Downsizing: The Lawn King
The day was lovely with a fresh-cut grass scent in the air and the line to enter the estate sale was long. On offer were a John Deere riding mower, zero-turn mower, compact tractor, and yard cart as well as a literal garden center’s worth of weed wackers, rakes, shovels, limb cutters, chain saws, edgers, trimmers, and brooms – and this was just in the garage! Other outdoor/yard items included patio sets, pool equipment and toys, yard statues, bird baths, and houses. So began the final stage of downsizing what his family jokingly but lovingly called the “Lawn King.”
Joe and his wife Bobbi were among the first buyers in a newly built community in the 1970s. The couple, who had young children, were pleased with their lovely home on a 2.5-acre lot and thrilled to have several other young families as neighbors. Bobbi took great pride in making the house comfortable for the family while Joe reveled in the large yard. Over the years, Joe carefully planned and did much of the work creating play areas for the children, a vegetable and rose garden for Bobbi, a swimming pool area, a lovely front yard, and a large grassy lawn out back.
Outgoing and hospitable, the couple loved sharing the beauty of their home hosting large outdoor gatherings for neighbors, family, and friends on the grounds manicured by Joe. Bobbi and Joe enjoyed many happy family events as their children grew into adulthood with their middle daughter choosing to marry in the large backyard (Joe built the wedding arch). Grandchildren spent countless hours enjoying the house and yard. No one knows when the nickname “Lawn King” started but if anyone couldn’t find Joe, chances were he was working in the yard.
Slowly, Joe and Bobbi realized keeping up with the house and yard was now more of a chore than a pleasure. Consulting with their children, they decided it was time to sell their home and move to a new, nearby senior community. To ease this big life change, their realtor suggested working with a senior move manager, Chesapeake Transitions, to determine what would fit into their new apartment, what to do with what wouldn’t fit, and develop a plan for the actual move.
On moving day, furniture and boxes prepped by the Chesapeake Transitions crew were loaded, and delivered to Bobbie and Joe’s new apartment. Then, the crew immediately began setting things in place according to a prearranged floor plan. and before long the apartment was ready for Joe and Bobbi to “come home.”
The following day the estate sale setup began. Joe, the “Lawn King” in keeping with his meticulous nature, had kept his equipment well-maintained over the years and Bobbie had kept things so tidy in the house that set-up was a breeze. Photos were taken and ads were published. The response to the sale was amazing as so many items were very desirable. Many current and former neighbors showed up during the estate sale so that there was a happy, party atmosphere.
Estate sale complete, the few remaining unsold items were taken to a donation center designated by Bobbi and Joe. The couple was thrilled with the proceeds from the estate sale. Their large home with its glorious yard sold quickly which pleased them knowing a new family would be making their own wonderful memories there
AUTHOR: The owner of Chesapeake Transitions, Marilyn Leek is a Certified Senior Move Manager® who has been providing support and guidance for Maryland seniors and their families for almost 15 years.