until one of us have secured a job. And we won't be living in Nola for much more than a year. We want to live for free, pay off our debt, fix up the house, and sell it. Build a house on our land in MS. Or maybe we will sell the land and buy elsewhere.
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Here are some photos of the (tiny) house!!
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
I got the photos from google earth so they probably aren't recent. I will post pictures when we go visit the last week of June. I know the HVAC and roof are new as of 2010. I will need advice on how to decorate when it comes time! I think that porch is begging for a swing too :)
User
10 years ago
SO CUTE!

The fence is great as far as security for your car goes....A motion activated light would be a good investment for you, I think.

You'll be fine. In fact it's kind of a decent amount of space for two people starting out in life.

Good luck!
PRO
Studio Riche Designs
10 years ago
Hi, Mandeekt! Either a swing or rocking chairs would look great on the porch! I'd say give it a try. New Orleans is an enchanting city. I came on vacation 16 years ago and never left. There are great festivals, Mardi Gras, tailgating (Who Dat!) and no snow whatsoever. I'd say its an opportunity of a lifetime. Especially with both of you being so young. Best of luck!
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks everyone! We were supposed to be visiting the house this week but it got postponed. My MIL is there visiting though and has sent me some pictures.... The house is in worse condition than it was the last time we were there. Kind of scary, but with no house payment- we will handle it! Here are some pics that she sent.
everdebz
10 years ago
Because I've 'been there' just saying that a thorough cleaning, even walls maybe ceiling makes it better... good 'luck'...
tedbixby1981
10 years ago
It will look better once the other persons stuff is out of there. It just needs your loving and it'll feel like home.
felizlady
10 years ago
First thing first: will MIL deed the vacant house to your husband? Does your husband work? Is his job something that is transportable to LA? Are you easily employable? What will he do with his piles of stuff in a smaller house with no storage and no garage? Have you talked about reducing the volume of his collections? Is he handy enough to build a garage to store his car and his stuff? Does he use the car to drive to work or is it part of his collections? I like the suggestion that his stuff should go into storage in KY if you move, and only the household goods move to LA. Then, on your yearly visit to your family, he can select some of his stuff to bring back to LA. Compromise is necessary on both sides of a marriage.
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Can anyone help me figure out what style this house is? My husbands mom doesn't know what year it was built! So frustrating. All of the doorways have these amazing rounded moldings that are so pretty (about the only good thing in the house). The bedrooms and living room have hardwood. The kitchen, hallway and bathroom had tile but my MIL hired a cheap contractor to put the tile in and he didn't do it right, so it's all cracked. The kitchen has linoleum now, the hallway has carpet, and bath has cracked tile that is falling in and needs to be replaced ASAP! So, I'm trying to figure out a design for the bathroom and I have no idea what style to research. It needs to be gutted, as you can see in the photos! The kitchen needs to be gutted also, but not as urgent. Please ignore my uncle's clutter and poor design choices (he hates natural light apparently).
RubyRoses
10 years ago
lol..give us an out side photo to identify house style. There are many house styles common to that area; shotgun, dogtrot to name a few.
RubyRoses
10 years ago
and my guess is the tile was laid without using a backer board, thus allowing too much movement for the tile.
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Sorry, I posted exterior pictures further up in the comments so I figured I'd just post more interior :) here are the exterior. It's not a shot gun, although I wish it was!
Renee Texas
10 years ago
We are living in a 900sq ft rental while our houses is being completed with 4 kids. THe lack of a .5 bath would annoy me in your scenario, but it's quite do-able. Be sure it's worth the items to pay for storage, shipping etc. I can't imagine 2 people having so much "stuff" lol! We are minimalists, I guess...
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
I'm a minimalist also, it's my husband who inherited all of the "stuff" and won't let go of it! I think I've convinced him to downsize finally though.
tedbixby1981
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I don't know what the style is but I'd say do what makes you happy. Just keep browsing through houzz bathrooms and put the ones you like in your idea book. After awhile you will see a "style" and colors that you like emerge. Since you have plans to sell this place down the road, you want to keep it pretty neutral and put the color into towels and accessories. I see you have a pedestal sink in your idea book. If you decide to go this route, just make sure you have plenty of storage since you would loose any drawers.

When do you move?
niecie
10 years ago
I'm not sure what style your home is but I'm like the others once the stuff has been cleared you will have a much clearer picture of how you will want the home to look. I think it would make a pretty little cottage. Love the hardwoods too. You said that you would be selling it eventually and I think I would concentrate on making sure your dollars are put into any structural things that might need attention. I noticed on the back of the house there is what looks like a hot water heater closet. I'm guessing they located to give me room in the house but I would check that out to see if it could be relocated inside or just make sure that its safe. Good luck with the move and keep us updated!
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
@tedbixby the pedestal sink in my ideabook was for my current house (but I'm just renting it, I'm a dreamer!) thanks so much for the advice! We are moving at the end of August.

@niecie I made a new post about the style of the home and two people told me it's a "post war bungalow" which is cool, but doesn't really help me with design choices haha. So I'm just going to go with my gut on it, but I may end up hiring a professional designer at some point because I don't want it to look choppy. I love all different kinds of styles, farmhouse being my favorite but that doesn't fit with the era. And down there everyone has their water heater outside, since it never really gets cold. There was a good place in the house for it before a tree fell on the garage (and now there is no garage) because the washer and dryer was in the garage. Now, the washer and dryer is in the pantry in the kitchen- which had a space for the water heater previously.
niecie
10 years ago
You already have a slab area for a good size washer/dryer and hot water heater. I know money is tight right now but I would think about utilizing this space as this would definitely give you more room and good for resale value too. Do you have any family that have carpentry skills? Just a thought.

Do you like the vintage style? That might go well with your cute little place!
Mandee Trom
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, we plan to build a garage and possibly put the washer and dryer back out there (it was out there before). But the problem is- I have an electric dryer and my husband had to wire it in to the house so that we can use it. The house was only ready for a gas dryer previous. So to have to wire it again when we put up a dryer is a pain, especially when he worked really hard on it. Plus our electric box is tiny for the house and was actually full before he needed to wire the 220v for the dryer. He had to put in a whole new subpanel box just to do my dryer. So we have like zero space to add anymore electrical outlets unless we get either A. The electric company to come add a power line to a whole new separate box or B. Get rid of the old small box and add a big one that can hold it all. Too much of a pain right now.

Anyway, we are moved in and starting to settle! Will be posting pictures soon. We have lots of plans- just need to set priorities. I'm spending my morning today pressure washing :)
PRO
Studio Riche Designs
10 years ago
Hang in there, Mandee. Everything will fall into place. Can't wait for the first round of pictures!