To move, or not to move, that's the question

I've mentioned before that we are staying here in Arizona for another year. What was a one year commitment is now two, and we're excited. Yes, we miss Denver (though not the snow they're getting today; we much prefer the pool!), but we feel very much at home here in Gilbert. Thanks to our church and some amazing friends.

One of the questions that's come up is this: Do we stay in this house? Or do we look for a different house to rent?

I have not been a fan of this house. Or, I should say, I wasn't a fan of this house until January, when we brought back more of our stuff. 

LESSON: Even if you're moving for just a short time, take the stuff you love! 

I didn't, and so I didn't feel at home for the first six months we lived here. I just felt like I was staying awhile and waiting for something else. It was awful.

After Christmas, I brought back more of my treasures and we put some attention into the house--a few new pieces of furniture (like a game/work table for the corner that adds some height to the room and big leather chairs for our room) and window (mis)treatments. I started feeling more at home.

I suspect that if we were to bring even more of the stuff that makes our house our home--all those little treasures that don't do much beyond make us happy and feel like we belong (which is really a lot just in and of itself when you stop to think about it)--then we'd feel even more at home in this house.

Things like all my roosters. And Miss Millie, my vintage dress form. And my big dining room table. And some old window frames for the walls. And some vintage aprons for a kitchen window treatment. And some more books. And a few quilts. And the chicken lamp.

  

Moving would mean a bigger (possibly) house with more room for our stuff. But it would also mean moving. And more rent. And more $$ toward the air conditioning bill. And maybe a pool! But then $$ to the pool man. And possibly giving up our neighborhood clubhouse and all of its amenities--which is like a resort and we use it all the time.

I strongly suspect I'm starting to ramble.

And I strongly suspect we'll be staying in this house. And adding to the TO BRING BACK FROM DENVER list that's on a huge posterboard and stapled to the wall in the kitchen. And getting fuller by the day.

Hmm...wonder if the landlady would be up for new carpet? And removing some of the goofy build-ins that limit the amount of furniture we can have in the house? And maybe some better landscaping? And paint? What about paint?

Think it's time for a THINGS TO ASK THE LANDLADY list.

Comments

[Amy]

I can relate to you a little here. Although we have not moved out of our home town we did sell our home (unexpectedly) last year. Now we are renting but only expected to rent for a few months until we found something else. Since it was only going to be a few months we put almost everything in storage. We are going on our 7th month in our rental and I really miss all our stuff. Simple things like my cheese greater that I didn't have the other day when I was making dinner. ...So, I hear you loud and clear! :)

[Kristy]

That clubhouse and it's ameneties and less rent money would probably keep me there! I say bring more "treasures" from home, and spend lots of time at the pool!

[Eveline]

Hi Joanne paint the wall a lovely colour you like and Jump in the pool! and bring more treasures in your home and save the money for a great new thing when you go back to denver! If You are going back?

Lots of greetings from Eveline!

[Dawn W]

ASK! We rented several places when we were first married and always left the place better than when we moved in. We found that many landlords just don't want to do the work but will gladly pay for it. We had one landlord who, once the project was "approved," would allow us to purchase the supplies and do the work ourselves. Then we would provide him with the receipts and deduct the cost of our supplies from our rent payment. It was a win/win situation.

[mma shirts]

I'm from Connecticut and moved to Phoenix for a year. It turned out to not really be my thing but it was an awesome experience!

[Kurt Palen]

I've moved to Mesa, Arizona a few years ago. The house is wonderful, it's like being in Mars with all the red sand around. Hehe. But it ain't easy. Transporting all our stuff from California to Arizona is no small feat. But it was definitely worth it.

[Minneapolis Movers]

Self service moving is a very convenient option that costs less than full service moving. You can pack your things in one or more crates that the moving service will drop at your home. The house movers will collect the crates and deliver them at your new home when you are ready to move in.

[starving students movers]

Great suggestions! I've also found that some moving box companies provide moving kits which include moving boxes and packing supplies. To know more about them click here.

[NorthPhoenix.net]

The wife and I moved here about 8 years ago now...we miss Orange County, California and beautiful weather year round, but too expensive for us right now.