* * * 10/14/14 Update: I got the place. I will definitely be moving. :) * * *
I could use some happy thoughts and good-luck vibes sent my way this week, lovelies. I have big new looming: I might be moving. It's not in my name yet, but that's where I could use your well wishes sent all the way to Iowa. ;)
I've been in my lovely little apartment on the second floor of a big Victorian house for over a year now. While I've had no desperate urge to pack up and move again, I've kept my ears and eyes open for "greener pastures" - especially since my lease is now up at any time. And in casually hunting, I stumbled across some place wonderful. I went to check it out. And I fell in love.
It's a charming little two-bedroom apartment that occupies the main floor of a small, brightly painted Victorian home in one of my favorite neighborhoods. It's a five minute walk to some of my favorite restaurants, bars, coffeeshops, and market. And about a fifteen minute walk to a favorite brewery and several antique shops. It's full of historical charm from the original hardwood floors and trim to the double pocket doors to the adorable front porch. It has high ceilings and tall windows. And it's an upgrade from 500(ish) square feet to about 800.
My kitchen, living room, and dining room would no longer be crowded into one space - there's a big eat-in kitchen and living room with bay windows. I would be giving up my spacious bathroom with its walk-in closet and antique clawfoot tub, but I'd be gaining a second bedroom that could be used as a dressing room and another extra room that would be a perfect office/library.
I'd be paying more, but with the size and location I know it would be perfect. I'd have to cut back on personal spending like dining out, clothes shopping, and morning Starbucks treats, but the money would be well spent on the extra square footage, walking convenience, and driving to work through town each morning and evening instead of taking the interstate. And in some ways (like eating at home more and living farther from Target - haha! - I'd save money.) I have a very good feeling that I'd become quite the homebody in this place: reading, writing, doing crafts, making art. And I'm 100% okay with that.
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| This isn't spatially accurate, but here's a rough idea of my "potentially next" apartment's floor plan. |
I met the other tenant who will be living upstairs with her boyfriend - she seems lovely. And I love the idea of only sharing the house with one other unit rather than six. The landlord and his wife seem like lovely people as well - he was even kind enough to give me a tour of his restored Victorian house when he found out about my interest in history and renovation. The neighborhood is quaint, quiet, and cozy, too... but I already knew that. (That's what drew me to this place in the first place!)
As much as I do adore my current little place, I'm really smitten with this other one. It's more grown up, more private, and more spacious. It's full of potential. I'd have a brand new (well, "new to me" old Victorian) to decorate. Bonus: I'd be allowed to paint the walls whatever colors I want. And cats are allowed at no additional charge. (So don't be surprised if you see a cute little kittne face pop up here on The Lovely Side in the near future.)
The landlord is checking my references this week. And if everything pans out, I'll be moving in to the new place within a month. (National Novel Writing Month is a crazy time to choose to move, I know. So I might end up doing my own NaNoWriMo in December.) It seems promising that I'll get the place, but I could use the good thoughts nevertheless. Cross your fingers for me. :)
On a side note, I'll be needing to downsize on some belongings for a fresh start and design palette. Have any of you ever held or taken part in a virtual garage sale? I'm considering putting some items for sale up here on the blog, but I'd like to gauge reader interest first.
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