simplified homemaking

(AKA simple things you can do to feel at home when you move to a new city!)

Man, where do I begin? Truthfully, the only major moves I’ve ever made have been moving across the world from Vietnam to Texas and then moving from Texas to Virginia after college. My college move barely counts because I moved into a dorm room with my roommate, where all our furniture was provided to us, and we had all our meals in the cafeteria. But my move to Virginia was completely different, and something I hope will help others to have an easier and more enjoyable time moving to a new city! When I was thinking of an idea for a second blog post that can be used and shared, this topic is the one I knew I had to start with!

I graduated college in 2021, when COVID was still a big deal in the U.S. and many parts of the world. As a result, my parents couldn’t come to my graduation. However, I couldn’t feel more loved, for my friends threw me a huge surprise graduation party and my friend Brooke bought a ticket to fly to Virginia with me! (She’s the best). So, invest in your relationships even in the season of transition, and even after it. Relationships are like a garden. You have to love it, care for it, and constantly find ways to eliminate bad things and add good things to it.

But truthfully, after Brooke left Virginia after spending the weekend there with me, I was by myself, away from everyone I’ve known. I was nervous. I had to make all the decisions, from what to cook for dinner that night to where I was going to grocery shop, to where I was going to work out, to what kind of activities I wanted to do outside of work.

I’m proud to say that the first couple years living in Virginia taught me so much about myself and how to make homes anywhere I go.

Hopefully the things I’m about to share will add value to your life and the current season you’re in. Even if you’ve lived in a place for longer than a year, I believe some of these things will still be worth trying out.

Okay, ready? Let’s start!

Before you move…

What: Start preparations early

Why: Okay, I realize that not everybody can start preparing early when it comes to moving to a new city. Sometimes you find out last minute. But the best practice is always to start planning the moment you find out you’re moving. Don’t make it an all-consuming part of your life, but start. Get a new notebook or create a new folder on your desktop dedicated to planning for your move. Pick up the phone to call a couple of friends or your mom to celebrate. Mark the moment: you’re moving! It’s exciting, scary, worth celebrating, and worth preparing for.

How: Like I said, cultivate a space where you can brainstorm all the tasks and your dreams and goals. What do you want your space to look like, or feel like? What kind of activities do you want to do? Why are you moving? Write a value proposition so you can always remember the reason you made the move when times are hard. Have your community know about your move and pray for you, if you believe “the prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective.” (James 5:16) It will make the goodbye process easier and sweeter.

What: Find 3 things that you can do during the first week that you’re there

Why: This simplifies and normalizes the process, calming your wrecking nerves. I promise you we all have them. But picking tangible activities that you will do when you get there makes the move both more real and more exciting.

How: Pick a restaurant or a coffee to get breakfast at. Write down the name of a farmer’s market and the times it opens on the weekend. Choose a famous attraction you’ve never been to or you’d like to come back to in your new city. That way, you’re getting to know the place you’re moving to right away and not missing out on the fun “tourist phase.”

What: Bring with you your comfort items!

Why: Of course you have to bring your fluffy slippers, because why not? You are not starting life all over again, this is just the next chapter of your life where you can use your favorite items to ease into!

How: Your childhood blanket. Notes from your family. A trinket of furniture. Photos of your friends. Even grandma’s black bean brownies. Show up with things that bring you joy, comfort, and remind you that life is not drastically changing. It’s just a new chapter with many things to experience and learn!

When You’re There…

What: Cook your first meal as soon as possible

Why: Ok, this is a real hack for me. On my second day at my new apartment, I took the metro to Trader Joe’s and bought food. Real, fresh, nutritious food. Added in a couple fun snacks. And then I went home that night and broke out the new pan and pot set and made some pasta. I felt instantly at home. This is just a place where we eat meals, right? There’s something so cozy and comforting about being able to feed yourself in a season where much is expected of you.

How: Look up the closest or most accessible grocery store near where you live, and make a list of the first three meals you’re gonna have. Even if you don’t know how to cook, make something simple like grilled cheese and store-bought tomato soup. Even better, call a friend or your mom so they can give you instructions!

What: Buy a piece of decoration

Why: This is the last recommendation of this part but not the least important thing. I think we tend to undermine the value of decorations in our world, where minimalism is the new trend. I personally think sometimes we take minimalism too far. Homes should be lovely while functional. It should feel like you and reflect your personality. Of course, do not fill up a whole cart of Home Goods stuff, but get something really special that makes you feel like this space belongs to you!

How: Find something fun.  A painting. A set of pillowcases. Even a little bookcase or new shelves so you can showcase your books and trinkets like plaques or pictures. Personalize as much as you can! I promise it will be the best project you do during the first week of your move.

Last Thoughts

Listed above are things that are more micro-level and very attainable. Next time, I’ll talk about more macro-level things. Things that take some more time and money investment. But you know, great investment, great return. My promise is that I’m only telling you about things that worked for me!

Moving is a punch-in-your-gut kind of thing. But God makes a promise that He will never leave you nor forsake you. He claims that He knows every single hair on your head. So when you are doing all the things, imagine, and believe, that He is doing them all with you. He is helping you pick out the color of your duvet cover. He is teaching you what good things to eat. He is preparing good things for you, good and perfect things. God himself is organizing some plans for your life that are going to give you hope and a future. This is the kind of thing that His children believe in.

He is good. Happy moving! Call me if you need anything.