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Over the next several posts, Braydon and I are going to be trying to express some of our thoughts and feelings about the big move that we made six months ago. We really shifted our life in a drastic way, and it has been an incredibly interesting journey. At this — our six months in mark — we are going to try to write a bit about what this experience has been like for us so far.
So, check in for posts in the coming days! And if you have specific questions about this experience (either our radical downsizing from a big home to a tiny apartment, or our change in lifestyle from our prior “normal” life to living on campus as a family of five), comment here. We’ll try to answer as many questions as we can.
As a long time reader, I am very interested in your family’s approach to downsizing. I am contemplating a minimalist lifestyle. We have already moved from 2300 square feet to around 1500. I have taken 7 truckloads to Goodwill, and I’m still purging. Heather and I have exchanged brief emails about the move, and I am looking forward to the posts. I am at a bit of a standstill at the moment. I’ve gotten rid of LOTS, and now I’m down to the hard stuff. Gtandmother’s and mothers china and glassware, 6 boxes of baby pictures, and 8 boxes of sentimental baby clothes. My husband is even worse! He holds on to everything, including years of old bills, college textbooks, magazines, etc. how did you let go of the sentimental things? Did you donate them, share with others who would appreciate them?
One more question–how did you decide what to keep?
Hi Heather. I have really been wondering what happend to your other little family members…the cats? Greetings from Germany, Dana
Hi JMs!
Happy 6 month new-home-iversary! I think it is awesome that you are enjoying campus life to the max and it really seems like exactly the right place for your family! I’m so looking forward to reading your upcoming posts!!
Just curious, are there any real downsides/things to be wary of when a family like yours (with young children) considers moving on campus? Do you have nightime fire drills? Or rowdy neighbour issues? Or other things to contend with/bear in mind?
Also I gathered your kitties went to stay with MorMor and MorFar — how are the baminos and yourself adjusting to life without pets?
Your appartment looks really wonderful and cozy – I especially love how you’ve decorated it and your artful storage solutions – the custom-made furniture storage cubbies and MorMor’s (I assume?) handwoven baskets are genius and chic, so much better than eye-sore plastic containers (I don’t judge tho’ because I use them all the time because I don’t have a crafty MorMor ;))
I’m looking forward to following your “Family in Residence” journey – especially enjoy reading about your experiences with your student community – clearly your new living arrangment is mutally beneficial (just as you’d envisioned :)).
Here’s to the next 6 months & more, may it be just a wonderful!
– Kate
I remember that you had two beautiful cats. How are they coping with the smaller living environment? I have not seen photos of them lately.
azeezah
I’d be interested to hear how your cooking/meal times have changed. How much do you guys still cook in the scaled down kitchen verses eating on campus? I can’t imagine your foodie kids eating cafeteria food ; )
Rebecca in South Carolina