We’re spending today packing things up, and although we thought it would feel monotonous and tiring, it’s oddly exciting.
Even the act of wrapping a bunch of cups in newspaper feels like “IT’S HAAAAAAPPENING! We’re really DOING IT!”
Can you believe Clara looked like this last time we moved?
Three birthdays (and a significant amount of hair) later, my baby’s gone. Sniffle. But there’s a pretty cool kid (complete with an arm tat) in her place, so it’s a fair trade.
Life will change with this big move, and our blog and our process for the new house might feel different to you because we’re approaching it, well, differently. More than any other house that we’ve lived in, our new place feels like it could become a long-term home for us and we want to make sure that the decisions we’re making, the projects we’re doing, and the materials we’re choosing will fit the vision of a place where we could live for decades and raise a family.
That means we may take more time to mull over design decisions, research options, weigh different approaches, and save up for materials and projects. So the pace at which this home transforms may be slower than the pace that you’re used to from us (it’ll most likely resemble the pace of our first house as opposed to our second one). But we hope that it’ll add up to a home that we love like crazy full of lots of thoughtful upgrades and exciting projects over time. Some weeks we might be humming right along (like our mad dash to paint the blue trim and install the hardwoods) and other weeks we might not make much progress at all because we’re stuck or delayed or saving up… but hey, that’s real life.
We’d also love to tackle more projects for the people we love, like this bathroom reno that we did for John’s grandma last fall. Beyond how awesome it feels to do something sweet like that for someone else, we’ve learned that those “off-campus” projects stretch us in new ways. After all, it was getting out of our house to do that makeover that later inspired our own bathroom paint color.
So it should end up being a nice smorgasbord of home, family, and random stuff – which has always been our favorite mix.
Some of you might like this new-ish approach more, others might like it less, and some folks probably won’t even notice a difference, but this little refresh makes us giddy in the nerdiest of ways. It feels just like it did when we started this back in 2007… the air is so thick with possibility that it’s fogging up our safety goggles.
So thank you thank you thank you for stopping in to see what’s going on in our house/life/brain. There’s so much fun stuff ahead, and we love you guys so much it’s borderline uncool. And you can bet your sweet buns that I’m teaching Clara the words (well, the clean ones). Turns out this kid is a HUGE fan of jumping around…
See you guys on the flip side when we’re all moved in!*
*And by the flip side, I mean Monday. And by moved in, I mean our house will look like a pillow and ceramic animal bomb went off.
Kasia says
Hey there
I’ve been reading your blog for several months now and I think you guys are awesome. Very inspirational and motivational all round. It’s amazing what you’ve managed to do with both your houses and build a career out of doing what you love, together.
Looking forward to reading about your renovations in your new home. All the best !
Sammy C. says
I will always be a faithful follower of your blog so take all the time and thought you need…I am super, super excited to see what the new house will bring. I will also be looking for some new ways that you may blog.
Robin says
What a move it will be! It’s a beautiful new house and a fantastic upgrade for the family. We call our new colonial our “forever house”. We are just doing one room at a time and doing it right. I just have to keep telling myself it isn’t a flip. ha. So excited to see what you will do. The wood is just beautiful and a wonderful place to start. Good luck with your move.
Silvia says
I am so excited for you – good luck with the move and hoping it all goes as smoothly as moves go ! I am really looking forward to seeing where the new home takes you and it’s even more relevant to me because we’re moving in three weeks too – to our first home in the States after 6 years of waiting (no, not long at all, ha ha). Have fun and happy moving. x
Sarah says
I can’t believe it’s been three years in the 2nd home! I love you guys and have loved watching little bean grow up. I live in Richmond and everytime I go to Lowes or Home Depot I look around for you guys! Soooo happy for the new house I like a slower pace I couldn’t keep up with the last house I’m super excited!
Kathy says
You’ve made some interesting comments about this new home being your grown-up home…my words,not yours I think, but I totally understood. I might be one of your oldest readers and the tone that your words set peaked an interest here. I am one of those folks who values the process over the result every time, so I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog for the last few years. I have no intention of abandoning you…God willing I’ll be at Clara’s graduation! (I did notice that most of your fans at booking signings were of a certain age. I was sorry that you didn’t get close enough to me for me to add another demographic!)
Your blog is multifunctional…DYI, personal, informative. You have provided me with tons of information; I have purchased a few of the products you have introduced me to and researched many more.
Perhaps if you got to know me you’d love me…cause I am so stuck on what to do with my kitchen as to be immobile. I don’t think I can listen to one more contractor tell me what HE would do. Just how much time do you imagine HE spends in a kitchen? There are plenty of us out here who could use a fresh perspective and I volunteer to be first should you venture into the consulting phase of things.
In short…do your thing. Try not to worry. Stay in the moment and if the moment gets dicey…you’ll figure it out. Just stop and look at where you started and where you are currently. It’s a marvel to behold.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks Kathy!
xo
s
Barbara says
Fast or slow doesn’t matter to me. I love this blog. I’m always going back to old posts to get inspiration and motivation to organize, pare down, or live with less. I would love to see more posts about those subjects in between big projects.
YoungHouseLove says
We’re definitely feeling the urge to do all of those things with this big move, so we’d love to share that stuff as we go!
xo,
s
Rebecca says
Congrats, you guys! Take your time and enjoy this process! So exciting!
Aimee Feather says
John and Sherry: I have been reading your blog for several months and have been so inspired (your book was a Christmas gift to several family members). Best wishes on your move and continued success. I am a former Interior designer and have really enjoyed watching every project of yours unfold. You both are so talented and work sooooooo hard. I know this new house will end up looking spectacular! I hope things go well this weekend. Take care of yourselves!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Aimee!
xo
s
JoDi says
Very happy for you and very much looking forward to the new approach you will be taking to this house. I will really enjoy the slower pace and having some new things added to the mix, like projects for other people!
Janet Chavez says
Morning+Coffee+Younghouselove= Joy
Look forward mornings and reading about the adventures of John, Sherry, Clara and Burger. Blessings to you on your new adventure and taking us along. Enjoy each and every moment!
Stacy says
Hey Guys!
I’ve been reading and just now had time to comment.
Congrats on the new house and I hope your move goes well, especially when it comes to the weather. Weather is a lame thing to talk about, but trying to move a house full of stuff when it’s 90 plus degrees with 80% humidity is not fun to say the least.
I look forward to the blog change. I’ve been a fan for a long time even if I don’t always have something to say but change is always good.
Erika says
Praying the move goes smoothly – and like others have said, don’t worry about us! We will wait for you :-)
I love anything you post – ANYTHING. So whether it is a major home improvement post, a small DIY, mood board, house crash, or just a post on normal life stuff – it’s ALL GOOD!
God bless you on this exciting new part of your family’s journey!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Erika! You’re so sweet.
xo
s
HH says
Excited for the blog changes – it will be fun to see how the projects/posts evolve. I actually love that many of the projects are really accessible (read: doable) for the average person to follow along at home, so I hope more “forever” projects don’t necessarily always mean “harder” ones!
And I laugh a little when I see you/others refer to House #2 as a “starter home.” It’s comparable in size and style to the $1 million+ homes in my area – the stuff of dreams for me!
Aoife says
I feel weird about feeling lonely over a house I’ve never been in which belongs to people I’ve never met! Good luck with the move and the new house!
Cathy says
So excited for you guys!!! I’m a newish reader so I’m excited to follow along in your journey :)
Karen Z says
How exciting for your family. I am so looking forward to seeing your brilliant ideas for your new home.
Anna Nillo says
Greetings from the Philippines! I’ve been a big fan of your blog and have been religiously reading all your posts. I love your makeovers in both houses and I’m excited with what you’ll come up with on your new home.
I’m just curious if the light fixtures will be coming with you or will be left in your old home?
Best regards,
Anna
YoungHouseLove says
They’ll be staying here since they’re attached (that’s typical in a turn-key house since selling one that’s “move in ready” means it already has all the lights). Can’t wait to make/find new lights for the new house though!
xo
s
Andy says
Did you guys leave a hidden note at this house too?
If so, what’s written on it?
Have a great fresh start at the new house (btw, it’s gorgeous!!!)
YoungHouseLove says
We still have to sneak one in somewhere! We usually share a photo of our family and a little paragraph about us/the house. Can’t wait!
xo
s
Lauren Ritchie says
I completely understand the bittersweet feeling about moving. You know it’s the right thing to do but still it’s hard letting to of the memories! The physical moving part is the worst! I spotted this wall art project on pinterest that made me think of you both and this new chapter. It might be the perfect way to celebrate the old and the new! http://pinterest.com/pin/303430093614598189/ What do you think?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet!
xo
s
Josh R says
You guys are too freakin cute! I’m sure whatever you guys decide to do we will all be behind you 100%! You guys rock! And btw, LOVE the new floors!
Katie Germer Riley says
My husband and I took possession (along with our 5 1/2 year old and 1 1/2 year old) of our third home purchase on Friday (May 31st). We are SO excited to be moving an hour closer to the city in which my husband works, the house we’ve picked as our “forever” home that has excellent bones and amazing opportunities that I am ITCHING to bring to life. Currently debating on whether grey walls in the kitchen and family room will be the perfect neutral for the space, yet warm, inviting, elegant, comfortable, and a good backdrop for my eclectic taste….paint can do all that, right??? :-).
Congratulations to you! I look forward to following your journey!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, paint can work many miracles! All the best with your new house :)
xo
s
Lori McCauley says
Following your newest adventure with great interest. All the best to you in your new home. Enjoying all the pix!
Jackie says
Congratulations on the move! I’m also excited for a somewhat slower pace, and would appreciate more details on how you make your design choices, the shopping process, what you try and discard, etc. You two seem to have a gift for envisioning things and the mad scavenging skills to bring it together. I definitely do not, so would appreciate learning a bit more (and eventually either refurbish the original light fixture and medicine cabinet in my 1930s condo, or replace it with something non-awful!).
Minna says
I’m packing to move as well and wondering how in the world your house looks so clean while you’re moving?? It feels like every time I look up from a box something else is a mess. How do you do it?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no, it’s a disaster! Wait for the moving pics coming up this week!
xo
s
LauraB. says
Just thinking of you this weekend. All this last week we have had bad weather (hail, tornado warning, sleeping in yucky basement weather). 4 inches of rain at my house. The creek rose seven feet or more (not sure) flooding one of our fields and some of our yard. No worries about the house. It would have to come up another seven feet and God promised not to flood the whole world again, right? Ha ha. One son lives in Ok. City so It was a bit of a nervous time. Now it is probably in your area and you are moving? Ack! So sorry. We (the Midwest) didn’t mean to do it. Hope you didn’t get the brunt of the rain.
BTY, remember, I Love to move. I love helping friends and they always assume I am making some huge sacrifice. I kind of feel guilty about it. Funny, huh?
Anyway, here’s hoping for a break in the rain for you. Enjoy the adventure.
.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks LauraB! We got everything in before the rain came! So thankful!
xo
s
Debbie in Florida says
I can’t belive I have been watching your blog for as long as I have. I’ve watched you fix-up 2 homes and I have watched Clara grow into the cute little girl that she is. Congratulations on your new home and I am looking forward to watching you fix this one up as well. I know my comment is number on billion and something, but I just had to let you know thaqt there is still another person watching. Thank you for sharing your lives and thank you for your inspiration.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Debbie!
xo
s
Diana says
Hope that you are all moved now and settling in nicely…exhausted, I’m sure, but happy!!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! We’re in!
xo
s
Brittany says
Congrats, congrats! I hope the move went great!!
Elizabeth says
I love this post. I love you guys!!! Yay for House of Pain!!! Gosh I hope you guys had a good weekend moving!!!
Tj @ Phunkblog says
I LOVE that you’re doing it your way & taking your time. Far better you put your heart and soul into it than race through it for the purpose of filling more blog posts. Besides sometimes the journey of choosing products & deciding what to do is the most exciting part :)
Julie says
I LOVE the idea of a pillow and ceramic animal bomb! It sounds exciting and stylish.
Best wishes to you and your lovely new home. Hugs to you all.
Constance says
Love this all around and it made me think of two things:
1) That “managing client/reader expectations” should go on your hypothetical resumes b/c you have become experts at flexing that muscle, and
2) The great Bill Cosby saying, “I don’t know what they key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone”.
Rock on with your new house and whatever ways feels right one day/project at a time to tackle it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last two (and marveled at the speed at which you DIY’d the 2nd one with a toddler in tow).
Mira says
Good luck guys !! You do a great job on these houses. I really enjoy the design vs. the diy aspect…I think first house was more about the design and second house was more about diy …so maybe third time around …we will be back to design focus ;) !!
.:Van:. says
Good luck with everything…
Love that clara’s new box reads “improving”, children always are…
xoxo
mribaro says
I KNEW you would update the House Tour link the very day you moved in! :) Kudos to you. Please, can you also include the link to the house’s floorplan in the first chapter, as you did for the previous two houses.
YoungHouseLove says
Done! Thanks for the reminder!
xo
s
Kate says
I’m psyched for you guys, and I’m looking forward to what you have in store for the blog and your new house! Best of luck to you!
Bailey says
Ch-ch-changes! It’s nerve-wracking and thrilling all at once :)
xox
Bailey
http://akabailey.blogspot.com
Dedee says
Best of luck!
jessica @fourgenerationsoneroof says
Ok seriously, I have a confession to make….WTH is going on. I stop reading blogs for like 2 months due to “life” and I start to catch up tonight and you all have moved! What!!!??? I’ve had 2 glasses of wine and I just spent the last 30 minutes trolling around on your site trying to figure out if you really moved or if the wine went to my head!! ha. Good grief. Looks like you bought a rockstar house! I am loving it!!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
That’s hilarious! You’re the second person to say that tonight. Must be a full moon or something to pull you back over and then shock you! Haha!
xo
s