I'm moving out... well kind of
I’m moving out…well kind of.
About a month ago I decided I was ready to start flatting. Yesterday I moved into my new flat.
But wait, there’s a twist.
As someone who has lived in the same house on the same street in the same city for all my life, you’d think I’d be desperate for a change of scenery by now. But the truth is, I’m really fond of the location of my family home and I can’t think of any other suburb I’d rather be residing in. With stunning views, a thriving village area and nostalgia at every turn, what’s not to love? Also Massey and my part time job are easily within walking distance. I had no real means to leave home but at the same time, I felt like I’d reached that stage in my life where I was inclined to fly the nest. So then came a solution to my predicament. In order to still get a taste for independent living without sacrificing my ideal location, I moved into the house next door.
Yes, that’s right. I’ve moved out and my parents are my next door neighbours.
Moving out happens differently for everyone but I’d say my circumstances are a little stranger than most. Let’s be honest, you’ve heard of people flatting in the same city they grew up in but I bet you’ve never heard of someone flatting right next to their childhood home. It’s almost laughable how close I am to my parents without actually being under the same roof as them. If you’re sitting here reading this and thinking how ridiculous this all sounds, I don’t blame you. But at the same time, is it really so irrational to live so close to the place I called home for 20 years? Let me just say, moving out all my personal belongings was a breeze. All it took were several trips on foot to uproot my entire room from one house to the next, and there’s no issue if I left anything behind because it’s so easy for me to go back and retrieve it. Another plus is that I know the neighbourhood like the back of my hand so I won’t be having to reorient myself with the area. My sense of direction is so bad, who knows how long that would have taken.
Although some may think the close proximity of my parents is a little contradictory, I don’t believe it will deter me from getting the full flatter’s experience. Regardless of my parents being one door over, I will still be paying bills, living with strangers and cooking my own meals just like everyone else. I’d even go as far to say I’m feeling the exact same emotions of any other person leaving home for the first time. It’s exciting and invigorating to know I’ll be living on my own but at the same time, I am worried about how I will cope financially, whether or not I’ll get along with my new flatmates and how I’ll be able to handle all the basic chores and responsibilities while balancing my studies and job. It’s scary moving out and there’s still so much to do/think about now that I’ve moved in. Power, gas, internet, bonds and tenancy agreements; these are all things I knew absolutely nothing about going into this and I doubt I’m the only first time flatter who felt this way initially. Thank goodness I have friends and family who are willing to share their knowledge and give me advice as I start this next stage of my life. Just because I’m trying to be independent, doesn’t mean help from others is completely off the table. This is something that I’ve already learnt from all of this and I know there will be plenty more life lessons along the way.
My younger brother has claimed my old bedroom now that I’ve gone. That bedroom was my pride and joy for so many years, I thought I’d be really sad to leave it behind. But I wasn’t. I guess that’s growing up for you. One day I’ll be ready to leave this flat and this neighbourhood, maybe even New Zealand - who knows? But for the meantime, I’m here and I couldn’t be more content with that.