Sharing some exciting news + checking in.
Let’s just kick this off with the big news: I’m moving! After 10 years in my cute little house, I’m moving into a new house with my boyfriend. We’re staying in the KC area, splitting the difference between our work commutes a bit better and buying something with more space. We’re really, really excited!
The past month or so has been pretty hectic, to put it mildly. House-hunting is a lot of work, only to be matched in effort by prepping your own house for the market. For someone who really finds comfort in controlling her environment, it’s a tough time. Moving is chaos, and I’m not great with chaos! (Color you guys totally not surprised, I’m sure.)
I wanted to devote this edition of Currently to the move and as a little love letter to my soon-to-be old house. I’ve never taken you guys on a proper house tour, so this seemed like the perfect time to do so before I say goodbye to this place in a few weeks.
Eating: lots of takeout, bar food, and pizza. Between house hunting, showing our house, and packing, things have been crazy around here and our usual schedules have been totally upended. Evenings after work spent touring houses meant grabbing dinner at the nearest bar to slam a quick meal (and usually a drink or three). Endless pizzas and Chinese takeout ordered during marathon packing sessions. My willpower for meal prepping is a bit consumed with the focus shifting to packing up my entire life. However, I’m trying to give myself a little grace during this time in regards to healthy choices. It’ll all balance out soon enough.
Drinking: a boatload of wine. ‘Tis the season! Plus, sometimes you just need a glass (or bottle) to get through a packing session, let’s be honest. Even though it’s December, I’m still loving my summer grapefruit rosé. If you see this bottle in stores, get it. It’s so tasty!
Watching: Happy Endings. It’s a Friends-esque comedy from a few years back Dave got me into. It’s really lighthearted and funny, and it’s the perfect show to throw on at night before bed to wind down.
Going: To host a shopping event at Kindred Shops tomorrow at Oak Park Mall with KC Media Mixer. Holiday looks + booze, here I come! If you’re in KC, you should come by!
Reading: Up on packing hacks, how to change my address with the post office, and endless financial docs prepping for closing in a few weeks. I don’t have much free time to cuddle up on the couch with a book these days.
Loving: Shopping for the new house. I fully realize I should wait until we get in and settled, but the shopaholic planner in me is trying to get as much done pre-move. Our new place going to have a different vibe than our current home and I’m really excited to play around with new-to-me decorating aesthetics. I’ve been stalking Wayfair, Overstock, and Joss & Main pretty consistently for weeks. I can’t reveal much, but this chair is happening in one part of the house. This desk is happening in another.
Working: On packing up my entire life. It’s weird how entrenched in a place you become after living there a full decade. Seriously– I bought my current place in December 2008 and now I’m moving to a new place in December 2018; how’s that for completionist? Frankly, I have a lot of stuff. The moving process has been an exercise in purging (I’ve already donated boxes and boxes of clothing, appliances, and other housewares), streamlining, and organizing. It’s been overwhelming but my boyfriend is a pro at this! He ordered us a POD a few weeks back and we packed up about 40% of the house (all the non-essentials like patio furniture, the entire basement, off-season clothing, the entire kitchen save the daily necessities, etc.) the weekend before Thanksgiving. This made me feel so much better about the state of the move! Now we just have to push through to moving day.
Listening: To In Love With a Camera by The Struts. Seriously such a banger!
Buying: All the moving labels, packing tape, and post-it notes. These labels have been so instrumental in keeping boxes organized, and I also attach an oversized post-it with a highlight of what’s inside every box to alleviate the stress of unpacking once we start to move into the new house. TBD if this actually alleviates any stress, ha– I’m fully aware of the nightmares of unpacking.
Planning: For moving day! The moving truck is booked, our closing time is scheduled, and we’re starting to coordinate details for the day. I’m planning on booking it over to the new place immediately after closing with a bunch of cleaning supplies while my boyfriend loads up the moving truck at our old house. I want to give the new house a good scrub before we start moving our stuff in; my germaphobe ass shudders at the thought of people touching doorknobs, faucets, and trekking through the house while it was on the market. I want it fresh ‘n clean for us! After that, those moving labels will come into play and we’ll start unloading the truck and filling rooms with stuff to be unpacked. We’ll spend that whole first weekend unpacking, organizing, and nesting. And drinking, don’t forget drinking.
Wondering: Just how long it’ll take me to get settled into the new place. Dave thinks it won’t take us long at all; I’m less optimistic. I feel like we’ll be lucky to have it done in time for Christmas!
Feeling: Sad and excited all at once. I’m very attached to my current house and all the memories I’ve made in it. I knew I wasn’t going to live here forever, but I’m still sad to leave it behind. It was my home during such a formative time in my life. In so many ways, I fought for this place. It’s mine. But now it’s going to belong to someone else. It’s all very strange to wrap my head around. And at the same time, I’m so pumped for the new house. It’s everything I want in so many ways– a more open layout, more space in general, and it’s been completely updated. I’m so excited to settle in and make that place our new home!
So excited to share this news with you guys! The blog might be light for the next few weeks as we get settled in and unpacked, I hope you understand. You can follow along on Instagram, where my stories will likely chronicle the move in real time.
Linking up with Elegantly Dressed and Stylish, The Fashion Canvas + Walking in Memphis in High Heels, I Do DeClaire, Straight A Style + On the Daily Express, Rosy Outlook + Seeking Sunshine, Pumps and Push Ups, and The Pleated Poppy.
How exciting! The good news is that selecting and decorating a new home is very creative fun. The bad news is it’s exhausting. Enjoy the process and good luck!
Exhausting definitely describes it, haha! I will feel so much better in about a month from now when I’m hopefully all unpacked + settled!
Awe, congratulations on your new house! It is always so sad to leave a home behind that has brought such happiness. On to a new adventure!
xx, Elise
http://www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com
Yes- definitely a new adventure! I’m excited! Thanks for swinging by, Elise!
How exciting and huge Congratulations!! Buying a home is so stressful, but SO worth it when you start decorating and making it your own space!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Yesss- I’ll be so happy when the new place is all done + decorated! 🙂
This is so exciting!! I bet it is bittersweet, but I think this is a good sign. This mean you really lived your life to the fullest in your soon to be old house and now you will make new and amazing memories in your new home. I can’t wait to see the new house!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Thanks so much, Rach- I’m definitely excited for the new place! Saying goodbye to my current house is going to be tough- but it’s time. 🙂
That’s the greatest news Ashley. It is SO much work but always well worth it!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Yes, there’s nothing quite like taking a new house and making it a home! I’m excited, but definitely swamped!
Congrats on the new house, it’s so exciting to decorate a new one and also thanks for sharing these pics of your wonderful house, I love your taste! I am sure the new house will be outstandingly beautiful and cozy. Kisses
Fashion and Cookies – fashion and beauty blog
Thanks so much, Vale! I can’t wait to get to decorating!
As you close the chapter on your old house and turn the page to your new home, know how very proud I am of you! You’re amazing and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Truly lovely pics of your old home and on to the next White house. 😉
This is so sweet, Mom! 🙂
That’s SO exciting, congrats! And you are correct…your current house is SO cute!! I’m excited to see what you find…good luck!!!
Laura
Black Coffee Beautiful
Aww, thanks Laura! We are pumped to get into the new place and start making it OURS!
It can be hard to say goodbye to a big chapter of your life but it is also so exciting to start a new adventure. I wish you all the best dear.
xoxo…Beth
http://www.settlingsouthern.com
Thank you so much, Beth! I’m sure by this time next month, I’ll feel MUCH better being all settled in and (hopefully) unpacked! 🙂
Congrats on your new home!
https://carinazz.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Carina- we’re excited to get all moved in and share pics!
Your little house is quite big by English standards – and to buy it at 23 is hugely impressive! It is a gorgeous home and you must feel a little sad to say goodbye. My house is 140 years old – and although we’ve been here for 19 years, we are only part of it’s story. I can’t wait to see your new home – how very exciting! Good luck with the move lovely xx Maria
https://www.passionfruitpawsandpeonies.com
I am definitely sad to say goodbye- and that’s so awesome about your house! What an amazing history it must have!
Congrats on this new move! Your current home is lovely and you did so much with it.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine!
Congratulations on your new house! So exciting! What a lovely place you have and while the unpacking thing might be exhausting, the decorating part should bring so much fun! Wish you all the best x
I AM really excited to decorate, yes! 🙂 Thanks, Grace!
Oh so cool to see this snippet of your life! Your home looks lovely. And congrats on making this big decision. Maybe I will see you guys on one of those house hunting shows, hahaha.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thanks, Allie! I worked so hard on this house- definitely sad to see it go, but the new place is going to be such a fun chapter!
Moving is a bittersweet time. I am excited for you guys! Congratulations on the new house and I can’t wait to see it. In regards to packing, one step at a time. It was my least favorite too when we moved but once you are done, it will be a relief. In the meantime, don’t forget to take a breather.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Bittersweet is the perfect word to describe it! Thank you so much, doll- and, yes, will be SO HAPPY once the packing + unpacking is all wrapped up!
Congrats on the new house! That is so amazing you were able to buy your current house at 23! Now you’ve got those 10 years into it, and it must have made it so easy for you to find a really wonderful new home! Can’t wait to see it!
Chic on the Cheap
It was definitely nice to have some good equity to use toward a new house- especially with the market being up! We’re excited- but have so much work ahead! Just trying to take it one step at a time. 🙂
Aw congrats girl! What an exciting time! Your house is soooo cute! Im sure you will have no trouble selling it!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
Thanks, lady! We are pretty pumped!
This new chapter is going to be awesome and you’re an amazing decorator so your new digs will have all your special touches in no time!
You are too sweet, girlfriend! I can’t wait to share more!
Big congrats! How exciting!! Your home looks amazing!xo, Jane
http://www.fitfabfunmom.com
Thanks, Jane! I hope the new owner loves it as much as I do!
SO exciting for y’all!! We’re going to be looking early next year and I’m already bracing for all the stress that comes with it! Your current home is just ADORABLE but a new chapter is so exciting!!
Rosy Outlook
Thanks, Kelly! We’re pretty pumped- and knee-deep in boxes, lol. 🙂 Can’t wait to share more soon! And excited for you guys to find something amazing in the new year!
That’s such exciting news – and as much as moving truly is hell, I’m sure it’ll all be worth it and you’ll make amazing memories in your new space. Until then, bring on the wine and episodes of Happy Endings (two things near and dear to my heart) to get you through!
Courtney ~ Sartorial Sidelines
Moving is hell, SO TRUE haha! But yes- we’re excited for the new place! And omg, you love Happy Endings, too?! Such a gem!
Ahhhh CONGRATS girl on the new house! It’s so hard to leave behind memories, especially when you’re a total boss babe and bought your current home at 23! Can’t wait to see your new place, and yes it’s so hard not to buy allll the things before even moving in <3
Green Fashionista
Thanks so much, Kate! You are too kind- and yes, so sad to leave but the new chapter is going to be AMAZING! We’re so excited!
Congratulations on your new house, its beautiful
http://www.stylebasket.in
Thanks, Priya! This is actually the house I live in now- I can’t wait to show you guys the new one once we’re all moved in!
What a beautiful house! Congratulations, Ashley, I wish you and your family a lot of happiness in the new home 🙂
Lots of love ♥ January Girl
Thanks, Liz! I can’t wait to share pictures of the new place!
Oh that is great darling
xx
http://www.sakuranko.com
Thanks!
I loooove your house!!!!
Federica
http://www.federicadinardo.com
Thanks, babe! I’m sad to leave it- but it’s going to a cute space for someone new!
Congrats on your new home!! It’s so exciting to move, but so much work. I love the idea you had about converting your spare bedroom into a large closet. Our extra is an office and I’d have a tough time wrangling Paul out of there.
Thanks, Julie! I’m really excited to get in and settled and make the new space feel like OURS, you know?
Wow, congrats on your new house! Sounds so exciting!
Kisses, Paola.
Expressyourself
We’re really excited too! Thanks, babe!
That is so amazing. And I love your new house 🙂
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
Thanks Alyssa- this is actually our current home that we’re leaving, but I’m so excited to share our new space soon!
this is so exciting! congrats on the new change coming!
kelseybang.com
4allthingsdisney.com
Thanks, babe! We’re really excited!
Congrats! Moving is seriously THE WORST. We have lived in our house 2.5 years and still aren’t settled (hopefully you are smarter than me and didn’t buy a house that needed a lot of work!) Also, I can’t believe you bought your house at 23!!! Good luck with the move! Can’t wait to see pics of the new house.
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
One of our must-haves for the new place was we didn’t want to have to do ANYTHING before (or immediately after) moving in. The whole place has been updated and is ready to go- which is sooo nice because that means we’ll get settled faster! I am stressed (you know ME) but it’s going to be a fun adventure!
aww congrats! That is so exciting!
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Thanks, doll! We’re really pumped!
Oh, I just love your dressing room and it looks so organized! It’ll be so exciting to find a bigger home with your boyfriend, but yeah… I can only imagine how much work it is to pack everything up AND look for a new home. It’ll ALL be worth it, tho!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
You know me- organized to a fault, hahaha! And yes, the hunting, packing, moving and selling has been exhausting- but it’ll all be worth it!
Wow! you have so much going on. I love your house. I cannot believe you bought it when you were only 23 years old. Congratulations on getting a new one.
Thank you, Nerline! We are really excited for the new place- but I’m def sad to leave my house behind!
So exciting! It’s hard to leave a home behind that you have made so many great memories in but you’ll be making new memories soon in your new home! Your dressing room and accessories closet are amazing! Good luck with the move!
Jill – Doused in Pink
So exciting! It’s hard to leave a home behind that you have made so many great memories in but you’ll be making new memories soon in your new home! Your dressing room and accessories closet are amazing! Good luck with the move!
Jill – Doused in Pink
This is super exciting! Indeed, it’s never easy to leave a place you called home, when you have had so many great memories with it. But hey, you’ll be making new memories soon as well. Congrats dear! And wishing you all the best!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Such an exciting time!! I loved the tour of your first home, and can’t wait to see your new home!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
Very exciting, Ashley! Very happy for this new chapter in your life! Your closets remind me of little boutiques. 🙂 Also, love the modern chandelier!
http://lizzyslatest.com/
Did you move to your new house?