Here’s a recap of what I hope will be my final move for a long time!!!
I AM MOVED!
I love the reset. I love setting up a new space. But boy, is moving exhausting. On top of the physical effort, I have had so many adulting things this year that have required my time and attention that I am just quite exhausted emotionally too! From Mazen’s broken ribs at Christmas to selling our family home and furniture in it to lots and lots of paperwork, and then buying this new house, it’s been a lot of adulting! And now, I’m finally settled.
But I am so happy to be here. I already know this was a great decision, and I’m already waking up to have coffee with this view every morning (like an episode of House Hunters!) and feeling so grateful.
(If you have no idea why I moved, read this post and then this post!)
Move Prep
I did so much prep work before I closed on the new house to get my rental fixed up. I caulked and painted walls (I didn’t know I was capable!), I took down my video doorbell, I cleaned, I magic erased, I swapped curtains, and I packed and packed. Yes I used an old snorkel as a paint stirrer! Very profesh.
These paint touch up pens are GENIUS for small spots and patches! Fill them once and then click to paint whenever you need a touch up without opening a can.
Getting The Keys!
Thanks to the best realtor, Ivy Haines, for bringing the keys (and champagne!) to the gym!
I went straight to the new house and let it soak in!
And then the move began!
I spent two entire days moving all the small things: lamps, clothes, linens, pillows, closets, supplies, the pantry, and the fridge. I also had my house cleaners come to do a move-in clean, and they are the BEST! That meant I could focus on moving rather than wiping the inside of cabinets and they did such a fantastic job. I got us all Al Carbon for dinner.
Progress pics!
Other moments of fuel: Chopt salad and Dish by Blue Apron
And of course, rosé!
I had some friends over for happy hour on the new rooftop deck and we toasted. Everyone loves photographing the view 😉
Movers Day
Friday was movers day. They arrived and said “you don’t have much stuff at all,” but it still took four guys almost six hours to get everything out. I did a bunch of cleaning while they worked and packed up my clothes. They only brought one wardrobe box, so I had to make 3 trips.
Farewell First Place!
The Legos
One area that had to wait until after the movers was the Lego room. Mazen was very clear no one was allowed to touch his Legos. But I boldly (meticulously!!) moved them myself while he was at the beach!!
Shelves first…
The fanciest ships have their own special display now:
First Night
At the end of the day, I had almost 20k steps and was totally exhausted!!! But so pumped to be moved in.
Loving my cordless lamp!
Good Morning
Unpacking
I spent the next two days unpacking and setting things up. The boys’ rooms:
Lego Room:
Touch up paint!
This mini roller set was great.
The Pantry
Before:
After:
Unboxing
I bought a few new things, like this cordless vacuum that I raved about on Prime Day. It’s been awesome!!
Floral rug
All the tools I now use in my new tool bag:
Delicious Food Arrived!
Cupcakes from the neighbors!
And tinned fish – yum!
More fuel:
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners
And then it was pretty much done!
I installed these floating shelves with a handful of curse words. I put the third one in the main floor bath.
And then it was time for my sweeties to come home!!
Since the layout of this house is so similar to the last, it really doesn’t feel that much different to them. But everything is just a little bit better – including their Lego wall, that now feels like a museum 🙂
For our first meal together, Mazen found a recipe for Arayes that we tackled. He’s quite the budding chef, and they turned out very good!
Emily says
It’s really beautiful, Kath. Happy for you and proud of the bravery and strength you’ve shown this year. I’m sure it’s been a lot to manage behind the scenes. Enjoy your new space and wow can’t wait to see that view change into autumn!
Kath Younger says
Thank you. I hope I’ve entered the cruise control era after all of those moves!
Louise RD says
Congrats on your new abode! That view is priceless! Hope you have many fun years enjoying the fruits of your labor:-)
Kath Younger says
Thank you <3
Anne says
Hi. I’m a longtime reader. Like yours, my life has changed dramatically over the years. Thanks for being a great example of how to live fully. You are super strong and awesome, and I appreciate this little spot on the internet that you created. Congrats on the new pad. Love the kitchen!
Kath Younger says
Thank you Anne!
Shana says
I’ve been following since 2011-ish and I just want to send heartfelt congratulations! Your new home is stunning. I LOVE the lego room! Best wishes on this next leg of the journey 🙂
Kath Younger says
Thanks Shana! Now they want MORE Legos (eyeroll!)
Erin says
It’s so beautiful. As a long-time reader I’m so weirdly happy for you even though we’ve never met 🙂 Wishing you nothing but happiness in this fresh new chapter!
Kath Younger says
Thank you! You guys are my extended family <3
cyni says
Hi Kath – absolutely beautiful place – it looks so cozy and inviting. You did a great job on the decorating. It was probably stressful but happy too! You should be proud of yourself for all the “adulting” you have done – I am sure you found out you are stronger than you thought you were.
Enjoy your deck views and I wish you nothing but happiness for you and your boys going forward!
Kath Younger says
Thank you Cyni <3
Becca says
Congrats! Looks beautiful. I am around your age, and I am finding myself longing for natural beautify in my day-to-day life in an unexpected way. Love the view you have found for yourself here. So calming.
Kath Younger says
Same! And thank you.
Heather says
Congratulations on your lovely new home! That view is phenomenal. Also, how did Mazen get so tall?!
Kath Younger says
Thank you! And yes, he’s hovering over me!
Sarah says
Beautiful new place. I especially love the kitchen! You decorated it beautifully. I am happy for you and the boys! Hope this feels like HOME for many years to come!
Kath Younger says
Thank youuuuu!
Laura says
Congratulations!! You look SO happy in these photos, and I am thrilled you’ve found this place. The view is amazing and I’m obsessed with the kitchen cabinet / island color. Did you get to pick that or did it come that way? Glad you were able to get settled while your kids were away. Does Mazen spend time with his father? I’ve been a long time reader and can’t help but wonder if he gets his love of cooking a little from him (as well as you!) Good luck on this new chapter. The house looks perfect for you!
Kath Younger says
I didn’t pick the color and I wouldn’t have picked it even if I’d had a choice, but I LOVE it!! And yes, his father is a great cook!