Taking down my roots

The Moving Out Diaries: Vol. 2

Hi friend,

The morning after Tall Man and I decided to move in together this summer, I sat at my desk/dining room table and started writing lists. This is one of the first things I do at the start of every move, and it looks something like this:

• Write a list of all the accounts I need to close

• Write a list of all the places I need to change my address (this list is the longest, and now I need to remember to tell some places—like both HMRC in the UK and the CRA in Canada—in two countries)

• Write a list of what I’m going to get rid of, and make a plan to sell/donate it (in this case: mostly big furniture + appliances)

• And for this move: write a list of all the big things I’ll be bringing to TM’s house (just a few pieces of furniture)

I wrote these lists in the time it took to drink my first coffee. It was quick and easy—a familiar task, one I’ve done many times before. And then I did something I’ve never done at the start of a move.

I walked around The Lighthouse and took everything off the walls.

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If you’re new here: hi, my name is Cait. I’m 39 years old and I’ve moved 31 times in my life. My last move was into my first home in the UK, which I named The Lighthouse. I’ve lived here for over 3 years, which is the longest I’ve stayed anywhere as an adult. I love this house and love the version of myself I became here. (I love it so much, I named my newsletter after it!) It’s simply time for a new chapter. Before I start writing that one, I want to close my chapter at The Lighthouse with intention. I don’t want to rush towards what’s in front of me. I want to reflect on all this house meant to me, and do this 32nd move slowly… and document it too.

Welcome to The Moving Out Diaries. This is Volume 2: Taking down my roots.