I’m moving out of my family home.
Aside from my four years on the East Coast for college and a few months subletting five blocks away from home, I’ve always lived with my family. For some, moving out may sound like an easy decision, but for me, it’s been one of the hardest I’ve ever made—harder than leaving tech. I wasn’t just changing addresses. I was letting go of one lifestyle for another, going from supported to self-sustaining, from being surrounded by family to being on my own.
I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have spent the first 28 years of my life living with my family. We have a great balance of independence and companionship, and we live well together which I know is rare. That, combined with the low cost of living in an expensive city, made staying home a no-brainer. It’s time I won’t get back, and I’ll cherish it deeply.
What prompted this move was my year-long ordeal with tenants at my investment property. Long story short, I hired an attorney and spent the first half of the year navigating the eviction process and everything that came with it. It was incredibly difficult, complex, draining, and filled with moments where I felt down on myself for decisions I had made. As I neared the end of the process, I had to decide what to do next: rent out the property again, move in myself, or something else. And despite how much I enjoy living with my family, a part of me had been craving my own space—to build, decorate, and grow. I sensed it was time to move out, but I wasn’t sure if moving into my property was the right answer. I flip-flopped for months, even seriously considering buying a small condo in another neighborhood.
Ultimately, I felt most comfortable moving into what I already owned, without increasing my financial liability, and learning about my own home before considering new tenants. I’ve always imagined having a cozy, homesteady city dwelling, and my house is much closer to that vision than a condo. It’s a big step in my homeownership journey compared to simply managing an investment, and it comes with the financial risk of doing it all on my own.
Throughout this process, I realized my decision wasn’t just about where I lived, with family or not, but about becoming more of myself. It was about choosing me and the goals I have over fear and uncertainty. I’m up at bat, and I have the power to hit a home run towards my dream life. I trust myself—in my desire to want more, my ability to stretch a little, and the belief I’m creating space for the life I’m building. It’s time I step up and take my swing.
This year, my family and family friends have helped me turn this house into a home. That has been especially fulfilling after completing my Construction degree, being able to take what I learned in school and apply it to the “field”. The process has been long, filled with impatience, frustration, and restlessness, but at last I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m in the final stages of furnishing and decorating, and I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing we’ll be done by the end of this year.
With the journey being as long as it has been, now I am ready. After months of splitting time between two homes, I’m looking forward to finally settling into one – mine.
Leave a Comment