New House, Fresh Start

The past week has been a bit busy.  Packing and cleaning the old rented house, moving to and unpacking in the new one.

Although technically this house isn't my first house, it feels as though it is. It's the first one that I've been part of choosing. First time I've got to pour over the 'for sale' listings. First time I've done viewings, thought about things, mentally planned my home before it became mine (well, ours).

And, well, the process has made me think a lot about why this is so important to me.

This house is OUR house.  It belonged to neither of us before, and we chose it together. Each deciding that we liked it. We moved in at the same time. All our stuff into an empty space, waiting for us both to find the places our things would live.

That process in itself is freeing. When you're both in the same boat. And neither of you is stepping on the other's toes.

This house feels like my first house. Because together we've chosen the furniture, gone and bought it, and decided where it's going. We've moved our stuff. Together.

And this is the first time I've done that.

The process has been eye opening. For me. In the last 3 days, I've relaxed at home. Something I struggled to do in the past. I'm quite happy to potter around, get things done. I feel calm and relaxed.

Despite there still being a small mountain of boxes whose contents are awaiting their space, my stress levels don't rise as soon as I walk in my front door.

This house is relaxing. And all of us have (or at least, we will have very soon) the space we need for each of us to live, relax, enjoy life together, but still have our own space.