One year ago, we started dreaming of something bigger—not just in size, but in feeling. As our daughter began showing more and more interest in playing outdoors, and we found ourselves wishing we could host friends and family in a cozy garden or by a fireplace, we realized: it’s time to start the search for our own home.
We knew it wouldn’t be easy. Finding a house is not just about bricks and walls—it’s about imagining the life you want to build. We spent time defining what truly matters to us:
🌱 Outdoor space for our daughter
👨👩👧 Space to host loved ones
✨ A home that feels warm, with character
📍 A location we feel connected to
From there, the search began. Many houses didn’t fit:
– Some were out of budget
– Others had great layouts but were far from our favorite neighborhoods
– Sometimes we loved a home but were simply too late—it was already sold.
Then in April, we saw one listing that really spoke to us. But the message came quickly: the house was already reserved. Disappointed but hopeful, we asked to be added to the waiting list.
And guess what? Four months later, an unexpected email arrived—we could come visit.
We walked into the house, and instantly… we felt it.
It was old-fashioned, yes. But we like old houses. They have soul.
There are some technical concerns like humidity in the basement and outdated electrical systems, but nothing we aren’t willing to work on.
So—we made the decision.
We are buying a house!
A space to grow, create, host, and just be.
Getting Ready to Move: Downsizing & Smart Packing
The house is actually a bit smaller than our current apartment, which makes planning crucial. I’ve already started preparing by rethinking everything we own and how we live.
Here are a few helpful tips I’ve already learned:
Step 1: List All Family Activities
To make a home functional, first make it intentional. I listed out all the activities we do at home so that we can dedicate space—no matter how small—for each of them.
For example:
Reading nook
Piano practice
Yoga and exercise
Painting/art station
Homework & work-from-home space
Laundry & pantry area
Storage for seasonal items, tools, cleaning products, etc.
This helped me visualize what kind of zones we need, and where we could fit them.
I made a PDF file from all the activities that can be done in a house. You can download it here and make your own based on that.
Step 2: Declutter With Purpose
Moving is the perfect time to say goodbye to what no longer serves us.
I created four boxes:
Keep (must-have items and furniture we use or love)
Sell (valuable but no longer needed)
Gift (items friends or neighbors might want)
Donate/Dispose (things that have done their time)
It’s so freeing.
Step 3: Plan Storage Like a Pro
Older homes can sometimes lack built-in storage, so I made a list of everything we currently store in the basement, pantry, and garage to make sure we plan accordingly.
I’m now measuring every corner, niche, and awkward wall for clever storage ideas—like:
Shelving above doors
Multi-use furniture (beds with drawers, storage ottomans)
Hooks and racks inside closet doors
Stackable bins with clear labels
There is my list of items for the basement, garage and pantry.
My Favorite Hacks So Far:
Photograph furniture with measurements taped on it before moving—this saves time when arranging the new layout.
Use painter’s tape to outline furniture sizes on the floor of your new space before moving in.
Pack by room + purpose, not just type. Label clearly: “Kitchen – daily,” “Office – books,” “Daughter’s room – toys (less used).”
Create a “first 3 days” box with bedding, coffee, favorite mugs, toilet paper, pajamas, and phone chargers—you’ll thank yourself later.
We’re still at the beginning, and I know it will be a journey with surprises, challenges, and (hopefully) lots of joy. I’ll be documenting our progress here, from renovation updates to space-saving tricks, storage planning, and all the mistakes and little wins along the way.
If you’re thinking of buying a house, downsizing, or just getting better at organizing your space—follow along. I hope our experience can be helpful to you too 💛
Let’s build something beautiful—one box at a time.
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