So, obviously we have been moved into our hew home for a few weeks. But, the page was truly turned in this new chapter of our lives yesterday. We closed on our first home.
It belongs to someone else now.
Early this week, we cleaned the house from top to bottom. Even the fridge (which I’m embarrassed to admit looked like a murder scene). Ryan mowed and trimmed. We patched and painted holes. The nail and screw holes that we carefully added throughout the home to perch our shelves and frames and mementos. Gone.
It’s empty now.
And honestly, it didn’t really feel like home when we finished. Just a house. (A really beautiful, awesome house. But, a house, nonetheless.)
95 percent of me is relieved. It was starting to be a little overwhelming to care for two houses – three, if you count the rental house.
And part of me is proud. Proud that we did what we did. Taking a house that looked like this.
A house no one could understand why we purchased.
A house had been unloved and treated poorly… That even smelled….
And made it into a beautiful, warm and happy home.
A home that we truly loved.
A home that served us well – better than well – for four years.
We learned about ourselves and each other in this place.
It was the backdrop to many happy memories.
But, if I’m being honest, a tiny part of me is also a bit sad.ย I’m really going to miss coming around the corner every day and seeing that green house and feeling a swell of pride.ย I’m going to miss our wonderful neighbors, the large back deck, the rain garden, the little details inside…
But, it’s a house. And like this little frame in our new kitchen reminds me, a home is actually about who I share it with.
Did you like this post?
We'd love to send you more inspiration and encouragement for your home. When you sign up below, we'll send you our free guide to save thousands on your next home project. Because your home shouldn't own you.
Kristen @ Miss Prissy Paige says
Kim – I got teary at this post! I am still in awe of the before & afters. You both did an amazing job and from the looks of it are rockin’ on house #2!
The new tenants are so lucky.
Erin @ Domestic Adventure says
I love this post, Kim! I have to admit, it was strange to see your old house so empty. It seems like it was just Christmas and it was full of warmth! I’m so amazed at how far you and Ryan have come with your new home, and I’m so glad you could give the gift of a beautiful home to a different family!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
Aw….did you ever explain why you decided to move? I can’t remember….
lyndsay @ Mr and Mrs says
you made me tear up a little. i think i will probably feel just about the same way when we get around to selling our first “baby”.
Emily says
A beautiful home it is! Whom ever bought it is very lucky.
Leigh says
That was really nice. I’ve never sold a home but I image it would be hard…but considering how much work you two did- I’d think it would be very difficult.
Lauren says
Aww it definitely is bittersweet. Too bad when I saw the name of this post I thought you had different news to share! But your new house is going to be/is already wonderful! ๐
Arizona Lainey says
Congratulations to you both! It will be one of many moves, I’m sure. You are definately your fathers daughter!
Carrie @ Hazardous Design says
I remember that feeling when we moved all our stuff out of our first house…that it wasn’t our home anymore. Just a house. Just a shell for someone else to put their stuff. Bittersweet for sure.
The flip side, of course, is that you have somewhere brand new to make your own ๐
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
After all the hard work you all put into your home, I can see why you’d feel wistful about leaving. Just imagine the adventures you’ll have in the new hosue! ๐ Love that printable!
Ashlee says
Such a huge change, what a beautiful home!! I am sure your new house will be as beautiful and memory filled as this one! ๐
Meredith says
Such a sweet post.
I don’t think I would have had any emotion at all about selling our first house, except now that Lizzy has her own room. I think now, I’ll be a little emotional about it, ’cause I love her room and all it means, even though I know *eventually* she’ll want to change it.
Rachel says
What a sweet post ๐ You guys did an unbelievable job on that house–it looks truly incredible, and you should be SO proud of yourselves!
Emily says
It was the perfect first house – and started down the renovation road! I will always love that house’s exterior, but am so excited to see how you charm all of your future houses! You guys have done well! Enjoy making memories in the new house!
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
Aw shucks. You’re making me tear up at work. I’m glad you have so many wonderful memories from that house but I’m also glad you’re free and ready to start again in the new house. You have a heckuva lot to be proud of with what you did with the first house!
Mrs. Adventure says
Congrats girl, I’m so happy for you I know what a relief selling can be (although we are now back on the market tear). Its always sad to move on but yet exciting as well. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you’ll do in your new home.
XO – Rach
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
Aw, feeling a little sad for you. But, you definitely should be so proud of what you made that house into! It is fabulous! I am sure the new owners will love it every bit as much as you did. ๐
Rita/Fighting Off Frumpy says
You guys did a FANTASTIC job on both of your houses! I’m so in awe of all the work and love you’ve poured into them. I know it had to be a little sad to say goodbye, but hopefully whoever you sold it to will love it just as much as you and Ryan have.
Meredith says
What a sweet post, Kim! Congratulations on the sale and chin up. ๐ With a blog like yours you can take a virtual trip back to the little green house any time you like!
I love that printable in your kitchen by the way! Thanks for the link. ๐
*claire* says
aww, this kinda almost made me tear up, and it’s not even my house!
i love that you said “warm” – i think that’s a very accurate term to use for the home you created (from what i could tell of the pictures, of course!) ๐
you all did such an amazing job on that house, but there’s always a time to move on. now your new house will become a warm home as well.
Jessica @ This Blessed Life says
I remember that feeling all too well. Going in for the last time and looking around and thinking about all the firsts that had happened there. My husband and I both totally lost it when we went in our son’s nursery and realized it was where we brought him home but he would have no memory of living there with us. (Ah! Makes me tear up now, too!)
It’s hard, but even better memories are yet to come!
Wendy says
Kim,
A very well written post. Best wishes in this new chapter of your lives and the new memories you will make!
Someone once told me a house is really never ours, we are only guests in it, take care of it until it is the next guests turn.
You have cared and loved your home and you are handing over the keys of a beautiful home to its newest guests.
Best wishes!!
Wendy