We can officially say we are moved in! Ok, we were moved in a week ago but I didn’t have an internet connection until today (I’m not counting Starbucks) so I couldn’t say it.
It’s been a crazy week or so.
Besides closing and becoming home owners, we’ve had to make sure everything here at the new place is all set up. This includes: gas, electricity, cable, phone, water, and more. We also have to register our daughter for school in the Fall. Do you know how many documents you need to register a child?!? Of course what you need is proof of residence but we don’t have any utility bills just yet. We managed to get the utilities to send us letters saying we will be using their services at our address.
And then the boxes. We’ve managed to dig ourselves out of most of the major boxes but I suspect we’ll be unpacking for quite a while.
Did I mention the birthday?
Yeah, our littlest turned one a few days ago. We can’t believe our little girl is one already and no longer this little squish of babyness, rather this toddler running around and climbing on everything. (Yes, we’ve had fun trying to baby-proof the house and install gates). So on top of moving in we also had to plan a type of birthday/housewarming party last minute. Fortunately we have great friends and family who helped bring everything together and totally understood that the house wasn’t the most optimal of party conditions just yet. Still, it was awesome having everyone hanging out on the back deck enjoying cold beer and BBQ while the kids ran around in front under the sprinklers. Which brings us to….
The heat!
No, not the Miami Heat. I’m talking about the crazy heat wave we’ve had for the Summer so far! Nothing like unpacking in weather that makes you sweat without even moving. We have air conditioners set up throughout the house and thank goodness they work well! But we’ve been trying to curb their use so our electric bill isn’t insane. Our poor lawn has been looking sorry as well since watering only does so much in this heat (before you mention it, we water in the evening).
The neighborhood is awesome!
We’ve been exploring what the neighborhood has to offer. We discovered a great little sprinkler park for the kids to play in. There’s also a pool club that we are seriously considering joining. The expense isn’t too bad and we’re pretty sure the membership will be well used. It will also give us a chance to meet more people from the area. If not the pool membership we’ll be renewing our NYS Empire Passport so we can visit the state beaches. We’ll probably get an Empire Pass anyway since it allows us to visit the state parks which will be nice come Fall.
We’ve met a few of our neighbors already and they have all been nice so far. Our kids have already played with some kids across the way which is great.
Home Depot is our frenemy.
We’ve already had a few visits to Home Depot. Now I get how home owners get lost in that place! When you have a co-op or rent there is only so much you can do home improvement-wise. But when you own a home the options are almost limitless for things to do around the house (or at least they seem to be). You can really spend money there real quick. If ever you need a shopping plan beforehand it’s at Home Depot!
We’re settling in.
Things are starting to normalize here. We have all of our utilities in place including TV and internet. It’s been interesting without TV the past week. We definitely watch too much in general so it was sorely missed. Still, it will be nice to be able to find a movie for the kids once and a while.
I’ve been such a stereotypical home owner. I’ve been watering the lawn every night. I also washed one of the cars for the first time in like forever! There’s one expense we’ll actually save on since we have the space the wash the cars ourselves now. And the kids loved helping out (I think no TV helped there too!). I gotta tell you it feels great taking care of your own stuff!
It’s still all sinking in for us. I look at my wife at night and we give each other this look like “is this really ours?” I can honestly say we love the place. We’ve worked hard, saving and planning, to get here. I know we’ll put a lot of love and life into this home.
Congratulations! It sounds like you and your family are having a wonderful time in your new home. Packing and unpacking is the part that I hate the most about moving. But at the same time it’s kind of fun because you get to figure out how to arrange furniture and where to put things etc.
I was absolutely dreading the move. Our last experience was borderline traumatic! But it didn’t go too badly. Moving in also gives us excuses to invite friends over to help us arrange where everything goes.
Don’t forget about the housewarming party after you’re all done moving in! I find that to be the most rewarding part about finishing a move! Not only do you get to have all your friends over, but to me that’s the point where a house starts feeling like a home. Good luck with finishing up your move.
What a great recap! Congrats on the new pad and on all the quality family time you’ve been having. An inspiration for sure with 3 kids. Hope the rest of the summer isn’t too hot for you.
Thanks PT!
Congrats! I hope you and your family enjoy much happiness in your new home. And congratulations to your little girl! My youngest will have his first birthday in October.
And I know what you mean about Home Depot. When we were renting I never had much reason to go there. But now I’m there all the time! Just walking down the aisles I start getting ideas of new things I could do…it’s dangerous! LOL
I told my wife it was a good thing she didn’t come with me to HD; that she would have loved things like the outdoor furniture and garden stuff.
Many Blessing to you and your family in your new home.
Thank you CJ!
Sounds like owning a home has been a pretty good experience for you so far. I hope it stays that way! Houses definitely come with their fair share of problems along with the perks
Houses do have their issues as we are quickly discovering! But it’s been good overall.
Congrats! I know the move is rough and settling in takes time, but just remind yourself every night that you are in YOUR home and it all feels better for the night, lol.
Yes, we do feel that way every day. Even with problems it’s still all ours which feels good (though technically about 2/3′s is the bank’s).