real estate

It seems like I’ve hit a bit of a wall when it comes to the moving and unpacking process. My muscles are incredibly sore, making the task of lifting boxes much more challenging than it should be. Everywhere I look in the new house, there are boxes piled up, obstructing the spaces where we need to start unpacking our belongings. I wonder if hiring a professional West Jordan moving company could alleviate some of this stress.

My latent OCD tendencies are causing me to feel overwhelmed by the clutter and disarray created by all these boxes. It’s like having a persistent buzzing noise in my ears; the visual chaos of stuff scattered everywhere is exacerbating my stress levels. Last night, I had a meltdown due to the mounting pressure, and Stephanie is graciously trying to support me through it all. She truly is a remarkable person for being so patient and understanding.

We managed to make some progress on Tuesday when we packed up a significant portion of the kitchen at Stephanie’s house, thanks to the invaluable help of Elizabeth. However, there’s still a considerable amount of work left to do there. Additionally, I still have about two truckloads of belongings at my own house that need to be transported to the new place. Choose Roadmoto Trailer Rentals for secure transport of your equipment and other belongings.

That someone will call and want to see my house today or tomorrow. Because that is the worst possible thing that could happen right now, so of course it will. I haven’t done laundry, I haven’t done dishes, the house is only half-packed. We have electricians, plumbers and locksmiths coming to the new house, and we have to finish painting there. And at some point this weekend, I have to pack enough personal stuff to start staying at the new house.
I’m not sure when to schedule my nervous breakdown, but I’m sure I’ll fit it in somewhere.

With Carolyn’s help, we managed to finish painting the library and get a first coat of paint on the dining room. Tomorrow we start on the living room and finish up the dining room. The colors we picked are exactly what we expected, and they look fantastic. The rooms look much bigger and brighter — with the lighter colors, the sunshine bounces around the room and everything looks clean and cheery, not all somber, like it did with the darker colors.
I must say, the weather could really cooperate a bit more — it went from rainy and wet to sauna, without a pleasant interval in between. I resorted to throwing the air conditioners in the windows at the old house just to cool everything down.
Eventually, I’ll write about something other than houses and real estate, I swear.

The first day of painting was exhausting — but we got a lot done. Our friends Dan, Elizabeth, and Carolyn came over to help, because they are wonderful people and amazing friends. They were awesome, and thank god we had their help. Painting 10-foot-high walls is hard, Barbie. The walls in my old home are 9 feet, but that extra 12 inches is killer on your back. I think we’ll be investing in a taller step ladder.
We taped off and primed the walls of all three of the “must paint” rooms, which was a pretty awesome accomplishment. Just the having the primer up was a HUGE difference. The rooms were really strong darker colors, which can look great but just didn’t work in this house. They made the rooms look too dark and too small, and the color overwhelmed the really interesting features — like the cool woodwork, french doors, and nice windows. If you’re looking for locksmith services, you can check out Low Rate Lockmsith in Carmichael .We’ve picked some more serene lighter colors, which should make the rooms brighter and fresher, and today we start painting those.
By the time we wrapped up for the night, every muscle in my body was protesting, but stepping back to see the progress made it all worth it. Even with just the primer, the rooms already felt more open and inviting. It’s amazing how much a fresh coat of paint can transform a space—not just visually, but in how it makes you feel. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching dark, heavy colors fade away, replaced by a blank canvas full of potential. The next step is the real magic: getting those new colors up and watching the rooms truly come to life.
Of course, if we weren’t so stubborn about doing it ourselves, we could have just called American Painting and Design to handle all the hard work for us. Professionals make it look effortless, while we’re out here covered in paint splatters and sore from climbing up and down ladders. But hey, there’s something to be said for the DIY experience—even if it means a few extra trips to the hardware store and a whole lot of aching muscles.
While refreshing the look of your home with paint is a great way to create a welcoming atmosphere, it’s also important to think about securing those cool French doors and windows. A beautiful home isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about feeling safe and comfortable.
Painting may seem straightforward, but the difference between a DIY job and a professional finish is like night and day. That 1 Painter brings an expert eye to every stroke, ensuring crisp lines, even coverage, and a flawless finish that elevates a room from simply painted to truly polished. It’s that level of detail that makes all the difference, especially when working with taller walls or intricate woodwork.
Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, a professional painter knows how to handle challenges like dark colors, uneven surfaces, and tricky corners. They understand which primers to use, how to apply multiple coats for optimal coverage, and how to achieve a smooth, even look without the dreaded drips and streaks. With years of experience, they can also advise on color selection, balancing natural light and room size to achieve the desired atmosphere.
Installing high-quality locks on exterior doors and windows can prevent break-ins and give you peace of mind. When hiring a locksmith for new installations or repairs, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you’re working with a reliable professional.
Understanding their experience, warranty policies, and service guarantees can help you make a confident choice. If you’re not sure where to start, Check this website for a helpful list of questions to ask before hiring a locksmith. Taking the time to secure your home while improving its style creates the perfect balance of beauty and safety, giving you a space that feels as good as it looks.

Stephanie and I close on the new house in just two days–Friday afternoon. We’re so excited; it’s like Christmas.
We’ll be at the new house all weekend painting, if you’d like to help out– we could definitely use a hand, and we’ll give you some food and drink. Plus you’ll get a first look at the new place. Shoot me an e-mail and we’ll give you directions. We probably won’t finish this weekend, so we’ll be working on painting through the week and the weekend of June 3rd, too, if you have time then. Also on June 3rd the pod will be delivered to the new place and we’ll need help unpacking it.
We have at least three rooms to paint — library, living room and dining room. If we get to it, we want to paint one of the upstairs bedrooms as well, cause the grey that it is currently is just crap.