Here are some pics of my recent move, including 100 pieces of furniture to assemble and setting up a new home.
Scenes From The Move
Thank you
Thank you for all of your kind words, comments, emails, texts after my post on Wednesday. After sharing something so vulnerable online, they helped me more than you will ever know. It brings me peace to know I am not the first nor am I the last woman going through something like this. And I’ll tell you what – nothing makes you feel like a strong, independent woman more than assembling furniture by yourself! I’ve done things in the last 3 weeks I didn’t know I was capable of. I didn’t sit down for many days in a row.
But ALSO, I’ve had my village surround me. I could not have done it without them. Thanks to Ellen, Katie, Maddie, and Ivy for helping me pack, move, and unpack so many loose containers of things. To Aaron and Fabi for carrying a freecycled couch out of a friend-of-a-friend’s and up my stairs. Thanks to Sean and Jonathon for helping me assemble some tricky furniture and loaning me a drill 100x better than the hand-me-down one I had. And all the people in real life who offered their hugs and support over the last few months. (This feels like a speech and now I’m worried I’m forgetting people! Like mom and dad!)
Anyways, I am now settled in my place and loving its vibe. It’s modern with tall ceilings and the perfect size for me and the boys. It has a garage (YAY!) that just barely fits my giant Highlander, but was so nice when we got snow this week.
Perfect housewarming gift – sardines!
Moving
Moving was crazy. I ended up hiring movers for the ~10 pieces of furniture I did bring with me, including Mazen’s room. I also could not have done it without them.
I got these barstools on Facebook marketplace for a great price.
I also got water damage to my laptop due to a leaky water bottle on moving day. OOF. Luckily it has nearly evaporated over time, and I *think* it’s all fine! My dishwasher has also been broken for 3 weeks. Getting a new one on Tuesday, hopefully.
Setting Up
The rest of the furniture I bought and assembled. You can find all the furniture and things I purchased here.
I had a little help from my friends! But most of it I did alone in the evenings.
Dining Room Set
LOVE the table by Plank + Beam. While it does have a faux wood feel, it looks so good! I got these chairs to go with it and am so happy with them.
New Desk + Chair
Love this desk, which now houses my iMac. The chair is so comfortable and less than $50!
This buffet was one of the trickier pieces because of the doors and drawers. But it love it in this spot!
The end tables match!
And the couch was a freecycle from a friend who was moving, and I was so grateful to receive it. I got the same rug as my friend Jonathon. It’s so soft and very affordable for its size. And I got the Christmas tree and lamp from the same moving neighbor! Such a steal and perfect timing.
The ottoman coffee table fits perfect with the couch. I also got this Amazon TV because it displays art and pictures like the Frame but is half the cost!
On the one hand, it was really nice to pick out new things that go together. On the other, it was really hard to move AND buy new furniture at the same time. I slept on a mattress on the floor with a cardboard box for a nightstand for 4 nights while I waited for the bed frames to arrive.
With the exception of mattresses, most everything I bought was on a budget. And after the last screw was tightened, I’m actually SO happy with how it all turned out!
Bedrooms
I bought the same bed for me and Birch – for only $135!! My greatest fear was that they would be wobbly, but they are perfect!! I absolutely love them.
They weren’t too hard to assemble either. I carried each piece upstairs one at a time and put them together while watching Survivor on the floor.
Bed | Rug | Night Stands | Lamps
I also replaced the navy curtains that came with the rental with some inexpensive white curtains. I have sheers on the inside for daytime and semi-blackout for night. I got the same ones for the boys’ rooms too.
Birch’s Room
And then I got him a new comforter and duvet for his “big boy bed.” I am obsessed with his duvet cover (zip close!) and might get one for me too! This inexpensive down comforter is great, too.
Here’s the midcentury night stand I built for him:
Mazen’s furniture we already had!
Mudroom
The biggest piece I assembled (all by myself!) was this hall tree / lockers / cubbies thing. It was taller than me and I was very proud of myself for lifting it and pushing it on a rug into place. It’s perfect for the entry and so functional for the kids compared to how it was before it was there! I also got this coat rack for coats only, and its great to have both options.
And the last room: the basement kids hang out room. I bought this pull-out sofa from the neighbor who is moving, and it will be great to serve as a guest space or for kid sleepovers. It’s much more comfortable than other fold-out couches I’ve tried! I’ve also added some freecycled shelves for this space for their legos.
Oh and I DID buy the Wonder Oven and love it!! It’s an air fryer, toaster, oven, steamer, all in one. It’s GREAT!
I am very very glad to be finished moving and able to relax with snuggles!
Marcie says
Thinking about you so much as you launch this brave pivot (isn’t that what life is about?) and move into a new part of your life. A portal has opened, and you bravely walk through. (inspired by Arundhati Roy…)
cyni says
Your new place looks really nice.
I love that feeling of being able to do something myself – you are right to be proud – it’s funny how sometimes you don’t know it but you are more capable than you think.
You are fortunate to have such good friends and family to help you.
I hope it soon feels like home sweet home for you – and you embrace your new life with an open heart.
Kath Younger says
Yes we are! And thank you <3
Cathy says
Wow…..I’m impressed with all the work you did in order to move in! Great job putting all that furniture together…it all looks great. So happy to hear you all are moved in in time for the holidays too.
Kath Younger says
Thank you!
Steph says
In a short period of time, you’ve already created beautiful spaces to be in! I’m just now catching up on your last post, but still want to say that you have the virtual support (positive vibes from near and far) from so many of us coming your way. It’s not easy to share hard things, but your ability to have perspective in life, and capacity to rebuild and heal impress me every time. This is the start of good things!
Kath Younger says
Thank you Steph!
Tracy says
Wow! I’m tired just reading about your move. Great job! I’m sure it all brings a huge feeling of satisfaction. And best of luck to you and your boys!
Kath Younger says
Thanks! So glad it’s behind me now!
Nancy says
Long time follower… was shocked and surprised, a little bit sad to hear your news… BUT glad you followed your heart. I been single since my late 40s (after 2 marriages but no kids – now close to being 70yr old!!!??) and have really enjoyed building a new life with great friends as my new family. You’ll do great!!
Kath Younger says
Thank you Nancy
Kathryn Louise says
Holding you in my heart and in the light. hugs
Kath Younger says
<3
Elizabeth says
I’m so impressed with your fortitude in moving, and in doing what feels right for you! It looks like you’ve already made a beautiful home (which I also find so impressive!) Can I also ask—how sturdy is that hall locker/cubbie piece of furniture? I’ve been shopping for one for the past few months and am always worried that something that looks sturdy online will end up feeling flimsy in person.
Kath Younger says
It’s VERY sturdy! I have yet to bolt it to the wall, but it comes with those type of anchors too. (The baseboard thickness might prevent that.) In fact, my biggest concert with all of this furniture was that it would be wobbly / flimsy and so far nothing is. I also made sure to screw in every single screw so tight and followed all of the instructions : )
dawn says
You are a warrior. Of course it is absolutely none of my business, but why don’t you get to take some of the furniture you helped to purchase, or brought with you from marriage #1, from your house w T? Isn’t that the reasonable solution to such a separation?
I realize I might be missing some important details, but I felt protective of you on your behalf!!
Kath Younger says
I did take a few less essential things but I/he didn’t want his house to be empty. I do still have ownership though. We’ll figure that out later.
dawn says
I already knew (because I’ve been reading you forever) that you are a very honest and kind and loving person. But every post and comment I read makes me think “yes, I was right. that is who she is.” I feel lucky to “know” you.
Kath Younger says
Aw Dawn that is so kind to say – thank you!
Rachel says
Just caught up on your news. I appreciate your vulnerability and clarity. I know it’s not your first rodeo, but it’s inspiring all the same. I’m two years out from a similar moment, and I resonate really strongly with what you’ve shared. I also appreciate the emphasis on the historical/systemic backdrop in the links you offered, which I also find so deeply intertwined with understanding some of the challenges of modern marriage and parenthood. As complicated as these transitions are, I can only imagine that your kids will appreciate your care and commitment to pursuing your own joy and building a life that enlivens you.
Kath Younger says
Thank you! I also found them inspiring and helpful for my brain 🙂