Big changes are suddenly happening fast in Spohr Land.
Holy crap you guys! We are in escrow on a house! Somehow this feels more adult than having babies. Maybe because I didn’t have to fill out a 187 page application to become a mom.
Let me hit you with this insane time line:
May 4: Found the house
May 5: Made first offer
May 5-7: Back and forth with counter offers
May 7: Agreed to terms
May 9: Escrow opened
May 27: Close of Escrow
I don’t even know what escrow means!
Buying a house is something that Mike and I have been researching for almost three years. And let me tell you…there IS such a thing as too much research. Often we would get so caught up in the idea of a house that we would forget the basics of what we wanted, or even what we could afford.
Heather: OMG Mike! Look at this mansion!
Mike: NO! Look at THIS mansion!
Heather: LET’S GO SEE IT AND SQUAT IN IT!!!!
But when we walked in this house…we knew we’d found our home. It is the cutest little house about 25 minutes outside of Los Angeles. It has a yard for Rigby and Annie, an office for Mike and me, a guest room for Joey Tribbiani…it’s perfect.
The house (it clearly needs a name) was remodeled after the previous owner moved out. It has a lot of wonderful features, and a lot of paint. I like color, though. Even if the colors aren’t what we would have picked. And the storage! Right now, we have two closets. THAT. IS. IT. Now we have a closet in each room, a pantry, and a garage with an attic. And the attic isn’t creepy! YAY!
What’s that? You want pictures? Well OK.
master bedroom
kitchen
Annie’s room
the backyard
I’m trying to convince strangers to come pack for me. ALSO. I am desperately searching for Moving To-Do lists. What do we need to do? We’re going to move in June, we have flexibility (thank goodness) but June is in three weeks! AAAAAAAH! So far my to do list is:
Pack
Change magazine subscriptions
Plot out closest restaurants
I feel like that list is incomplete.
Can we do this? We can, right? AAAAAAAAAH!!!!
Heather says:
flylady dot com. best packing advice list ever!
Congrats on the big purchase! Very exciting!
Katie says:
It’s soooo charming! Congrats!
Mel says:
YAY!! Congrats. Add Annie & Rigby to your list and you are totally set to move. Can’t wait to read about all of your new adventures at the Casa de Spohr!
Nenette says:
Such an adorable house, Heather! I second Flylady. Great resource for staying organized during a move.
Missy says:
Love it!! Such a cute place!
Nicole says:
The house looks amazing, congratulations!!
Nancy says:
Congratulations on the house. It is beautiful. I know that you all are excited.
Pgoodness says:
I am so excited for you guys!! It’s perfect!
chantelle says:
Congratulations!
Sara says:
I recommend, and this may seem silly, drawing a map of the new house and labeling each room, then labeling each box with the room you want it to go in. It will make it much easier when it’s time to unpack. Also, dont lose the map. Maybe make multiple copies.
Claire says:
Yay!!! I’m so happy for you guys. The house looks perfect!
Leigh Elliott says:
it is PERFECT!!! How freaking adorable is this place? Looks like it’s in amazing condition and the LAWN/YARD are SOOOOO fabulous! I can see Annie running around in there with all her little toys.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
Lora says:
Congratulations on your new home!! Exciting! It’s a beautiful place, I am excited to see all your stuff in it.
DefendUSA says:
Congratulations!!! Buying a house is so exciting….And I have moved 15 times in 25 years, so I think I can help!
1. If you have not worn or used something in over a year, get rid of it.
2. Pack one room at a time. YOU MUST DO THIS! With a baby, you don’t want to start twenty things, because you will get overwhelmed.
3. The kitchen seems to be the worst in packing time.
4. The little stuff will kill you near the end. Try to roll with it.
5. Do one room at a time!!
6. Hire someone to clean up whatever you cannot face…it is so much easier and worth the money not to have to look back…
7. When you get to new digs, unpack kids space, kitchen, and then the rest can happen gradually. It doesn’t sound like you have a lot to move, but patience is a virtue….
I have moved with a 3 week old baby, then a 2 & 3yo, then pregnant and preganant again…I knows what I’m saying!!
miriam says:
GARAGE SALE if you can do it…great way to get rid of stuff.
And congrats.
Tammy says:
Congratulations! The house looks beautiful!!
How exciting for you!
Martha H. says:
Love the house, it is adorable! I am sure Annie and Rigby will have a wonderful time growing up there. Congratulations!
Missy says:
I think the perfect name for the house would be ‘home’. It is beautiful. Annie and Rigby will have a blast exploring everything. I hope your move is smooth. Congrats you guys, it’s awesome!
Nellie says:
OMG, that house is absolutley Spectacular! Congratulations on such a dream home!!
I am a “To Do” List fanatic for everything so here are some suggestions that I hope will help but I’m sure you already know or are already doing:
(1) Post Office – get those moving postcards to notify vendors of your upcoming change of address;
(2) Bank and Driver’s License (any legal institution) – notify them of your upcoming change of address;
(3) Call Vendors (Electric, Phone, Gas, Cable, etc.) to let them know of change of address or termination date;
(4) Print on paper or labels or handwritten is fine for boxes: Kitchen Utensils, Bedroom Closet Items, Medicine Cabinet and Toiletries, etc. so that come day of move you can throw these boxes in the correct rooms even if they end up staying in boxes for a few days or weeks before they are placed in the correct drawers, closets, etc.;
(5) Go to local Grocery Store or CVS/Duane Reade type stores and ask if you can take their large boxes and when they receive large shipment deliveries so that you can take the empty boxes instead of them throwing them out and your having to pay for the boxes;
(6) Start packing items you know you will not need now or until you actually move into your dream home;
(7) Purchase packing tape; and
(8) Purchase lots of beer and alcohol so the move isn’t as mundane or stressful as it can be without it.
Nellie says:
By the way, this gorgeous house looks like a “Calliope” to me. She can be your “Callie” home!!
Jen says:
Love it! Congratulations!
lisa @ early morning run says:
Oh my gosh! Heather, it’s absolutely beautiful!!!!! How exciting for all of you! I don’t know what escrow is either, but I definitely hope to find out one day. Of course you can do this. I seriously can’t stop smiling because I’m so happy for you! You’ve come a long way from your studio on E 78th, that’s for sure.
Staci says:
Wow, that is so exciting! Congratulations on finding such a great house. Its beautiful!
Your list may be incomplete but who cares?
I would also note:
– Trash stuff you don’t need so you don’t take it and re-store it somewhere you’ll never find it again. Your space might be small but you’ll probably be surprised how much stuff you’ve accumulated
– When you pack, label, label and label
– Ensure postal service is aware of change in address
– Turn off utilities when you move (if that’s something you need to worry about)
I can’t think of anything else but have fun!
Linda Campbell says:
It’s so beautiful Heather! Congratulations to you and Mike. Annie and Rigby will LOVE the yard. The grass looks so soft to play in.
On a different note, a sadder one, prepare yourself for moving from your current place. The day I had to leave the home I had brought “my baby” home from the hospital and raised for two and a half years in, I was heart broken. It’s a very bittersweet feeling. I’m sure you’ll have lots of support!
But, the house is beautiful, I love the kitchen and all the windows! I’m sure you will all love living there! Congratulations again!!!
Ellie says:
I’m a military wife, so I have moving down to a science. Thankfully, we have movers to do the heavy lifting, but I can unpack my house all the way to pictures on the walls in 48 hours flat.
That said: labeling the boxes is a must. If you have the organization and energy level, numbering the boxes and keeping a rudimentary inventory is also very helpful. If you have an idea of what’s in the box, you can prioritize– unpack the dishes for dinner before the stemware.
When we move, I take floor plans or measurements of the rooms and I will actually scale model them on graph paper to figure out how the furniture needs to go. If you have the chance to get measurements, I would definitely do it– and make sure you get the locations of the central heat and air ducts and doors. It’s a pain, but you really want to have your big furniture in place *before* your helpers go for beer and pizza.
Always, always, always get the home inspected by a qualified home inspector.
It looks like an adorable place. Congratulations and good luck!
JenT says:
YES! A LIST!!! This was a lifesaver during one of our moves-Number the boxes (and possibly add which room they go into) and then create a master list with an inventory of what is in the box – you don’t have to include everything but it’s helpful to know where the kitchen utensils, hand soap, and towels are! Also, I highly recommend using your luggage to pack like you’re going away for a week – include clothes for you, Annie, and Mike as well as all toiletry items – this way you can pretty much pack everything else up because you have a weeks supply in your suitcases. Another helpful hint is to have a box (or two) especially for the first night – include bedding for the beds, towels (including a dish towel), a roll of paper towels, a roll of toilet paper, a box of kleenex, and hand soap is always good to – you might also include Ribgy’s dog food/water dishes as well as anything she needs! I remember moving into our very first apartment and not having any toilet paper, I had to get a roll from the neighbors, they were very kind and called it a housewarming gift! Every other time we’ve moved I’ve had one special box that goes with me in the car (not the moving truck with everything else) and that has all the “essentials” I might possibly need right away. Good luck! The house looks beautiful
Mary says:
The place looks gorgeous! I love the windows and the flooring.
My only suggestion for moving? Hire a moving company to actually move the stuff. We moved twice; the first time, we did it. Second time, movers. I. HIGHLY. RECOMMEND!
Angela says:
Hire movers….best money ever spent!!And the house is beautiful!
Abigail says:
Congrats!! (and good luck with the packing/moving) The house looks amazing!
kat says:
That is a fantastic home! You are so lucky! Congratulations on your big purchase and you can TOTALLY do this!!
Becca says:
Congrats on your new slice!!
(and Hi!, by the way. I’m new here.. hope you don’t mind if I just make myself comfortable in your corner of the world)
My partner and I just bought our first house last year and yes, it is the most terrifyingly adult thing I’ve ever done. It also comes along with several not so fun $200 purchases after that “well… I guess we’re learning how to change a sump pump on this beautiful Saturday afternoon…. off to Home Depot”. I think we went directly from our closing to home depot and opened a credit card.. (they offer 6-12 months interest free on ALL credit purchases fyi).
Yay! Homes are so much work, but so SO fun. And this… Your home is beautiful.
Ninabi says:
What a pretty house! All that yard (we live in the desert so we have rocks and gravel so all that green is just delicious).
I moved last year, twice. By myself (husband was consumed by a work project). We sold our house, went into a rental and then into our house when it was done. I used a local small moving company for 25 large items like the dressers and dining room china cabinet but the rest I took over in small loads over a few weeks, either to the rental house or to storage.
The kitchen and the bathroom work well together- I’d use towels to wrap up plates and breakables and would just fill my minivan with stuff. I’d place a clean sheet over the back seats and take all the clothes on their hangers directly.
We’re retired military and I was used to moving with lots of boxes and labeling. A cross town move was a more drawn out affair but I was able to get a lot done on my own.
So, I guess that is my little bit of advice- pare down as much as you can and any time you are headed over to the new house, take a carload of stuff- you’d be surprised how those loads add up. Also- the tub totes and boxes of dishes-wrapped-in-towels made for very quick unpacking of the kitchen.
Get a big bag of gallon ziplock bags for the odds and ends in drawers- it is easy to identify what is in the bags and it keeps small items from getting all jumbled up.
Amber says:
Love the house! I can’t even fathom buying a house anywhere near L.A. since we live in rural N.C. It makes my bank account scared just thinking about it!
So proud of you guys though and it is totally adorable!
Karyn says:
tweaking Nellies list a bit…
(1) Post Office – get those moving postcards to notify vendors of your upcoming change of address; * have the post office hold your mail two days before the move and two days after (for both addresses) and fill out the forwarding post card like 2 weeks ahead with the correct dates. it takes them a good week to process it.
(2) Bank and Driver’s License (any legal institution) – notify them of your upcoming change of address; *Car registrations too! Drivers lis, and car reg can usually be done online and they send you a temp one for free till the current one expires. Bank is easy, and they let you use up your old checks. Just change your statement address (usually 1-2 days before or after you move is fine)
(3) Call Vendors (Electric, Phone, Gas, Cable, *Sewage, *Water, *Garbage, *Phone)to let them know of change of address or termination date; *give termination for your apartment and start for the house. Do this now for the house because sometimes it takes time if the utilities aren’t on already.
(4) Print on paper or labels or handwritten is fine for boxes: Kitchen Utensils, Bedroom Closet Items, Medicine Cabinet and Toiletries, etc. so that come day of move you can throw these boxes in the correct rooms even if they end up staying in boxes for a few days or weeks before they are placed in the correct drawers, closets, etc.; *yes! If you are doing it yourself have someone direct which boxes go where (the muscles don’t always pay attention) And take over the most important things in a single car load (bottled water, snacks, cleaning supplies, cups, forks, etc) Also go over before the move and make sure the fridge is turned on to keep those drinks frosty cool! If movers are taking care of the move still be there to direct them on where to put things.
(5) Go to local Grocery Store or CVS/Duane Reade type stores and ask if you can take their large boxes and when they receive large shipment deliveries so that you can take the empty boxes instead of them throwing them out and your having to pay for the boxes; **(Go in on a Monday and ask them to save thier “Egg Boxes”. They usualy charge 10 cents or so each (only because they get a refund for returning these to farms) but its worth it! They have handles! And are super sturdy! They will usually tell you what day to come back.
(6) Start packing items you know you will not need now or until you actually move into your dream home;
(7) Purchase packing tape; and **lots of it!! (3 rolls at least!)
(8) Purchase lots of beer and alcohol so the move isn’t as mundane or stressful as it can be without it. *yes!! and pizza and snacks too! esp if its june!
*9 Make a list of all the to-dos as you think of them. ONE master list. Cross off items as they are done. Each thing gets a line. Like set up gas company. Set up Electric. (should be separate lines). Be sure to include phone numbers for those types of things. Keep all the mail you get in the next month in a folder. Be sure that you keep track of who you change your address with and who still needs to be done.
If i could come to LA i would totally organize your move. But PA is far away…. feel free to email me any questions!! I’m a master organizer!
JenT says:
Just to add on here – You’ll most likely need more packing tape then you think you’ll need. I remember standing at the doors of Fred Meyer (the closest store when we were moving) waiting for it to open so we could tape up the last of our boxes! During the course of late night packing we used up all our packing tape, then used up all our duct tape, then all our masking/painters tape!!! I highly recommend just going to Costco and buying one of their packages, I think it has like 9 or 12 rolls in it!
Barbara says:
Wait a minute! Why go to the post office with a toddler when you can totally go to http://www.usps.com (the web site) and for $1, you can create an account with the postal service and request the switcheroo from the old address (apartment) to the new one on whatever date you wish. If it changes in the process, you just go back to the site and update your instructions.
I’m the restless sort. I’ve moved 7 times in the past 16 years. I love the simplicity of it.
Congratulations on your new home. It’s a beauty!
Liz says:
It’s so preeeeeetty!
Lindsey says:
First of all, congratulations!
Second of all, I am laughing because the FIRST thing I always think about when we move is changing the magazine subscriptions! xox
mel says:
I love it! congrats! When you said “we are in escrow”, I totally heard TJ from Gilmore Girls voice. Sad, I know.
Amanda says:
What an adorable house!!! Congratulations!!! I know the feeling – we are in the process of buying for the first time and it’s all very exciting and scary.
Megan says:
That house is gorgeous! And the colors look pleasant to me. I’m so happy for you guys! And a little bit jealous
jess says:
Congratulations!!! So exciting!
I second the person who said hire movers.
Jenn says:
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! OF COURSE you can do it!!! So wish I could help!!! Well, you can vent to me. Congrats!!! I LOVE IT!!!
Magda says:
It’s amazing ! Congrats on being so grown up ad everything !
Tami says:
Congratulations , Mike Heather Annie and Rigby. I am so excited for you guys. It is a adorable home andI love the land scaping outside.
Have fun moving and I cant wait to se pictures after you get moved in.
Stacey says:
What a beautiful house! I want to live there! The yard is great and it looks like you have lots of privacy in the backyard. Good for you guys and your family! How exciting
Lora says:
What a beautiful house!!!! Congrats!
Jackie says:
CONGRATULATIONS!!
Your house is so beautiful! I am so excited for you guys!!
In terms of moving don’t forget to change your address with the US Postal Service. Link here: https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1
I would also pack a couple of boxes and suitcases of everyday essentials like you are packing for a trip. Transport that stuff in your car with you and that way you will have clothes, Annie essentials, towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, toiletries all with you and you won’t be searching boxes at 11pm when you need something!
Good luck. SO happy and excited for you guys!
maggie says:
it is so cute, i love the house, the colors, the floors, the kitchen. i want it. Congratulations on the house, it is so great, and the lawn is also spectacular!
monica says:
congrats! THat is a beautiful house! I can see your little family fitting perfectly in this home. =)
Amy says:
Love the house! Congratulations! I’m happy and excited for your cute little family.
Barb in Michigan says:
Oh , such a CUTE house ! I want your kitchen ! I can just see Annie preening and dancing in front of those mirrors ! I see major dress up games in your future ! Enjoy !
Adara says:
That is so awesome!! And what a lovely place! Congrats!
amy2boys says:
“I don’t even know what escrow means” made me laugh so much!
CONGRATULATIONS! The house is absolutely adorable.
Lisa says:
That is like the cutest best looking house I have ever seen!!!! Congrats to your family in all!
Now Mike will have to get a lawn mower You guys are so cute your hole family. May God be with you
Missy says:
It’s beautiful! Congrats – so happy for yall!!
Julie says:
What a wonderful house! LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Perfect choice.
Meghan says:
Get the change of address thingy from the Post Office. Figure out all of the utility companies so you can get your services set up and get packing ASAP. Anything you’re not using on a regular basis, pack it. CLEARLY label your boxes and put things that go in the same place in the same box. It will make unpacking and organizing so much easier. AND, while you pack, make piles to donate and to throw away. Take this opportunity to clean shit out.
Also, I call dibs on organizing your kitchen. It’s the only thing I’m really good at organizing.
YAY! So excited for you guys.
Marnie :) says:
Congrats on the new house!! So happy for all of you.
susan says:
Love the new house!
Hire movers. Seriously. It just makes life easier.
UHaul has the best packing tape – color-coded and labeled by room. It was wonderful.
Alicia says:
Whoa. YOur timeline is kinda like ours. We literally decided to sell our house 8 days ago, and by three days ago, we were under contract to both sell our house and buy another. It’s insane.
I have no good advice re: moving, except maybe start packing now. It takes way longer than you’d think, and there’s all this LITTLE STUFF that you end up running around headless doing at the very last second.
Minnyc says:
Congrats!
Lindsay from Boston says:
“You said it was in escrow? I couldn’t even find that on the map!” Oh, Joey Tribbiani. Love your FRIENDS references.
Congratulations, Spohr family. It’s gorgeous!!!!
Daisy says:
1. As I was scrolling through the comments quickly I misread “the house is adorable” as the “the house is horrible” and I was….taken aback. Good thing I read that wrong, no? Because the house IS adorable. I’m so happy for you guys.
2. As somoene who has moved approximately 90 times (thanks military Dad) I have LOTS of awesome moving tips. Including stopping to buy boxes every few days so you don’t just have that really awful $500 “box and tape and bubble wrap” purchase and you can gauge what you need size-wise.
3. When buying boxes always opt for more small book-boxes than larger dish crates. Book boxes are harder to over pack, and thus remain easy to carry/move/push around as needed. When packing dish crates, always allow the top few inches/foot to be filled with miscellaneous pillows or light bedding/towels. Make a pile of all the extra light fabric stuff that you can use to stuff the top of the boxes, thus helping to prevent 0ver-packing.
3. Colored stickers, packing tape and/or sharpies can become your new friend. Assign each room and/or person a color and slap the corresponding round sticker or tape or sharpie color on each box. Then, at the new house, stick a post it or sheet of paper WITH the corresponding sticker on the door to each room. Then your friends and/or movers can stop ASKING you where each box should go and can just drop it in the right color coded room. It really makes things easier.
4. Pre-order a pizza delivery with drinks for the new house for the evening of the big move. You will thank yourself later.
5. Box up some cleaning supplies, trash bags, pliers & a hammer and then write all over the box LEAVE AT CONDO & stick it under the kitchen sink. Then when you do your last clean/sweep through you have what you need.
Ashley says:
You can do it!!!!
Congrats! Its a beautiful place for a beautiful family!
Tanya says:
Congrats! It’s a beautiful house. Annie and Rigby are going to love their new surroundings…now get busy packing….
Colleen says:
I approve, nice job – it’s perfect! If I didn’t live in MN, I would definitely help. Enjoy your first house, it’s very, very exciting and you picked a good one!
Adrianne says:
Congratulations!!!! That’s so awesome and the house looks amazing! And that backyard! You don’t even have to do any landscaping! Woohoo!!
I don’t have any real moving advice as I think I just threw everything in boxes and let my husband deal with the important things like setting up electricity, water and of course, don’t forget cable and internet!
So happy for your whole family. Having a house is awesome and you’re going to love it!
Barbi Emel says:
So happy for you guys, the house looks gorgeous, congratulations!!!
Kristen says:
Oh Heather, you will love your new home! It is beautiful and looks so warm and inviting. I.WANT.YOUR.YARD!!! I wish my grass looked like that!
Everyone gave such good advice, so I don’t really have any left…but I took the same path to home ownership – condo to house. I can echo some sentiments above:
1. Yes, you will be sad to leave your condo. It’s okay to cry. I barely lived in mine (met my husband the day after I moved in!!) but I was still sad to move out, even knowing I was moving in with the man I loved!
2. Clean sheet, clothes on hangers – lay the clothes in the middle, fold each side of the sheet over them and carry with a friend like you are moving a big rug…or a body. ;-P Seriously, best thing I ever did.
3. DEFINITELY label EVERYTHING! It may seem silly but you will be surprised how many boxes you don’t open up right away. So if you stow something you love or use all the time in an odd box – it will get lost right away.
4. Packing tape, bubble wrap, boxes from the grocery store or any other store. Seriously, most places just break down the boxes their inventory is shipped in. If you go in and request some from them, you can usually pick what they have before they break them down or give them a few days and they will save some for you. Banana boxes are AWESOME and the perfect size for books because they don’t get too heavy. Also good for CD’s, DVD’s, etc.
Lots of luck and MANY blessings on your new home. So very happy for you!!
Lamb says:
That has got to be the most gorgeous first home ever! They just don’t make houses like that here in Albuquerque. Congratulations on finding such a perfect, charming place.
And, silly me, I forgot to make room for Joey when we bought our home!
Jessica Harrison says:
YAY!!!! So excited for you guys! It’s such a wonderful feeling owning your own home. What a beautiful place! Good luck and happy moving!
brook says:
The post office has a great list on the change of address packets
Brandy says:
I love it!! I don’t think I would have to change a think – just lovely!
Congrats!!
Kim Wencl says:
Of course you can do it! You already are! Congrats — the house is awesome!
Kristin says:
OMG, I am in LOVE with the windows in that master bedroom. I want it!
Jennifer says:
OMG!! Heather and Mike!! It’s so cute! It’s SO YOU! How awesome. I’m sure you will LOVE living there. The inside is just adorable and for Annie to have those mirrors in her room! You may never get her out of there! Best of luck moving. Yeah you!!
Lisa_in_WI says:
Congratulations! It’s such a cute house, I’m so happy for you guys!
Nancy Smego says:
I am so happy for you – and so in love with that house! Can I come stay in Joey’s room? It’s ok if Joey is there, too. I can deal.
Jessica says:
What a cute house! It look lovely and nicely re-done.Great landscaping too. Congratulations!!
vickie couturier says:
you guys have a cute house,it looks perfect for you
Kristi says:
What an incredible house! So, so, so cute!! Wow! The remodeling is gorgeous! Love the floors and windows!!
I’m so happy for you and all the memories you’ll be making in this house!
toastgal says:
Such a beautiful house! Congratulations to all of you!
Jen K. says:
Congrats on the house — it is beautiful!
MS says:
Looks amazing!!!! Congrats to you guys and I hope it all goes well. Only advice I have is to take a deep breath, make a list and keep adding to it as you think of things. And most importantly, remember it doesn’t all have to be perfect the day after you move in. As long as you have utilities and homeowner’s insurance, the rest will fall into place over time.
Oh, and try to make friends with whomever will be receiving your mail that you forget to forward…super helpful for us when I accidentally shipped stuff from ebay to our old house (a year and a half after we moved out. Only slightly embarassing).
Loralee says:
So few things could get me to come out of my little non-internet cacoon right now but this totally qualifies!
Congrats, love!
P.S. We’re moving in June, too. To our first home. (Squee)
cindy w says:
That house is *adorable*! And a pantry? That means extra Diet Coke storage for Mike! Yay!
Congrats, you guys. That’s fantastic.
Rumour Miller says:
Cute Bungalow! Have fun making it “home sweet home”!
Kate says:
OMG that is the cutest slice I have ever seen!!!! I can’t believe I’m this excited for people I have never met. Can’t wait to hear about the big move. Congratulations!
Sue says:
I’m predicting many, many smiles, much laughter, and happy memories in your gorgeous, new home, Heather, Mike, Annie, and Rigby!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mary M says:
I have to second the advice on getting a home inspection. We, luckily, did that with the first house that we were under contract with and found that there was no heat source on the second floor! Luckily, we were able to get out of the contract and find an even better (and cheaper) first home.
That said — from the pictures, it looks adorable and well-maintained.
Skye says:
I don’t have any advice- just wanted to say congrats, it looks awesome, and I can’t wait to see pictures after you’ve settled in!
Lisa says:
Congratulations! What a beautiful home and a wonderful place to raise your family. I have a question though. What is the exterior of the home? Just curious. Here in Texas, we either have brick or wood. I couldn’t place what it was from the pictures.
Kathryn in Berlin says:
I love it!!! I seriously do ! Way to go and congratulations!!! :o)
Joie says:
I LOVE it! It’s SO stinking cute! I am really excited for you guys. I hate moving. But if I lived closer? I would absolutely come help you. And by helping, it would mean babysitting Rigby and Annie. And Mike sometimes. Oh, and bringing you a margarita. Just sayin’.
CONGRATULATION SPOHRS!!
Molly says:
Congratulations! Tell us about the neighborhood!
PinkieBling says:
Congratulations!! It’s perfect!
Jenna says:
Congrats! Buying a house is so stressful, but SO worth it!
Jen says:
Oh my, how much fun is Annie going to have gazing at her beautiful self in her bedroom mirrors! Can’t wait for all the fun pictures that are going to be taken there!
Totally agree with the labeling of boxes comments. List the room it needs to end up in, and the basics of what is inside. On moving day, your job should be to stand at the entry of the house and direct everyone else on where they need to go with what they are carrying. Not a bad gig and keeps things moving smoothly. Have fun!
Rebecca says:
Strangers WILL come help you pack. They will load the moving truck and they will carry the boxes into whatever room you want the boxes in at the new place. (Just clearly mark boxes “Annies Room”, “My Room”, etc. . . .)
They are the Mormons/Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Basically at around 18 the boys are ‘required’ to leave their parents homes and live with mission families and serve on missions in whatever community they are sent to. They do not try to convert you to their religion. They are just there to help in any way you need it. They are NOT allowed to accept any tips/money/stuff. (Though we did buy a crapton of food and insisted they stay for lunch and they did)
I think a national number you can reach them at to find someone local to you is 1-800-443-9911
LisaJ says:
OH!!!! Congratulations, Spohrs!
1. First, pack all non essentials to daily life now. Less overwhelming.
2. LABEL every box. Seriously. Because, well…I still have unlabeled surprise boxes two years later.
3. Sell or discard or donate anything you do not need or do not want. This is the BEST time to declutter, if you are a clutterer, and believe me, it will help with packing.
4. Acknowledge the change. No matter the circumstances, moving is hard, cathartic, and bittersweet. Every move–even our upgrades–had me a blubbering mess. Just know that the process of going through belongings and leaving can be really, really difficult….but it will be so worth it!
Anjie says:
Congratulations!!! The house is gorgeous!!!
LisaJ says:
Oh, and Heather? “Spohrtopia” is GORGEOUS!!!!! Such a pretty decor.
Sarah M says:
I am totally repeated exactly what everyone else is saying but it really is a Very Charming house!!! I wish you many happy years in your perfect home!! We are in the midst of looking for our first home and it is crazy that its not as easy as we think it should be!!! Happy moving…keep telling yourself that your moving into your OWN HOME and obsessively label things….kitchen just isn’t helpful enough in the first couple days when you are looking for specific stuff!!! Also you can try going to your local newspaper and buy blank newsprint paper so you don’t have to re wash all your dishes because the ink from the newspaper is all over the glasses and dishes…its fairly cheap here for a whole lot of paper!!!
Meg...CT says:
It is beautiful and looks like it is in ” move in” condition…
may it hold a future of love and happiness…
Rachel says:
YOU CAN DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ITTTTT!!!!!!!
also that house is so FREAKING CUTE!
Laurie SL says:
Congratulations!!! What a beautiful home!!!!
Go to http://www.usps.com to request a change of address/forward your mail to your new home! Scope out grocery stores for boxes you can use for moving! One of the most important things I’ve learned from moving: label your boxes WELL. Write down on the box everything that is in there, even if it’s a bunch of random junk – try to write down as much as possible so you’re not leaving “misc” boxes off to the side for years and years!
chelsea says:
I’m not trying to be an internet creeper here, but I am SO! HAPPY! FOR! YOU! That is a beautiful house and it really seems like your wait was worth it! Congratulations from a long-time lurker
Lisa says:
Thats fantastic!! So happy for you guys. You DESERVE this. I am also finally in a single family home and am quite content to have SPACE and a yard. Cute house!!!! Cant wait to see what the new paint looks like….. Lisa
marilyn says:
Congrats!! Helpful hints:
1. Costco sells great packing set.. markers, boxes tape etc.
2. We packed ourselved and hired movers for the heavy stuff.. i.e. I packed all insides of stuff. Warning: some movers won’t move boxes heavier than 40 lbs. Hubby is lawyer so the amount of books we have is obnoxious..answer…hired friends 18 year old football playing, can bench press 300 pounds behemoth son and had him move any heavy book box. !! USPS online is great way to change address etc..REALLY research movers, GET everything in writing. We used Priority Movers down in SD. Don’t think they have office in LA , but they were AWESOME. Honest , quick etc. GOOD LUCK!
Debby Pucci says:
Congratulations, it looks perfect!
Anna says:
Congrats on the house – I love it! The timeline was about that fast when I bought my first house, too. We just moved again and I hate it so much – I swear we are never moving again after this! I can’t wait to be all unpacked and feel like I can live in my house again.
AngieM. says:
i about spit my coffee out at “i don’t even know what escrow means!!” – yea i totally don’t know either..when people say that i picture one of those scrolly thingy ma’ bobs..being rolled up, handed over to the new owner of the house and TA DA the escrow has been closed!! NO?
anywho..congrats on the house, it’s so freaken cute!
Patti B. says:
Congratulations!! Its beautiful
Funnelcloud Rachel says:
Totally adorable house – congrats! Also, we bought our house three years ago, and I *still* don’t know what escrow means!
jeanine says:
i love it! I like the paint! Love the floors! 100% awesome. Congrats!
Chris says:
OMG! That house is just way too cute. I love it. I’m curious where it is, I live in Culve r City, I’m trying to calculate the 25 miles from LA. Looks like your on a hill, just love it. My advise for moving day is unpack/set up your bed first, that way what ever is left not unpacked by the end of the day at least you can go to sleep in your bed. Congratulations and enjoy many wonderful days ahead.
Chris says:
oops I meant 25 minutes, now is that with traffic or without, hahaha, living in LA you know what that could mean. Anyway so happy for you guys.
Jenn says:
Oh my Heather….it is adorable!!! BIG congrats!!
Pattie says:
Beautiful house — congrats, this is so exciting!
As for moving to-do stuff, all I can say is research moving companies carefully. I discovered we’d hired what’s called a rogue mover after they’d shown up to our house. Thankfully, we only lost the deposit and not all our stuff.
Emily says:
Heather! OMG! It’s gorgeous! I’m so stinkin’ excited for y’all, I’m almost in tears! AHHHHH!
Kristin (MamaKK922) says:
CONGRATULATIONS!! It is GORGEOUS! I am so happy for you guys.
Nikki says:
Yaaaayyyyyyy!!! congrats!!!
Xoxo from ga,
Nikki
Issa says:
Oh it’s adorable. Congrats to you both.
jaime says:
Congrats to you guys! The house is beautiful!
Sarah says:
Congrats and hopefully since the 27th is my birthday that will mean that escrow will close without any hitches. Good luck, and to have a corner lot means that the yard is even bigger then the other neighbors. Woohooo
Camie says:
That is a gorgeous house! I’m in love with that kitchen and backyard (especially from my duplex and potted plants).
My only advice is don’t pack your kitchen up before time. Otherwise it’s 6 p.m. and you’ll be wondering where the f&*(& the spatula went off to. It’s not a pretty sight.
Jen says:
Congrats it’s beautiful!!!!
Lynnette says:
The house is charming! Congratulations!
Cheryl says:
Congratulations!! The house is beautiful. I’ll bet you’re all so excited. Moving is no fun, but so worth it!
Ordinary Sarah says:
Your house is gorgeous! I love, love, love the stone chimney! And the back yard? Precious!
Congratulations, you guys! Enjoy it!
jessica says:
I always hope for wonderful things to happen for your family and your new home is beautiful! congratulations!
Kelly says:
I think I know where your new house is!! Not to far from me. Congrats!!
J in Eire says:
Congratulations your new home is just fabulous, I LOVE American homes, they look so different to Irish ones & the blue sky in the outside shot would sell it to me straight away !!! Here’s to your health & happiness in your forever home. I am so happy for you – you truly deserve this.
Bridget says:
It’s beautiful! Congrats. Very happy for you.
Nicole says:
Congratulations!!!! Your home is my dream home, no joke. It’s not too big or too small, the rooms are a perfect size, the floors and counters are gorgeous, and the WINDOWS, wow. That backyard!!! And the front of the house is so pretty, and impeccably landscaped. What a find!!! I currently live in an apartment in Pasadena and am toying with speaking with a realtor about seeing if we can afford a house/condo as we are expecting our first child (YAY!!) in November. Do you like your realtor? Would you recommend??
Terri says:
Heather it’s beautiful!!! Congrats!! How exciting!!!
Katie says:
This is so completely awesome and wonderful. That house is just about the cutest little house you ever did see. And I can’t imagine any family more deserving to live in it. Congratulations!!! And best of luck packing
Trisha Vargas says:
So charming and such a pretty yard. What will you do with all those fancy kitchen appliances?
The only advice I have is to start sorting now those items that you are taking and those that you need to get rid of. Like mismatched tupperware or old socks with no mate, etc so that you are taking clutter and useless stuff to the new home. Also start looking for boxes now at stores and what not. Fancy new moving boxes are expensive and all the stores do is crush them up anyways.
Congrats! So happy for you all.
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Laurie says:
The house is beautiful! I love the yard, and all the hardwood floors. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Marin D says:
Congrats on the house! It is beautiful. Yeah!!!
Laura says:
Since it seems like any possible advice you could need has already been offered, I’m just going to say “yay for you!!” That house a-freaken-dorable!
Heidi says:
Your house is beautiful! It looks like it’s supposed to be your house. No moving advice from me, but just wanted to share in the excitement. Look forward to reading more and thanks for posting pictures. I love looking at house pictures!! Congratulations!!! I’ve bought a house and refinanced 3 times but still don’t know what escrow means.
aubrey says:
So you said I don’t even know what escrow is and the episode of Friends popped into my head where they have to explain it to Joey and then Chandler gets all confused…THEN you said you even had a guest room for Joey! too funny. That is my favorite show and my 2 year old knows Joey the second I pull out the DVDs. Anyway. Congratulations. It is super cute! I just moved too although it isn’t as cute and fancy as your new house. It is tough to do though just take your time and try to be organized.
Jill says:
Long time reader, first time poster! So happy for you, I understand your excitement as we just did the same thing, also moving at the end of June! The house is beautiful, you and your family are going to make some wonderful memories there!
Kristi says:
Great house! Congratulations!
Rachel says:
Congratulations, Heather and Mike! What a great place! I’m very happy for you!
Here are some great moving tips I used when we moved: http://www.flylady.net/pages/Flying_MovingTips.asp
I like moving. Is that weird?
Libby says:
Very exciting! Beautiful house. It sounds like everyone else has you covered on change-of-address, packing, and utilities advice. Don’t forget once you move that you’ll need to get new checks (assuming you still use checks–we do at least sometimes) and new drivers’ licenses that show your new address. Oh, and if your move puts you in a different county, don’t forget to get your new library card (says the librarian)!
amy d says:
OMG! Congrats!!! How exciting:)
P.S. I’ve bought two houses and I STILL don’t know what the hell escrow means:)
Amanda M. says:
It’s awesome! I love the floors!
I hereby officially request a post (or 10) about house-buying advice. My husband and I are just starting our research and hope to get a house in about a year.
Lea says:
What a beautiful house!! I love it how it has all those windows!! So awesome!!! Very happy for your little family!! Moving sucks but it will be so worth it!!
*Moving advice: I use brown paper bags to pack picture frames.
Pinta says:
Have Mike start saving copier paper boxes at work, the tops pop on and off easily allowing you to peak and not unpack! They stack great and can be used for storage nicely after you are settled. If you know an Avon Lady they get similar boxes and are always willing to pass those along. Congrats guys, it looks awesome!
Sandra says:
OMG Congratulations! It’s soooooooooo wonderfully cute and totally move in ready! I love the rooms, the style, the color. The yard is fab. Woohoo!!!!
Ms. A says:
How insanely exciting! It’s been so long since we bought this place, (34 years) that I have forgotten what it must be like. Charting the closest eateries sounds like a good first step. After all… one MUST eat. The house is gorgeous!
Chantel says:
Congratulations Spohr family! The house is beautiful.
liz b says:
first congrats!!!! LOVE the pics you posted, it looks great!
as for moving to dos:
1. boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap (scope out your closest grocery stores and liquor stores for boxes)
2. junk anything you need to – sort the stuff you dont want to take and the stuff you do (don’t move crap you dont want/need)
3. organize things by what you will need first and most importantly the first week or so (bed linens, select plates and cups, annies things – clothes, diapers, favorite toys) then box that stuff up and put colored tape on it so you can easily spot it!
4. Put color coded tape on each box, each room should have matching tape, makes it easy for helpers to figure out which room things go in without you having to direct
5. set up start date for phone, internet, cable, utilities. Set up cut off dates for your current condo for all of these things
6. submit your change of address to the following: post office (ask them to forward your mail), credit cards, student loans, insurance, retirement accounts, etc.
7. Go to DMV and have them change your address
8. Notify car insurance you are moving, depending on where you are moving the cost can go up or down, hopefully it’s down.
9. set up cleaning crew to come clean at the new house before you move in and then cleaning crew to come to the condo after you move out
10. drink a beer
RELAX it will all get done
Donna P says:
It’s perfect. Congratulations!
Michelle says:
Congrats on the house! It’s beautiful and it looks to be a great fit.
Enjoy and try not to stress over the move!
Melissa says:
Congratulations Spohrs! The house is gorgeous and so perfect! I’m in the process of buying a new home also and my list looks a lot like yours. The other thing is measure, measure measure! During the inspection take a measuring tape and measure every nook and cranny and then figure out where you’re going to put everything. It will be much easier on moving day!
Moving is so much fun! I think Annie needs a swing set for that awesome backyard…
Meyli says:
What a gorgeous house!! Congratulations!
I suggest cleaning out whatever crap you don’t need from where you’re living now, BEFORE you pack up and move! That way, once you’re in your beautiful house, you just unpack and you’ll feel more organized!
Amanda says:
Love your new house! I’m not sure if anyone has mentioned it, but when we moved last year someone advised me to pack our sheets for all the beds at the last minute and drive them over so we could immediately make our beds. It worked great because after a huge move you DO NOT want to be searching for your bedding when you are exhausted. Also, I agree on the hire movers advice!
Good luck!
Lisa says:
Think of it as the “most expensive shoes” you will ever purchase. That ought to make you feel better =) Congratulations!
mommymae says:
yay! so excited for you all! have fun packing! hahahahahaha!
neena says:
that is freaking awesome!!!
TracyKM says:
I don’t know what escrow is either…we don’t have that in Ontario!
We had 3 weeks to move into our first house (with no kids), and 4 1/2 weeks to move into our 3rd house with three kids. I looked at it sort of like packing for vacation….the things you need first are packed last. Pack like crazy for a week with all the crap you never use, etc. Then take a few days off. Then pack like crazy the last few days.
Freecycle is also your best friend when packing—for free boxes, moving/wrapping materials, and for giving away the three extra bundt pans since you’ve never made even one!
TracyKM says:
Oh, and one thing we learned…be prepared! Our PODS moved 2 hours before we headed out as we hadn’t heard from our lawyer. Turns out we couldn’t close that day and we HAD to move….husband had only the one day off, couldn’t get to his job from our old house, and we had NOTHING left in the old house, not even snacks or dog food. We also couldn’t enter our PODS as they were at our new house which wasn’t yet ours! We had to sleep in our clothes at my inlaws and buy toothbrushes and dog food and diapers for the night! So, pack a “carry on bag” to stay with you with all the essentials.
Jill says:
Perfect house…it is beautiful and so welcoming!!
Seriously, the mirrors in Annie’s room? Was it made for her or what?
Shana says:
I saw someone mentioned flylady.com Here is the direct link:
http://www.flylady.net/pages/Flying_MovingTips.asp
Lisa says:
Yay, congrats!!! The house looks gorgeous. Home ownership is awesome. The lead up to the move and the move its self will be stressful, there is no avoiding it. But, once you get moved in you’ll feel the stress melt away as you watch Annie and Rigby running around that backyard.
Those change of address packets you get from the post office have some pretty good moving to-do lists in them. There is a website where you can change all your magazine subscriptions in one place, I can’t think of the name of it off the top of my head though, sorry.
Good luck getting all packed. Can’t wait to see pics once you guys get moved in.
Wallydraigle says:
Gorgeous! Oh, is Annie ever going to love those mirrors in her room! I have yet to know a toddler who couldn’t stare at herself all day–especially one as pretty as Annie.
Owning your own house is so much fun. It’s amazing what a sense of ownership does for morale when you’re trying to do housework. We’re renting now, and while it does have its perks (no yardwork to do while trying to figure out what to do with the kids), I miss the pride I could take in owning my own house. It’s a great feeling!
Sharon Grof says:
Gorgeous house! Love all the hardwood floors and the roomy kitchen.
Kayla says:
OH Heather, AHHH!! I cried when I saw the picture of the house and read the post – this. is. AMAZING! Your home is beautiful, sweetie!
And might I suggest dubbing the house Casa De Spohr?
Elizabeth says:
OMG your house is amazing!! Congrats on the purchase, it’s beautiful!!!
huv123 says:
Paint any rooms before you move!
kristen says:
Congratulations, Spohrs!!! This house is so cute and looks ideal for your family! My advice to first time buyers, speaking from experience: Paint BEFORE you move in! (if you decide to paint) That way, you won’t have to worry about doggy fur or little hand prints smudging paint. Just one question…your kitchen appears to have new appliances. Whatcha gonna do with that savvy new fridge you’ve got in your place now? I’d be more than glad to take it off your hands!!! Best of luck in your new digs!!!
Funsize says:
SO jealous of your back yard! Congrats on the house!
Tracy says:
Congratulations Spohrs! It’s a BEAUTY of a house! I have nothing to offer as far as moving to-do lists. I bought my first house right after I got married and have lived there for TWENTY ONE years. I’m never moving…I can’t imagine packing/moving the garage.
amourningmom says:
Such exciting news! I am so happy for you all. Congratulations!
Charlene Ramirez says:
How exciting – the house is amazing – congratulations!!!!!
Alison says:
Too funny. I’ve been looking at that same house (not like, seriously. Just online dating)!! No really. We’re from the same area… SO GLAD YOU GOT IT! Welcome back to town.
Kristen says:
I LOVE IT! the yard is so pretty, and the kitchen is really nice. I also love all of the windows in the master bedroom. You both picked a very nice place. Congrats!!
linda says:
I’ve moved a lot. My one advice is to make your beds in your new house the #1 priority. Mark the box with sheets and bedding really well so it’s easy to find. At the end of day and you exhausted you can just crash. Trust me on this!!!!
nona says:
Well, now, that’s just awesome! I wonder if you will be closer/farther/same distance from Mike’s sister/the kid cousins?
Good luck, and I can’t wait to see the photos of it in use!
tara! says:
i love the kitchen!!! congrats on the new place!!!
SoMo says:
Beautiful! I am so jealous.
Mommy says:
OMG that house is GORGEOUS!!!!!! Sooooo jealous! Looks like Ventura County- your parents must be soooo thrilled!!! Congratulations Spohr Family!!
Shirley L says:
How exciting! Congratulations, it’s beautiful!!
MelissaG says:
I LOVE it and am so happy for you all! Looks like a wonderful place for your family!!
Liss says:
photocopy the map of what goes where (boxes/rooms) and tape it to the tops of the boxes. and pack a bag like you’re going on a weeks’ vacation so you don’t have to hunt up all the important stuff that you need ASAP. Oh, and don’t forget to have definite plans for meals for at least the day before, day of and day after moving–when your kitchen/groceries etc (and energy) are going to be in limbo.
LOVE the light/windows in the house. you’re gonna love it!! (and lack of people upstairs flooding your house…..)
Kelly says:
Congratulations!
Lesli says:
Awesome! Congratulations! It is a beautiful house and will be a wonderful home for you. So exciting!
Traci says:
I’m not really a commenter…but, this is truly near and dear to my heart. Our last move was decided, carried out, and completed in 15 days. Yes, 15 days. We are a family of 5…but we still have things from our two grown daughters. A ton of stuff. We did it ourselves. We moved from California to Arizona. We’ve also moved a ton of times. The “musts” in my book are setting up your beds first. It always feels better to sleep in your bed no matter the chaos around you. Label the boxes well. I color coded my kids’ stuff. I put labels in every room for everyone helping move so they knew which room was which…no confusion. The last two times I moved most things into the garage (not big furniture) and brought it in as I unpacked so there wasn’t “stuff” everywhere. Our youngest is 21 months and she would’ve been in every box. While bringing it in from the garage may not have been ideal it made life easier. I have always had garage sales and purged big time before loading moving trucks.
Have a great move!! I’m sure it will all go well!
michele wallace says:
CONGRATS – Super exciting, I am jelous its so beautiful! Try and stay sane moving, we moved when my twins were 11 months old. If I can stay sane and do it, YOU can do it
Happy Moves!
ella says:
Salutations!
The best moving advice? From an AF Captains wife: (me!)
Go to craigslist
click on “free” under “for sale”
search “moving supplies”/”moving boxes”, etc
BOOM.
FREEEEEEE moving supplies!
When we moved into our new Cali house we had mountains of boxes, bubble wrap, and wrapping paper that I just couldn’t throw away. (That whole reduce, reuse, recycle thing)
Also?
It’s so ridic how expensive moving supplies are! Gross!
Sensibly Sassy says:
wow, congratulations!! That is an adorable house!
Rachael says:
Congratulations you guys! That is awesome, and I’m excited for you and Annie. It’s beautiful.
Ray says:
I’ve never owned a house, so I’ll let the pro’s fill you in on the details/moving advice.
But, OHMYGOODNESS, you’re getting a house! It’s really nice. I love it. CONGRATS, times a billion! I can’t wait to see photos of Annie & Rigby in the backyard. =D
Noelle says:
Congratulations on purchasing your first home–and what a gorgeous home it is! Wishing you many happy moments in your new space!
Jill says:
YEAH for you guys. And that house is gorgeous big time!
anne says:
what a beautiful house! (although the window treatments look kinda colonial and old fashioned). i’m so excited for you!
Tandy says:
I recently saw a suggestion that makes so much sense. Pack suitcases with 5-7 days worth of clothes and all of the toiletries, etc. that you would take on a vacation. Live out of it the last week or two and pack the rest of your stuff up for the move. That way you’re not combatting major laundry and continual re-organizing of the clothing on top of packing up your house. I think I did something similar to this with our last move, but I have blocked most of it from memory — my twins were 18 months and my oldest was 5. 1-800-Pack-Rat made it easy for me to pack and load for several days leading up to our closing. We also hired movers for the furniture. I would do it the same way again.
Elle says:
That house is gorgeous! Congratulations and good luck!!!
Kristine says:
It’s gorgeous! Love it.
I wish I could help you with packing stuff, but I’m not organized. I usually pack in trash bags and have at least one moving melt down. Good luck though!
J.A. says:
A few things that are really helpful to have around the time of the move
1. Tear by hand packing tape! It is worth every penny.
2. Sharpies. USE Different Colors for kitchen and bathrooms, bedroom etc. I know that sounds crazy but it really does make it easier. You can label on one side and then just take the Sharpie and scribble on the other sides of the box. Then when you see a box with green you can be like “Oh Kitchen” .
3. Moving day box. Use a big CLEAR plastic bin with stuff you will want that day. Include Several pairs of scissor, Cell phone and other chargers, Snacks, Water, Annie must haves (diapers, clothing changes etc..),
The house is ADORABLE!!!!!
The Mommy Therapy says:
Adorable house! Congratulations!
What an exciting time!
Madeleine says:
Congratulations Spohr Family!! YAYYY!!!!!
Rachel says:
That looks like y’alls house!!! Exactly. Congratulations! I LOVE the backyard…. it looks made for Annie and Rigby.
I’m excited for you. What fun
Sarah says:
Is it weird to say I am proud of you guys? Can you be proud of perfect strangers on the internet? Awesome house! Rigby is going to flip. her. lid. when she sees that yard. My only suggestion for the to do list:
1. Hire movers!!!
Good luck!!!!
Lisa says:
It’s so stinking cute and adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What will you do with all the space? Hehehe….new Spohr in the making as you visit each room?
Jaden says:
CONGRATULATIONS!! We’re in the process of trying to get pre-approval right now, so I know how daunting and far away it can seem when you’re looking… Glad you found your own little slice of heaven!!
AmazingGreis says:
LOVE it. So excited for you all! Can’t wait to make the “green” room my own!!!
Susan A says:
PERFECT!! Hope all goes well. Love the backyard!!
Emily says:
Congrats on your new home!! How exciting I’m so happy for you guys and sending lots of love your way. Good luck with the move!
Jen Berger says:
It’s beautiful! Congrats!
cynthia says:
How exciting! And i TOTALLY agreee it is SUPER grown up feeling!! Iwas kind fo terrified to even tell anyone when we bought ours last summer. The house is LOVELY and that is probably the fastest closing i have ever heard of! moving sucks but at least you’ll be in your new house when your done!
Can’t wait for more pics.
Tina says:
Beautiful house! Congrats!! Is it near the area where we grew up?
Sarah says:
I can’t remember the name of it, but there’s a site online that you can register with that will do most if not all of the magazines in one go. We used it both times we’ve moved with great success. – but the hubby took care of it.
In the grand scheme of things, moving stinks and it’s hard, but it’s totally doable. We moved this past June, almost 4 weeks to the day after I had my Gal Bladder removed. If I can manage packing with a toddler while being sick as a dog (had my first attack the weekend we sold our house); found a house while still sick and scheduling the surgery, the closed that fast – you’ll do great.
It’s a good time to purge whatever you can bear to part with. I could have shot myself when I hauled 2 minivan loads full of stuff I didn’t need or want to a friend’s house for a yard sale – less than 4 weeks after we moved.
Glenda says:
Congrats Heather & Mike…. what a beautiful house.
Enjoy! It’s so nice to live in your own home!
Jeanie says:
That is a BEAUTIFUL house! And it’s not a “little” house. I live in a little house. Trust me.
JenT says:
Something I just thought of – if you have time (hehe). When we bought our first house we closed on a Thursday. On Friday I took a car load of stuff and picked up the key from the realtor, then went to the house and cleaned. It’s so much easier to clean when it’s empty. I wiped every surface (closet shelves, refrigerator, bathrooms, floors) and it didn’t take me all that long. I also called it my bonding time with the new house! Then Saturday we rented a u-haul and had friends and family show up to help us move. On Sunday I went back to our apartment, loaded the last misc things into the car, and cleaned the entire apartment. It worked out perfectly, of course I didn’t have kids then, so it was much easier with just my husband and I!!! Hopefully you have someone who can take Annie for a playdate (or two!) so that you can focus solely on getting moved in and out. Gorgeous house! Have fun!
Kia says:
It is gorgeous! Congratulations! So I’ve bought, remodeled, and moved into two houses, each time while in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy. A few things I’ve learned:
1. Keep an unpacked, open box for Annie to “pack.” This was an accidental genius move we made when moving into our second house when our oldest was about Annie’s age. He put random stuff in it, like TV remotes, random sticks, rocks and pieces of paper, and my cell phone at one point (not so cool). But it kept him from packing or unpacking the really important boxes. Also, don’t do any touch-up painting in areas where she can reach until after bed time…
2. Have your realtor give you a list of all the local utilities, like power, water, cable, trash, etc. Make sure you call to set up accounts with them as of the date of your COE. That way you’ll have power and water while moving, even if you’re not living there yet.
3. Don’t freak out. It’s supposed to be fun. Get the important stuff packed last and unpacked first (clothes, computer, tooth brush), the rest will come together. Also, the forces of evil and unfair will possibly at some point convene to force you to close escrow late, have to submit proof of god knows what, and whatever else you can imagine that might lead to delays. It happens. It will work out. Just breathe!
karen says:
wow it’s gorgeous!
I can just imagine the amount of time annie will spend in front of those mirrors!
as for lists…. woman you spend all your time on a computer, have you not googled them? i’m sure microsoft do a few but heres some important ones.
inform your current utilities providers – elec, gas, water, phone , internet (VERY important one!).
sort out a new vet! dotn want to wait until you need one
sort out your address change cards and send them out early when you get your date to move.
change your driving licence and medical card details as soon as you move
ask friends, family, strangers for boxes and start to pack the things you dont need now – christmas decs, winter clothes, books, very fragile stuff, etc. impose on local friends and family for a space for a few boxes – spread them around and get people to bring them over to your new place after a couple of days – excuse for a party
things will go wrong, same as things do when they are complicated and new to you. but enjoy the fact that you will soon be in your new home and annie and rigsby will soon be rolling around in the grass whilst you cook in your new kitchen. on second thoughts…. have you got any cookery books yet!
Leslie K says:
Oh, it is GORGEOUS!!! Congratulations and best of luck during your move!
Marie says:
Escrow is a big fancy word for give us ALL your extra money and then you have the privilege of paying for this house for 30 years. It’s like closing costs. What the hell is a closing? Pardon my French!! lol But the amount of paperwork in that closing ceremony almost seems like it’s worth the 12,000 bucks you pay to do it.
That is a beautiful house, really beautiful. I am so happy for you. Space, colors, closets, garage and an attic. What more could a person ask for. I love the kitchen especially those really big drawers!
I sincerely hope you got a home inspection though or you have a warranty from the sellers.
I have moved many times. It’s now a perfect time to start sorting through your closets and paring down anything you don’t use. Make some trips to the thrift store to donate the extra. Then pack as you clean.
Good luck and enjoy your new house.
Hugs from Minnesota,
Marie
lissa says:
The house looks wonderful!!! Moving advice – I have none but good luck. I do have some landscaping advice – take out the tree in the front. It will make the yard look bigger and you will be able to actually see the front =]
Good Luck and Congratulations !!!!
Rachel - A Southern Fairytale says:
oh. lovey!
love love love
mccgood says:
Time and time again you say something on your blog that makes me feel that I am not alone in my way of thinking. “We are in escrow on a house! Somehow this feels more adult than having babies.” It’s just so interesting that you say this I always thought if I could just have a baby/child then I would really be an adult. Thanks again for always posting what you feel.
Kimmy says:
Congrats!!! What an adorable house! I love that the paint colors are neutrals you can live with until you decide to paint, & not white walls everywhere.
Wendy says:
Congratulations!!! The house is beautiful!
Joy says:
Congratulations!! I don’t have alot of moving advice seeing I have only ever moved once in my entire life:) I grew up in the same house then hubs and I bought this house right before I turned 21.
But does look like your gonna have to invest in a lawn mower because OMG look at that yard!!!
Mom again says:
The house is adorable. 25 minutes out of L A in WHICH DIRECTION? Cause if it’s south, hello neighbor!
Also. I’ve moved 34 times. The last 4 have been with paid movers. I pack better than any of them. Because I’ve moved 34 fricken times.
Though really, it’s worth it to get some professional help. The first time we had paid movers, we just had to as we somehow had no friends with trucks. We packed everything before. Then the movers came and they carried heavy stuff and we carried light stuff to the truck for 2 hours. Then they drove to the new house and unloaded. We paid them for 4 hours time and the mileage, on a Wednesday morning when they never have jobs. Yes we still had to make several round trips with the car for cloths and stuff. But having extra big large men who actually knew how to carry heavy stuff was priceless.
Amy says:
Catching up on blog reading and … AYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! Homeownership is da bomb. Your house is so adorable I want to move in, too. Congrats!
And ps — hire packers and movers if you can. It will all be done in under eight hours. No kidding. So. Worth. It.
Irene says:
You don’t need to buy new moving boxes (although if you do, U-Haul has good prices and lets you return unused boxes if you buy too many). Look on Freecycle (on the westside it’s Freecycle Santa Monica — it’s a Yahoo group but you can also Google it). Lots of people buy new boxes when they move and then give away the still-perfectly-good boxes!
thatgirlblogs says:
pay movers. sooo worth it. (3 time homeowner over here)
Andrea says:
Congratulations! How very exciting! Yes, there will be lots to do but you will get it all done .
Missy says:
Congrats on the house! SO exciting!!! It is just the cutest little house ever! YOu’d think after 7 moves in 3 years I’d be expert at it, but it still sucks. Make sure you label ALL your boxes. Change your address with the post office, transfer any utilities to the new house if possible. make sure the utilities are turned on at the new house before the big moving day. That’s about all I can think of off the top of my head! Have fun!!!
punkinmama says:
Oh my goodness, that is the most adorable house ever!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Jen says:
I died and went to heaven and your kitchen was there.
Sigh.
af says:
I spit out my coffee at the Joey Tribbiani comment. Congratulations! You guys deserve the best!
Jennifer says:
Congratulations on the purchase of your new house!!! I LOVE it. It is really beautiful.
Katiek says:
Congratulations! That house rules!!
Meg says:
Oh, it looks just wonderful — that backyard is awesome! Congratulations!!
Rian says:
Congratulations on becomming homeowners! I was shocked at how stressful the whole process was when we bought in 2008. Wedding planning was a breeze compared to that nightmare. It’ll be so worth it once you’re moved in!
Good luck,
Rian