Tuesday, we received the keys to our new house! This weekend, we hired movers to handle the heavy lifting. Meanwhile, my husband and I are shuttling back and forth, bringing over essentials, tricky-to-pack items, and lightweight belongings. Currently my vehicle is full of pillows and cushions.

As we get acquainted with our new abode, we’re discovering its unique features and charming quirks. Fortunately, nothing major has cropped up—except for a corner of the house that’s been invaded by ants. Time to call in the pest control experts!

Our new house follows a different philosophy of living compared to the old one. Although it’s roughly the same size, it offers less storage space but compensates with more living and presentation areas. The layout feels more spacious, yet when it comes to stashing things away, we find ourselves searching a bit more. This shift is prompting us to confront the items we store but rarely use.

Surprisingly, the new house boasts a wine fridge and two wet bars with an ice maker. Despite our sobriety and moderate drinking, we’ll find creative ways to utilize these amenities.