moving: from a minimalist's perspective

(This post is somewhat different from my usual writing. It’s more of a personal what’s-going-on-in-my-life type of thing, so if you’re not interested in that feel free to skip it) 

Two months ago, my Dad told us we were moving. Not very far away, just across town. But it still came as a bit of a shock. We've been living in the same house for the last 17 years; since I was six months old. I had mixed feelings. We were all excited about moving in general, but were a little unsure of the change. Things were about to become very different. All the roads we drove on, our grocery store, neighbors we were used to seeing every day. Our green mailbox and the 8 foot basketball goal in our front yard (the only goal I’ve ever been able to dunk on, short as I am). The small patch of dirt in our backyard where I grew up planting things. The tree my brother and I climbed in as little kids. I won’t even get started on the house and all the rooms. It was all just so familiar. I had no idea I would feel this way before we decided to move! I know it sounds cliché, but I really did take everything we had for granted. I've never been a sentimental person, but I think I'm definitely on my way to becoming one at this point. Haha. 

Nonetheless, moving has been a great experience overall! Somewhat hard, yes. But a growing experience like most things. Being in a totally new place where everything is different really helps you look at yourself and what you have in a new light. The first positive thing I realized about our new place, is that I now have somewhere I can walk and bike. Our old neighborhood wasn’t safe enough for me to go alone, and it wasn’t always convenient to go with somebody. There are also lots of trees and flowers everywhere, which makes walking much more enjoyable. The second good thing is that I am now sharing a room with just one sister, instead of 3. I loved being with all of my sisters, but it was pretty hard to keep things neat and it was nearly impossible to go to bed or wake up on my own schedule (not to mention it was hard to find peace and quiet). So I ended up going to bed late and sleeping in late. Then the last, and most obvious thing, is that I hadn’t realized how much stuff I had. Where did it all come from? My 25 things list from last year has at least doubled. Time to pull my stuff out and sort through it all again. I may update my list once I finish. Only this time I think I’ll put clothes and stuff together, so it’s all one list. Goodwill here I come! 

There are several other things, but those were the main ones. Have you ever moved? How did you like it? I’m very much looking forward to everything that will happen this year. I have a lot going on, and can’t wait to share it with all of you.