We’re spending today packing things up, and although we thought it would feel monotonous and tiring, it’s oddly exciting.
Even the act of wrapping a bunch of cups in newspaper feels like “IT’S HAAAAAAPPENING! We’re really DOING IT!”
Can you believe Clara looked like this last time we moved?
Three birthdays (and a significant amount of hair) later, my baby’s gone. Sniffle. But there’s a pretty cool kid (complete with an arm tat) in her place, so it’s a fair trade.
Life will change with this big move, and our blog and our process for the new house might feel different to you because we’re approaching it, well, differently. More than any other house that we’ve lived in, our new place feels like it could become a long-term home for us and we want to make sure that the decisions we’re making, the projects we’re doing, and the materials we’re choosing will fit the vision of a place where we could live for decades and raise a family.
That means we may take more time to mull over design decisions, research options, weigh different approaches, and save up for materials and projects. So the pace at which this home transforms may be slower than the pace that you’re used to from us (it’ll most likely resemble the pace of our first house as opposed to our second one). But we hope that it’ll add up to a home that we love like crazy full of lots of thoughtful upgrades and exciting projects over time. Some weeks we might be humming right along (like our mad dash to paint the blue trim and install the hardwoods) and other weeks we might not make much progress at all because we’re stuck or delayed or saving up… but hey, that’s real life.
We’d also love to tackle more projects for the people we love, like this bathroom reno that we did for John’s grandma last fall. Beyond how awesome it feels to do something sweet like that for someone else, we’ve learned that those “off-campus” projects stretch us in new ways. After all, it was getting out of our house to do that makeover that later inspired our own bathroom paint color.
So it should end up being a nice smorgasbord of home, family, and random stuff – which has always been our favorite mix.
Some of you might like this new-ish approach more, others might like it less, and some folks probably won’t even notice a difference, but this little refresh makes us giddy in the nerdiest of ways. It feels just like it did when we started this back in 2007… the air is so thick with possibility that it’s fogging up our safety goggles.
So thank you thank you thank you for stopping in to see what’s going on in our house/life/brain. There’s so much fun stuff ahead, and we love you guys so much it’s borderline uncool. And you can bet your sweet buns that I’m teaching Clara the words (well, the clean ones). Turns out this kid is a HUGE fan of jumping around…
See you guys on the flip side when we’re all moved in!*
*And by the flip side, I mean Monday. And by moved in, I mean our house will look like a pillow and ceramic animal bomb went off.
Janine says
I totally support the change to a long term, more personal approach to your new house. :)
Chris says
I think I can speak for the majority of your readers and say, we’re also ‘giddy in the nerdiest of ways’ to see how you transform the new house! New beginnings are very exciting! Thanks for taking us along!
Good luck with the move!
Jenny@Simcoe Street says
Yay! Happy moving! I loved the first two houses and all the blogging that came with them. I am sure this one will be the best yet! We are still unpacking our first house (we moved into a fixer upper, inspired by blogs like yours) six weeks after move in day — although our almost two year old and almost two week old probably have something to do with that, ha!
Jenny
http://Www.simcoestreet.blogspot.com
Donita says
So excited for your little family. Take your time, don’t worry about us. We will all still be here. Enjoy your move!! Clara is SO cute, can’t believe how much she has grown. Her hair is so LONG. Pretty girlie!!!
Maureen says
So excited for you guys. How could this home be anything BUT your forever home? You have waited years to live here and now it has all come to fruition. It’s nice to see the hard work pay off for you guys. I know you have learned to never say never, but I can’t see you guys ever leaving this spot. You can always find other spaces to change if/when all the projects in this house get completed years from now. :)
Good luck with the move, and thanks for taking us along on the journey!
KC says
Good luck with the move to my favorite blog. You guys may even sweat off more than a few pounds with the 90 degree heat!! Can’t wait for your new journey to begin! :)
Kara says
Good luck guys! I, among the rest of us, “borderline uncool” love you back! *BIG INTERNET HUGS* Looking forward to seeing all the brand new projects and seeing how you make your house into your home! (oh yeah and John, try to stay away from ditches, k?)
Bethany says
So I won’t show up with coffee and donuts to help you move…because that would be creepy. But if you feel the positive vibes and energy coming your way…that’s me! Could not be more excited for y’all if I tried and wishing you a smooth and rain-free move this weekend. Lift with your legs and enjoy this last big move! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Bethany!
xo
s
Britt says
I think this post deserves a big, “Whooot Whooooot!”. We just found out that we need to move out of our beloved apartment home. We’ve found a new (bigger! sunnier!) apartment but the task of moving has been daunting. This was EXACTLY what I needed to read this morning to get me energized to pack up all of our stuff. Instead of ceramic animals and pillows, think piles of musical instruments. :)
So excited for you guys and I can’t wait to see what you do with this new home!
YoungHouseLove says
Good luck with everything Britt!
xo
s
rachael says
I will definitely be here waiting for you guys Monday morning, you can count on it!
Lisa @ Paintbrush & Screwdriver says
We bought our first, and “forever,” home in 2007. It’s been interesting to see how our style and DIY skills have evolved since then. It took us a few months to do anything more strip wallpaper and repaint, but it gave us time to really live in the house and see how it worked/lived for our family. I think that really helped in terms of deciding what to change and the best way to go about a project.
Budget and time also play a HUGE part in that! I’m really looking forward to watching your progress with the new place.
Dannyelle @ www.lifeisaparty.ca says
Wishing you a very happy move!
Venessa says
I have followed you guys from early on. I was sad to see your first house go…so many memories…I am pumped to watch you transform your forever home. Don’t go renovating too fast, we don’t want you to run out of projects to show us. On second thought, you could come to my house and help me!
Erin says
That actually made me cry at my desk. Geez.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh Erin! Now I’m crying!
xo
s
esther says
I’ve not been online much recently due to heart surgery so the previous post on how you bought a new home came quite as a surprise hhe but I have to say Man I LOVE absolutely LOVE the new house. It’s the kind I’d totally would love to raise my family in. Can’t wait to see how over these next months you’ll transform it from a new house to a new home:) Good luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Esther! And I hope you’re feeling great!
xo
s
Rachelle D says
You’ve definitely spoiled us readers with the quick work on the floors and the trim! But I’m glad to hear you’ll be taking your time and am looking forward to all the projects to come. I love the idea of more projects for other people–it’s cool to see how you combine your style with theirs.
Sara says
What a wonderful post – your excitement and giddiness is infectious!! Made my morning. Looking forward to reading along as this new chapter begins!
Kelly says
I am so excited for you guys! I’ve been reading you so long, and I’ve enjoyed the transformation of your other two homes. I’m really looking forward to the transition from starter home reno to long-term family home reno. The floors look wonderful! I can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of the house. And I am sad that the deck tree has to go, though I can totally understand why. A pergola would be awesome.
shannon says
Good luck this weekend! So excited about your new adventure. Kudos to you guys for always put your family’s needs first. Your blog is so much fun to read and it is refreshing to know that behind the blog are a couple of genuine folks that want what’s best for their family. Keep up the good work, looking forward to seeing all of the transformations over time!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Shannon! You guys are all so sweet. We’re permasmiling from all the love as we pack. Best readers ever.
xo
s
Kyla says
I am really looking forward to your new pace and your new home. This home seems like it would make a great forever home until you are too old for stairs ha!ha! I think you are right about taking time to make decisions. Do you guys have any thoughts yet on what direction you will go with in this house? It is definitly more of a classic tradtional style house vs. mid century modern and I hope you reflect some of that in your design choices.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I think we’ll definitely skew more classic thanks to the new style of the house and all of the awesome molding and trim but I also think we’ll keep things casual and cozy with lots of white and pops of color so it doesn’t feel stuffy. Should be fun to see where we end up!
xo
s
Mishellie says
I’m really nervous/excited for this shift in style. I feel like I’ll be exploring a design style that’s totally different/new to me, along with you guys :) Can’t wait!
Katie says
So excited for your new adventure!!!
Amanda says
I’ve been reading since House 1. I think your new home is beautiful and can’t wait to see what you do to it. We are moving from TN to Philadelphia this weekend and the empty house makes me sad and nostalgic (brought both kids home from the hospital there) but I know what you are saying- all week we have been working our hineys off and I still am energized and excited! Best of luck P fam, looking forward to reading more!
YoungHouseLove says
Thansk Amanda! Good luck with your move too!
xo
s
Terry says
Dear Sherry, John, Clara and Burger,
A whole new adventure awaits – so pleased for you!! I love, love, love reading your blog. Great Clara-in-the-box photo. You inspire me in so many ways. I’m looking forward to seeing you make this house your home over the years. Good luck this weekend!
Bianca H says
I am really excited for you guys! As much as moving can really take it out of you, I am wishing you all the best and hope you have a quick and painless move, take lots of photo’s, have a little cry, order some take-out and have an exhausted, but happy, weekend!!
Kirsten says
SO excited for you! And I am convinced that you two could slap pretty much anything up on this blog, and I’d need to read it. Period. So, happy big transition to you!! I, for one, will be here enthusiastically watching it all go down!
Tara S says
I wish you the best of luck on this next amazing adventure. I will reading along with your fun journey. FYI, I’m so excited for you to tackle wallpaper, hehehe. I have one half bathroom left that has wallpaper. You will be my inspiration to get it done this summer. Love you guys!!
Ashleigh says
I will sacrifice (read: eagerly volunteer) for you to re-do a room in my house. ha ha. I am thrilled about the new or renewed vision for the blog. House 2 did seem really fast to me, and was a bit overwhelming for those of us who dream having to DIY minded people in the home.
Amy says
Great good luck—you guys are the only movers and shakers I read about that can do anything with a home! It’s ahh-mazing and so fun to read a post anytime…….you tackle so much—very inspiring:)
Jump around………how was that song popular–so much screaming and chaos…ha.
Have fun-be safe!
Lia says
Great post, Sherry, and good luck with the move!
As a longtime reader, I am really excited for your new house and fresh start. I know that you guys will do a great job putting a lot of thought, time, and investment into the upgrades in the new house. I really look forward to hearing your thought process behind investing in “grown up” items like you mentioned in another post–drapery, bedding, etc. Such a stately house deserves as much! I think many of your readers will really enjoy being along for the ride, and won’t miss the “instant gratification” of tons of smaller projects.
Katie says
I’m truly excited for you guys AND for your readers! I think it’s great that you’ll take your time and really think things through on this house – it’s more real that way. Plus, us readers will get to learn more through your decision-making! Best of luck with the move this weekend!
-Katie at AdventuringAtHome
KathyG says
Good Luck with the move! No snow and no ditches this time, so it should be all good!
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
Have a great moving weekend! How exciting! I think this is an awesome post setting real expectations. It’s your life and you should live it like you want! I think all your readers already love you and all that you do that they won’t mind! So take your time!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Megan!
xo
s
shannon says
I forgot to say that I love the picture of Jon and Clara on the floor… that’s a keeper!
Kate says
So excited to see what’s in store for your future! Good luck over the (HOT!) weekend!
–>Serious Deck Envy
Megan says
Looks like a future Badger! (YouTube it :)) As UW alumni, I can attest–it is pretty cool.
Jessie says
You all are adorable! Enjoy the new house, I am fairly new to your blog…but I have probably already read most of your posts,lol. We are starting our own DIY site/blog for our adventure and when researching I came across you all….what a blessing:)HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!!!!
Lisa says
The new home is gorgeous! So much potential. And as far as a slower pace, I welcome it. As I do the idea of a forever home. We found ours a year ago, and I have to remind myself daily that I don’t have to do it all this year, this month, this week, or today (even though I want to!)
Anne says
I will read your blog no matter what. You all being you is what makes Young House Love sing! Love this blog. :-)
Steph Nelson says
me too! :)
Marcy L says
Good luck with the move friends!
E.D.R. says
Good luck with the move, and with all the new changes. Nothing can ever stay the same, and think how boring it would be. I am excited to see how you and the house change, and look forward to new inspirations! I am stuck in the middle of retiling our shower (out of necessity we are retiling, but I am pretty glad to get rid of the blue tile as well), so we are in need of inspiration! Thank you for all you do, and for sharing some of your life with all us folks out in cyber land. If you ever need a random house to make over, we are in Charlottesville and need HELP! :) ha ha
Brandy says
I seriously can’t wait to see boxes and furniture just plopped down in your new place. I love seeing freshly moved in spaces, all the boxes to unpack and organization to be done! It’s a brand new start with tons of possibility!
bryanna says
I am SO EXCITED about this move. At first, when you guys posted about it, I was all ‘WHAT?! BUT YOU ARE STILL WORKING ON THIS HOUSE!’ that lasted for about 20 seconds and then I realized ‘OMG ALL NEW EVERYTHING!!!!!!’
When you guys first moved into the last house, I got bored for awhile there while you built up steam in changing everything. I suspect this will happen again. The new floors were exciting, but I suspect there won’t be a ton of major changes immediately. I’m okay with this (not that it matters what I, some random internet stranger, thinks!) I’m excited to reach the day where we can look at the house tour link and see some awesome before and afters. I can’t wait to see what all you do with this house. It looks like it has so much potential.
I’ll be curious to see how the blog goes if you guys do decide to make this your ‘forever’ (or at least ‘the bulk of our kid’s childhoods’) home. After all of the major changes, there will only be so much to post about on your own house. You can’t really do a full on kitchen and removing walls remodel every year. Well, you can, but who does that? I’m excited to see where everything goes with this home and beyond. I’m hoping if your blog comes to a natural end, it’s still a few years off… :)
Jenifer says
Hey thanks for the morning jam!
JUMP
Sara says
1. that Kristin Wiig skit is hysterical – I can feel YOUR excitement!
2. Best of luck with EVERYTHING.. the move, the new projects, settling into this BEAUTIFUL new home. I cannot wait to see what you have in store and am so thankful you have a place to share it all. Such an inspiration!
Lisa Stonehouse says
Bless you guys this weekend!! Praying for a smooth transition for your sweet Clara. xo
Sarah M says
Good luck with the move this weekend!
My fiancé and I are in our new house but still have lots to do–I keep telling myself that it doesn’t all have to be done at once, and that I can take my time while I look out for things I really love rather than get something I feel meh about just to have “something for now”…
Slow and steady wins the race, right? Right?!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! Take your time and let it percolate ;)
xo
s
heather says
Stop. Percolate and listen. Don’t design without a solid vision.
I swear to God that was the first line that popped into my head when I read your response. Name that tune. << Flash Back
#foreverinthe90s #themostlame
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahahaha! I think you have a hit single on your hands…
xo
s
Lil says
“*And by the flip side, I mean Monday. And by moved in, I mean our house will look like a pillow and ceramic animal bomb went off.” –> made me smile
Love the two photos of Clara with the moving box.
Good luck with the move!
kelly says
suuuuper excited for you guys! so glad you found what you think might be your family-raisin’ house :)
good luck with the move this weekend.
Brandi from Bloomington says
Feel free to crash my tiny bathroom anytime.
I can’t wait to see your grown-up choices and projects. I really like SmartyPig for budgeting for projects.
Alex the Airhostess says
Best wishes on the moving!
So excited for all the opportunities for you nice people. A slowed down (to paraphrase your words) aka normal person pace won’t make us love your wonderful blog any less!! In fact, it will prob encourage all of us more.
I bought a seriously broken house 4 years ago, and it was a good 3 years into the project before it was approaching other people’s standards/live-there-on-purpose.
When I was house hunting, I would tour so many bank owned houses with redone baths and kitchens, and it would make me so sad. If the people had tackled one project at a time, the could probably still afford their house. It’s taken 4 years, but every project is paid for in cash (complete rewire, complete replumb, kitchen remodel, etc).
So, sorry that longish paragraph was spossed to be encouragement that your readers will really respect and enjoy your process! Variety is great! And so is reading your blog with my eggos in the morning!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Alex!
xo
s