The past few weeks have been unusually hectic for us—which says a lot, considering the chaos we've navigated this summer! Some of you might recall that about a month ago, we took the plunge and bought a house about twenty minutes out of the Twin Cities.
Since then, we’ve been reminiscing about all of the memories we've made in Cathedral Hill while gradually moving things over in a slow and steady trickle. We were making peace with putting this chapter of our lives behind us. Afterall, we've lived in this neighborhood, off and on, for nearly two decades.
We were so young when we first moved into together in a tiny Cathedral Hill rental. We were different people and it was a completely different neighborhood. But yesterday? Yesterday was the big day—our official move. Knowing we’re not exactly spring chickens anymore, we made a life-changing decision: we hired professional movers for the first time ever. I’ve got three words for you: Complete. Game. Changer.
The moving crew of three arrived at our condo promptly at 8 a.m., and by 10:30 a.m., we were fully moved into the new house—all of the furniture in its place and nothing left for us to do but unpack boxes. I was stunned. Knowing us, it would have taken at least ten times longer if we’d tried to tackle it ourselves.
Last night, we spent our first night in the new house, and one thing stood out above all else: the silence. After six years in the heart of the city, we’d grown used to the constant soundtrack of urban life—sirens, shouting, arguments, and the occasional gunshot. But here? Nothing. Just peaceful, uninterrupted quiet. It’s an adjustment we’re more than happy to make.
We capped off the day with a cozy fire, the perfect way to settle into this new chapter. Of course, the next few weeks will be all about the daunting task of getting everything in its place. With any luck, we’ll have it all done before Christmas.
This morning, I woke up feeling completely rested for the first time in what feels like forever. Gratitude swept over me as I imagined the life ahead—the memories we’ll create and the moments we’ll cherish under this new roof. I'm sure we'll spend the next few weeks figuring out what light switches control which lights (there are SO many light switches) and what drawers and closets our stuff is in. There’s no shortage of work ahead, but for now, I’m choosing to savor this moment and enjoy the space we now call home.
This will be a new and different kind of life, one we hope to quickly adjust to and embrace. Oh, and mark my words: I will never not hire professional movers again.
Be well, make the most of this day, and I hope you all in the U.S. have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thank you for reading!
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That is fabulous Eric, wishing you many happy years in your new home! I can just imagine how you must be savouring the silence, especially at night.
Shall I tell you something? I've never moved in my life; yes my parents moved when I was a child, but not as an adult. Hubby moved into our home two months before our wedding in 1974, and I came along with my little 'trousseau'.
It's not going to be easy if or when that day comes, but I will certainly heed your advice, what a pleasure that must have been!
Your home is beautiful!
I really appreciate it, Lizelle! The silence is the best. I can't wait for the warmer weather so we can sleep with the windows open. We could never do that at the condo because the street below our unit was so loud. Wow! I can't believe you've never moved as an adult!! That's great though. The grounds where you are look gorgeous. If I was in a location like that I wouldn't move either. Thank you! We have some renovation plans too for the new place.
Renovations are always exciting Eric, a whole new adventure!
Yes our garden is so lovely, I love the green valley so I'm very reluctant to move, am staying as long as I can.
Does your Mom still live on her own?
Heey, congrats on finalizing the move! May you live many (about 7-8 :D) years in the new house. I just spent the last ten minutes listening to the ambulance stuck in traffic trying to harmonize with the bells from the nearby church - silence sounds pretty damn good right now :)
That fire looks lovely too. Also, looks like you get plenty of light in the new house? Nice!
Thank you! Yep, I'd say eight years..tops unless we get less restless in our mid-fifties. : ) The noise had gotten so much worse in the condo since the pandemic. We have a rash of catalytic converter thefts in the area so there are a lot of loud cars too. Do the church bells there ring all night? The ones in Amsterdam rang really late.
The fire was a nice way to end the day. I wish it was a real fireplace but it's natural gas, the one plus is you just flip a switch to turn it on. I still may get a wood burning stove installed in the lower level.
The light in here was the very first thing that drew me to the place!
I got the professionals in the post two times I moved. You are right, it is a game changer!
I wish I was that smart, I waited until I was 53 but it's like a brand new world. It only cost us $600 as well so it was well worth it.
Yes, some task are well worth outsourcing to professionals. Definitely the case when you consider a move in addition to what you mentioned as in saving time, I believe another big one is regardless of how strong you are there is always a chance that you could hurt your back or something else. Pros are paid to take that chance, plus they do it all the time and are less likely to make a small mistake that would cost you weeks of pain.
Good point about the change of injury! Outsourcing to professionals is a life-lesson that has taken me a while to learn. My father raised us to do everything ourselves (even if it was stretching past our skillset). That served me well in my youth but as I get older I see how certain things are best to outsource.
Congrats on your move...I'm really happy for you! I think I'm at the age of prob hiring someone too!
Thanks! Yeah, I'm noticing beyond the physical demands, my threshold for stress is less than it used to be too. The process was much less stressful with movers.
Ah me too. Sucks getting older..
The only time I had pros move me was when the military came in and packed my entire house, I moved from California to N Carolina, and I lost several things but gained several things, there was nothing of value on either side and they said they could not help me find or give the items back.
I hope you never have to move again, you sound as if you are very peaceful there.
That same thing happened to my parents when they moved to Florida in 2003. They lost some things and gained some things. I'd like to think we're settled for a while but it's our pattern to move every 6-8 years so it'll probably happen at least once/twice more. Hopefully next time we'll be moving someplace nice and warm. : )
Let me know where you get to the point that you are laying on the couch on a Sunday afternoon and you just look around thinking to yourself "this is mine". It's a great feeling. I am sure you have felt that with your old places too, but everywhere has its own charm. We had friends help us last time we moved and though it didn't take too long, It wasn't nearly as quick as your move. I think for the treadmill alone we would have to hire someone next time. Congrats on your new place! Now start getting ready for Thanksgiving!
I've had that "I can't believe this is mine" moment a couple of times already. Most of the time my head's spinning a bit because we have to sell the condo (or rent it out if it doesn't sell quickly) and hire a few contractors for some renovations here at the house. It's a lot to handle at once but... one step at a time. We had a radon mitigation system, reverse osmosis water filtration, and the Tesla charger installed so far. Next will be flooring, paint, and a minor kitchen touch-up. I'll be back at it first thing tomorrow. I hope you and the family have a great Thanksgiving!
Wow, that sounds like a lot to have on your plate, but it also sounds like you are knocking stuff out right and left! I'm glad you have a new safe and quiet space to make your own now. Happy Thanksgiving to your family as well!
Moving always brings a mix of emotions—a little bit of excitement, a lot of joy, and a lot of memories to take with you to your new place. The way you describe the journey is so beautiful, from the nostalgia of Cathedral Hill to the relief that everything is settled in your new home.
A quiet first night away from the hustle and bustle of the city sounds like a fitting reward after years of being surrounded by crowds. Coupled with the warmth of a fire in the fireplace, it’s the perfect start to a new chapter.
May this home be a place where every day feels like this morning—filled with peace, gratitude, and excitement for all that is to come. Enjoy every moment of this new adventure, my friend!😊
Thank you very much!
Congrats on the move! The new place looks great!
heh I am definitely in the realm of needing to hire someone to move. But luckily for me, my kids are just about in the range of being able to recruit their friends and do it for me for a fraction of the price.
Thank you! You are lucky! Our son is 38 and all of our friends are beyond the age where helping us move so the pros were our last choice but, honestly, I wish we'd done it sooner.
Moving from one house to another is very troublesome, it is good that you have found a quiet house free from noise pollution which will give you a lot of relief.
It sure is. It's always so much more work that anticipated. We're getting there though.
You and your family would be going through a sort adaptability transformation 😊 But it is always good to see oneself in a new house.
You're right, it'll take a while. After a couple of nights here it's already feeling more like home.
First off, congrats on the new Home, new location.
That silence is shooting.
Could not agree anymore. I am sure you have got the right location now to meditate as well.
Sure Sir, this is something to sit down, and appreciate the moment. A Home at a perfect location is a great achievement.
Happy ThanksGiving. God bless you.
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you! God bless you as well!
Thank you too Sir
Congratulations! :)
Nice Subaru in front of the house...
Thanks man! That Forestor is such a workhorse. It can get through the worst that Minnesota winters can throw at us. The Tesla AWD is just as competent but I just wish it had more ground clearance for the deep snow.
I understand what you want to say :)
Subaru was always kinda wish but never Tesla 🤣
Being away from hustle bustle of city life to a silent one, is a vast change. Enjoy !! The pictures of new home and the contrasting wall colours gives a bright outlook. Happy living to you and family members. With friendly neighbours.
Thank you, it is a change!
Two things I don't like in life are moving and painting. It seems reasonable to move step by step. No mess at your new home in the photos :)
Both of those things are at the bottom of my list as well! Yes, the movers weren't messy at all.
Congrats!!! I'm very happy for you.
Thank you @owasco. Not quite the country but it's pretty close. : )
I'll definitely be taking your advice should I ever move.
It becomes a very clear choice once we approach the half-century mark!
#hive #posh
I don't find anything fun about moving! They cause a lot of stress and at this age, I'm sure spinal pains. hahaha. That's great that you hired that company and the work was optimal. If I ever move, I don't know what I would do with so many books. I have a suspicion that they have mated with each other, because they have multiplied by a thousand. hahahahaha.
I congratulate you on your new home and all the books, texts and posts you are going to write in front of that fireplace and with that beautiful light. I hug you, my friend. Cheers
These moving services are a marvel, they save a lot of hard work.
You must feel great in that new environment, the silence is something that is appreciated as we get older.
Congratulations on this new beginning dear friend @ericvancewalton . A big hug from Maracay.
I hope you enjoy being in your new home. Your home is your heaven. That's the term often used here. Have a nice day, Eric
Professionals would always be professionals, they did what they are trained to do and it's great you got satisfaction.
Enjoy your new home.