My Life on the Move: From Rental Nomad to Homeowner (and Moving Expert!)

I've moved sixteen times in my life. You read that right! Most people assume I must have been a military kid, but that's not the case. While my family did move four times when I was growing up, most of my moves happened as a young adult. I was constantly searching for affordable and reasonable housing during college and later as a young professional.

The Journey of a Long-Term Renter

For years, I was a long-term renter, experiencing all sorts of rental situations. I lived in big buildings, small buildings, multi-family homes, and even just a room in a single-family house. If you can imagine it, I've probably lived in it! Between 2011 and 2021, I moved into different rental units ten times. Each move had its own unique story: I moved up the street, across town, across the state, and even across the country.

During this time, I became a packing and moving expert. I learned exactly what to box up and what to toss into bags. I mastered the art of fitting everything perfectly in a moving truck. Nothing would fall or break during transit. I knew the exact order to load things to unload the most important items first.

Achieving Homeownership: A Dream Come True

After a decade as a renter, I hit a milestone I never thought possible: I bought a house! This was a dream I never thought could come true. After working in a bank for two years, I learned about what it really took to get a mortgage. I always thought I needed a huge down payment and perfect credit. But then, I discovered first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance. Next thing I knew, I was pre-approved, making an offer, and—holy cow—closing!

When I bought my home, I truly thought that was it. The end of my moving days. I was so excited to decorate and paint the walls the way I wanted! I was ready to plant roots in my very own home and find a place for everything, including me.

New Beginnings: Moving Again

As luck would have it, my now-husband and I decided to move in together two years later. This meant packing up my belongings once more. It was a tough decision to sell my beloved home. I couldn’t picture someone else living in my house; I needed to let it become theirs. Once again, I had to find new places for all my stuff in my husband's home.

My husband had owned his home long before we met. He'd only moved a handful of times: from his childhood home to an apartment, then from that apartment to his house. He understood that his property was a starter home. However, as we lived together, we quickly realized it didn’t truly fit us. The house was too big for him but too small for us as a couple.

Our Forever Home: Closing the Deal

After our wedding, we decided to take the leap and look for a house that was truly ours. And we did just that! We sold his property and closed on what we call our forever home in November 2024. This was my sixteenth (and hopefully final!) time moving.

My husband and I on closing day for our new house together.

Why My Moving Journeys Make Me an Expert

You might be thinking, "Wow, this person moved A LOT." However, I hope by sharing my story, it sheds some light on why I consider myself a moving expert. I use these diverse experiences to help friends, family, and clients navigate their moves.

Whether you're renting, buying, or selling, moving down the road or across the country, I have the experience to help you move with ease. My extensive background allows me to guide others through every aspect of their journeys.

Tips for a Smooth Move

• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute. Start organizing and packing early.

• Declutter: Get rid of items you no longer need before packing.

• Label Boxes: Clearly label each box to make unpacking easier.

• Hire Professionals: If possible, consider hiring a moving company. It can save you time and stress.

Ready to make your next move a smooth one? Don't navigate it alone. If you're looking for a moving expert who truly understands the process, **reach out to me today!** Let’s make your transition stress-free.