N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: NTrain on December 14, 2016, 09:48:20 PM

Title: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on December 14, 2016, 09:48:20 PM
Two years ago, we moved into our current home, hoping to make life easier. And so it was.

However, what I thought was a bit of a stiff back has progressively got worse and been diagnosed as arthritis of the spine. I have been advised to give up full time work and move into a bungalow.

I thought not very helpful. The bills still need to be paid and rent-able bungalows are like hens teeth. Against the odds, we have found a bungalow to rent a short distance from our current home.

There is likely to be a disruption to on line communications over the next few weeks, but I will try to keep on top of N-Train as much as possible. I will have space for doing 3D development work on my new 3D printer, which is still in it's box waiting till after the move, to be opened.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Drakken on December 14, 2016, 09:55:33 PM
Health and making life easier is the priority above all else. Good luck finding your new home  :beers:

I live in a bungalow myself and best decision I've ever made, Although I'm only 31 makes everything easier when moving too :)
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on December 14, 2016, 10:27:21 PM
Good luck with the move.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on December 14, 2016, 10:42:12 PM
It can be quite a shock downsizing to a bungalow so I hope all goes well for you :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: N-Gauge-US on December 15, 2016, 02:04:01 AM
Sorry to hear about the spine :( I know moving will be a hassle, but I hope it proves worth it in the end and give you some relief. Put your health and sanity first and deal with N Train when you can. All the best

Philip
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: D1042 Western Princess on December 15, 2016, 06:46:21 AM
As the others have said, good luck with both the move and your health.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on December 18, 2016, 08:08:42 AM
We have the keys. Have started cleaning and moving a few bits about.

Ordered a satellite dish installation. TV reception dreadful in our area, so we have Freesat.

Ordered phone line/broadband/Now TV package, but they have lost my order!!!!!!

Next stage, painting bedrooms.

As it is furnished, we have very little to move, except we are having our own bed, lounge furniture and upright freezer. They are being moved on Wednesday.

All my railway related stuff will wait until after Christmas, as we have until 13th January before the house needs to be vacated.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on December 18, 2016, 10:44:19 AM
Soon there'll be no more 'going up to bed' :no:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: robert shrives on December 24, 2016, 11:17:05 AM
Bob,
good luck in every way and enjoy the "move" and I bet you find stuff you never knew you had !
Enjoy festive season and take care !
Robert
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: javlinfaw7 on December 25, 2016, 12:45:00 AM
 The problem with moving is in the packing , I have some boxes in the attic from  my last move 32 years ago that have not been  in packed ,books mainly
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on December 28, 2016, 03:47:21 PM
Most of the move took place so we were in the bungalow before Christmas, just.

Now got to get the final few bits out of the house and clean it before the 13th January.

Looking forward to getting phone and internet on the 9th. It is a pain having to go back to the old house just to check e-mails etc.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on December 28, 2016, 08:59:07 PM
Good to hear.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on January 09, 2017, 10:01:40 PM
At long last, we are back on the internet.

It will take a few days to catch up with things, but hope to have things back to normal shortly.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on January 09, 2017, 10:14:48 PM
Hope you've managed to squeeze everything into the new abode, Bob.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on February 11, 2017, 11:41:39 PM
Well, that didn't last very long.

We have got to move again. The landlord said we had too many boxes, while moving in, didn't like us having grandchildren round to visit. We don't have pets, but he also hates cats.

The estate agent spent ages telling us that we have done nothing wrong and tried to tell the landlord that a rented property becomes someones home while they are there, and that they should be allowed to live the way they want. He would not budge.

There was a break point on the agreement, so we are out by June. He has agreed, that if we find somewhere, he will not hold us to paying rent for the full term.

I have arthritis of the spine and not sure my back can take another move, as we will not have enough funds built up to pay a removal firm. I have been off work for two weeks, due to the pain in my back, taking stronger tablets. No choice but to go back to work next week, so I can raise as much money as possible for deposit etc. We still haven't had the deposit returned from our last rented property.

:veryangry:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Webbo on February 11, 2017, 11:46:54 PM
Your landlord sounds like a miserable piece of work. You'll be better off in the long run well clear of him I expect.

In the meantime, my sincere sympathies to you and I really do hope that things will work out for you with your back and accommodation situation.

Webbo
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on February 12, 2017, 09:59:27 AM
Good grief, Bob! Sounds like your landlord would only be satisfied if dead people moved in ::)
No visits from grandchildren? Too many boxes? What planet is he living on? :censored:
I hope things improve for you very soon, both healthwise and accommodation wise.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Sprintex on February 12, 2017, 12:48:49 PM
Sadly we had an experience like that a couple of years ago :(

Moved into a nice house, but after less than a month we were told we weren't allowed to park on the road outside the house, even though plenty of other people did. No reason given, no parking restrictions in force, but think it was just so the old lady opposite's gardener could park right outside her house. Then we weren't allowed to work on our own cars in the driveway if it was going to make a noise. Next we weren't allowed to work in our own cars even if it WASN'T going to make a noise. The restrictions kept coming for no apparent reason, the Letting Agent couldn't understand it either since we made no noise or bothered anyone, House and garden always kept clean and tidy. Moved out after less than a year.

Luckily we seem to have found the ideal place now. Landlord is quick to come and fix any problem, but otherwise leaves us alone and said treat the place as your own. Hope you have the same luck Bob :thumbsup:


Paul
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on February 12, 2017, 08:24:42 PM
I've never heard of anything so ridiculous.  My sympathies, Bob, and good luck. Let's hope you end up in a similar situation to Paul.  :thumbsup:

George
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mito on February 12, 2017, 10:18:39 PM
That's bad news. Your landlord is going beyond the law. Take a visit to your citizens advice bureau to see where you stand. I hope you can get your back sorted.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on May 17, 2017, 03:37:53 PM
D day approaches. After the 21st of June we could be homeless.

Due to me being out of work, we are unable to get a private rental again. We are on the council housing list, but there are very few properties coming up in our area. My health problems dictate the need for ground floor only.

The only properties showing would mean a great increase in travel for my wife, and, at least, two thirds of her wages going in petrol. That is, if the car survives the extra use. It is showing signs of it's age unfortunately. It eats oil like nobodies business and there are signs of the clutch getting worn.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: davidinyork on May 17, 2017, 04:26:21 PM
Sounds a pretty crap situation to be in - and it highlights the problem with renting in this country: tenants have pretty much no rights at all, and those which there are can mostly be flouted by a landlord with impunity as they hold all the cards. Assured Shorhold Tenancies aren't really worth the paper they are printed on.

You do have to wonder why some landlords behave like this, though - the only thing I can think is that they have a contract with the letting agent whereby they get paid even if the property is empty, but even so I'd have though those sort of agreements have clauses meaning no pay out if the landlord insists on kicking out sitting tenants without a good reason.

I'm also in the position of having to move in the next few months (been there ten years) as my landlord wants to expand the building and then rent it again - I've been told I can have first refusal if I want to move back, but I rather doubt if I will take this up given that it'll mean increased rent and council tax. Living in a city with two universities doesn't make it any easier to find somewhere, and pushes rents up. At least I'm in work though, and the city is big enough that places are coming up all the time, so I'm sure I'll find somewhere in the next few months.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on May 17, 2017, 08:23:14 PM
Quote from: NTrain on May 17, 2017, 03:37:53 PM
D day approaches. After the 21st of June we could be homeless.

Due to me being out of work, we are unable to get a private rental again. We are on the council housing list, but there are very few properties coming up in our area. My health problems dictate the need for ground floor only.

The only properties showing would mean a great increase in travel for my wife, and, at least, two thirds of her wages going in petrol. That is, if the car survives the extra use. It is showing signs of it's age unfortunately. It eats oil like nobodies business and there are signs of the clutch getting worn.

I really suggest you do two things:-

(a) contact your local newspaper + radio station or whatever media is locally based and give them your story.
(b) contact your local M.P.
My 83 year old mother has found hers to be extremely helpful.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on May 17, 2017, 08:35:20 PM
Just picked this thread up.

So sorry to read your news.

Hope that you can get something sorted very quickly.

Hope also that you take Mick's advice.

All the best.

dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Ian Bowden on May 18, 2017, 09:35:34 AM
Your landlord should be happy getting someone who doesn't abuse the property and pays the rent. That is really  all a landlord should want. Seems like your landlord needs a lesson in reality, getting  problem tenants can cost thousands in repairs and lost income.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mike Hamilton on May 18, 2017, 09:54:50 AM
I hope things get sorted out for the better and that your health improves.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on May 18, 2017, 09:59:58 AM
Echoed. All the very best, Bob.  :thumbsup:

George
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on June 10, 2017, 04:15:48 PM
Just a quick update. Life gets no easier, with still nowhere to move to.

The council keep on turning down our bids, despite being on the highest priority.  :(

Having said that, we are looking at a ground floor flat on Tuesday. The location is quite good, but it is quite small. However, it does have walls and a roof.

It seems that my back problem is worse.  I have osteoporosis and a vertebral osteoporotic fracture. I also have narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area with the worst being at L5. A bit of a mouthful :)
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on June 10, 2017, 04:39:25 PM
Really sorry to read about about your back problems.

Good luck for Tuesday.

Dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 10, 2017, 04:46:35 PM
Quote from: NTrain on June 10, 2017, 04:15:48 PM
However, it does have walls and a roof.


Just slightly worried you haven't mentioned floors, Bob :worried:

Don't give up haranguing the council as they'll let it slide.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: woodbury22uk on June 10, 2017, 06:40:16 PM
Quote from: NTrain on June 10, 2017, 04:15:48 PM

It seems that my back problem is worse.  I have osteoporosis and a vertebral osteoporotic fracture. I also have narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar area with the worst being at L5. A bit of a mouthful :)

Sorry to hear this Bob. My brother has suffered from a similar osteoporosis of the vertebrae for seven years, and gets a bit shorter each year as his vertebrae lose vertical height. Keep taking the pain meds, and enjoy your modeling. Hope the housing gets sorted soon too.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on June 11, 2017, 12:43:30 AM
All the very best, Bob.  :beers:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on June 13, 2017, 06:58:15 PM
If we refuse to leave our current bungalow, as we are being advised by the local council, I assume we are technically breaking the law.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Gary Burcombe on June 13, 2017, 07:44:17 PM
once your tenancy agreement has expired, the landlord has to go through the courts for an eviction notice.  If you leave before this, then the council consider you "voluntarily making yourself homeless" and it puts you further down the priority list.  Once you have that eviction notice, however, then you get higher up the list, but be prepared for an emergency B & B for a while.  My daughter was in the same situation last year, but she had a team of social workers on her side to help.  Considering your health problems, there should be other help available to you.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on June 22, 2017, 08:37:15 AM
Still in the rented accommodation, with our end date having been yesterday. Sent the estate agents an e-mail telling them we are paying on a weekly rolling basis, until we get somewhere else, or until the landlord gets a court order. I have drawn a line in the sand so to speak.

The good news is that we may be getting a council place, but there are several hoops to go through, and bizarrely, my medical condition could stop us getting the place. It is a ground floor flat, which means no stairs for me, but it only has a bath and no shower. There is an Adult Social Services report which states I need a level access shower.

If it comes to it, I will get a shower fitted myself. My primary concern now is to get a secure living place for me and my wife. We will adapt where necessary.

Nothing much will happen for at least two weeks.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mike Hamilton on June 22, 2017, 09:15:38 AM
I really do hope that things pan out the way you want.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 22, 2017, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: NTrain on June 22, 2017, 08:37:15 AM

If it comes to it, I will get a shower fitted myself. My primary concern now is to get a secure living place for me and my wife. We will adapt where necessary.

Nothing much will happen for at least two weeks.

Glad you're digging your heels in, Bob.
If having a shower put into the council flat means you get it then maybe that's the price you must pay but just check with them you are OK to make such an alteration. Keep us posted please.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Ian Bowden on June 22, 2017, 10:39:12 AM
Quote from: newportnobby on June 22, 2017, 09:40:30 AM
Quote from: NTrain on June 22, 2017, 08:37:15 AM

If it comes to it, I will get a shower fitted myself. My primary concern now is to get a secure living place for me and my wife. We will adapt where necessary.

Nothing much will happen for at least two weeks.

Glad you're digging your heels in, Bob.
If having a shower put into the council flat means you get it then maybe that's the price you must pay but just check with them you are OK to make such an alteration. Keep us posted please.
Social services will usually do the adaptation, they are usually slow in getting things done due to budget restraints but your priority should move you up the list.
If you have a problem with the council over the flat talk to your local councillor, when I worked for my local council any time a councillor asked questions we were instructed to get whatever it was fixed asap.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 22, 2017, 10:42:47 AM
Agreed. See reply #22
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on June 22, 2017, 12:22:07 PM
Hope the council get their tail in gear and give you the help you need.

All the best.

Dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on June 26, 2017, 04:12:11 PM
A bit of good news. We have been offered a flat (one bedroom) with a local housing association. Had an interview today and basically been told yes, by them.

It is still occupied, so we have to wait for the keys to be handed in before we can view it and agree. Possibly 2 weeks.

Downside will be lack of space for modelling.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on June 26, 2017, 04:25:35 PM
Is the flat ground floor, Bob? Hope the viewing goes OK and all is to your liking.

Quote from: NTrain on June 26, 2017, 04:12:11 PM

Downside will be lack of space for modelling.

Time to open negotiations with 'The Authorities', methinks :D
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on June 26, 2017, 06:29:35 PM
Ground floor. Bath, no shower. Location is one of the best areas in Hunstanton.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on June 26, 2017, 06:56:37 PM
All the best!  :thumbsup:

Dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: The Q on June 30, 2017, 08:47:51 AM
I hope all goes well with the move to Sunny Hunny, and you enjoy the land of Le Strange.
I take it the new layout will be the Lynn and Hunstanton Railway?
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on July 10, 2017, 11:38:12 AM
We get to view the flat we have been offered by the local council, tomorrow.

Just found my 5M tape measure so I can measure floors, windows etc.

On the assumption we accept it, they then send in an inspection team, to check that there are no problems that need to be fixed. It is only then, that we can get a date.

Our old landlord is starting to get nasty, just because we refused to leave when he told us to.............
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 10, 2017, 11:43:03 AM
Quote from: NTrain on July 10, 2017, 11:38:12 AM

Our old landlord is starting to get nasty, just because we refused to leave when he told us to.............

Oh dear. This is starting to sound like the old Genesis song "Get 'em out by Friday"
I hope the viewing goes OK and that, providing you like the place, you're in quickly.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Tonye on July 10, 2017, 05:19:22 PM
I thought Here I go Again was by Whitesnake?.Best of luck with the move. 
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: red_death on July 11, 2017, 11:32:25 AM
Hope it all goes well Bob.

I'd suggest politely telling your existing landlord to shove it and that you are doing things as quickly as possible due to the situation he has left you in. I'd also keep a record of any nastiness just to cover yourself.

Cheers, Mike
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on July 11, 2017, 12:38:01 PM
The general nastiness, I am keeping note of.

I am expecting a fight to get our deposit back. Good jobwe do not need a hefty deposit for a Council place.

We look around the flat at 4 this afternoon, with tape measure and pad in hand.

I don't think we have much choice bit to take the flat and it will be a case of what have we got to go without, to make it work. My biggest worry is, am I going to have enough space to allow me to continue N-Train. I don't hold large stock levels, but I have to hold some, and I am constantly designing new stuff.

Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on July 11, 2017, 08:57:23 PM
We have been and had a look at the flat. Will need to buy white goods and decorate.

There is a cupboard for my modelling stock.

Will have to wait until we are settled in before thinking about a small layout though.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 11, 2017, 09:25:45 PM
Sounds like you're going for it, Bob. Keep us posted please.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on July 12, 2017, 06:04:28 AM
Good luck. Hope it all works out OK.

Dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on July 17, 2017, 12:06:55 PM
Just had a call from the Housing Association, we sign papers on Friday and have the tenancy from next Monday.

The best part is that we get the keys on Friday...................

Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mito on July 17, 2017, 02:08:31 PM
Great. :thumbsup:   Let's hope now that you can carry on living a decent life without the stress you've suffered.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on July 17, 2017, 03:57:51 PM
Good news at last!

Hope it all goes well for you.

dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mike Hamilton on July 17, 2017, 04:23:50 PM
Thats really good news.  I do hope you'll be happier in your new home.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: joe cassidy on July 17, 2017, 06:30:27 PM
I'm happy for you Bob.

Don't waste too much time decorating  :)

Best regards,


Joe
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: REGP on July 17, 2017, 08:41:29 PM
Quote from: NTrain on July 17, 2017, 12:06:55 PM
Just had a call from the Housing Association, we sign papers on Friday and have the tenancy from next Monday.

The best part is that we get the keys on Friday...................
Phew, I bet thats a relief, you an start to live again now. Good luck with the move.

Ray
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 17, 2017, 08:42:52 PM
Hope all goes well and that you soon settle in your new home :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on July 18, 2017, 06:57:16 PM
Three weeks to get the phone line swapped over. Got to have a new number.

Line being cut off  next Monday, so I will 'disappear' for a couple of weeks after that.

I'll be glad when it is all over.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on July 21, 2017, 10:42:59 PM
Got the keys to the new place. Decorating starts in the morning.

Had to cancel my sat dish install because we haven't got 'permission' yet.

White goods arriving Monday, carpets layed 8am Tuesday. Move furniture Tuesday.

Wednesday. Clean bungalow son in law and cleaner he works with), and put landlord furniture back, hand back keys with suggestions where landlord can put them.

End of 6 months hell, get on with life.

Contact will be sporadic for about 2 1/2 weeks though.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mike Hamilton on July 21, 2017, 10:49:45 PM
Good luck with it all.
Remember, and no puns intended, as one door closes, another door opens.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on July 22, 2017, 06:48:19 AM
You've got pretty much most things organised so good luck and best wishes for much happier times ahead!  :thumbsup:

Decorating can be satisfying but I'm currently removing badly done lining paper off a spare room. Ugh!

Dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on July 22, 2017, 07:48:40 AM
Best of luck, buddy.  :thumbsup: :beers:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Newportnobby on July 22, 2017, 08:25:19 AM
Best wishes for your move, Bob, and I hope all goes well, including the insertion of the keys into the landlord such that he requires the services of a proctologist.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: railsquid on July 22, 2017, 11:15:50 AM
Quote from: newportnobby on July 22, 2017, 08:25:19 AM
Best wishes for your move, Bob, and I hope all goes well, including the insertion of the keys into the landlord such that he requires the services of a proctologist.
Keyhole surgery?

Hope everything goes fine with the move, I've moved more times in my life than I care to count and not keen to do so again for a long while...
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: REGP on July 22, 2017, 11:47:06 AM
Congrats on the move, I hope it all  goes as smoothly as you want.

Ray
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Mito on July 22, 2017, 05:30:16 PM
A lot of work ahead but all worthwhile. Good luck with the move and hope all goes smoothly.  Bent keys are difficult to extract. :)
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: NTrain on August 09, 2017, 09:14:15 PM
We have moved in.

A lot of pain and a long wait for phone etc to be sorted. Back on line today and now the catching up starts.

Apologies if I have missed answering anything on eBay or Facebook, but I didn't even have a mobile signal.
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: dannyboy on August 09, 2017, 09:28:09 PM
At long last eh? Hopefully everything runs smoothly now and you are very happy in your new abode.  :beers:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: RailGooner on August 09, 2017, 10:42:21 PM
Quote from: NTrain on August 09, 2017, 09:14:15 PM
..
Apologies if I have missed answering anything
...

Pah! Forget that Bob. Sit back, sigh deep, giggle a little, then a lot more, contemplate the new Casa NTrain and a job well done. Lots of frustrations involved in moving home, you gotta take a moment to enjoy completion. :beers:
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: daveg on August 10, 2017, 06:43:06 AM
Best wishes for your new home.

Hope you will be happy and settled there.

Dave G
Title: Re: Here I go (again) - moving home.
Post by: Bealman on August 10, 2017, 07:30:42 AM
Glad you're finally sorted. It all must have been extremely stressful.