Move-In Week is Finally Here

The Journey Since September 2022

The week is finally here. It is move-in week. Honestly, I still need to book the U-Haul, but thinking about this moment brings back just how long this journey has been. Since September 2022, we have been building our house, and it has been an incredible ride. It has not been easy. There has been a lot of stress, not just in the construction itself but in personal relationships and family life. Building your own house is one of the most challenging projects you can take on, and it truly tests patience, teamwork, and endurance.

Even with all of the challenges, I am beyond excited that the journey is nearing the end. We are finally reaching the point where all of our hard work is starting to pay off.

Moving In May Not Be Perfect

I want to be transparent. We are not moving in with everything fully complete. There may be no countertops, some plumbing fixtures may not be installed, and flooring might still be in progress.

Delays have happened. Our local flooring company initially did not have a good account manager, which set us back a month. The cabinets were delayed because moving them requires two people. Often it was just my husband out there alone, or my dad and me, and there was no way I could lift the cabinets without risking damage. These delays pushed back countertops and flooring.

Despite these setbacks, we are fine. We have the essentials to live, cook, and function. We can wash dishes, use water, and do the basics. Ideally, everything will be fully installed and finished by Saturday, but it may not be perfect. And that is okay.

Why Moving Now Matters

Moving in is important for several reasons. First, it saves us from paying an extra month of rent, which frees up money to put toward the house or pay down debt. Second, spending hours driving back and forth each day has been exhausting. Even two or three hours spent commuting to the house takes a big chunk of the day, so moving in allows us to focus our time more efficiently.

Being on-site also lets us continue progressing without losing extra time. It is a necessary step even if the house is not 100 percent finished.

Filling Our Home and the Registry

Many people have asked about a registry and how they can help. We are incredibly grateful for anyone who wants to contribute. For context, everything beyond the exterior shell of the house has been paid in cash. This includes framing, HVAC, plumbing, doors, lights, and all other essentials.

We have items we will leave behind for my brother as he moves in, and we will be managing an Airbnb over the next year. That means we need practical, updated items to fill the home and make it feel comfortable. We are not asking for handouts, but anything that helps us create a functional, beautiful home is deeply appreciated. You can find our registry HERE.

Looking Ahead: Housewarming and Family

Once we are settled, we plan to host a housewarming party, probably around October. By Thanksgiving, we want everything done to host our combined families and close friends. There is still a lot to complete, including the cat room, movie room, second guest bedroom, and pantry bedroom.

It is a lot of work, but every step brings us closer to turning this house into a home. We are so grateful for the support we have received along the way, and we welcome your continued prayers as we navigate this final stretch.