This is it. Moving weekend!
I feel like I’m entering this new phase of my life in the best way possible because I’m moving away from one best friend and moving in with another best friend. I’m really happy I opted for having a roommate rather than living by myself because I think it’s going to make this transition a lot easier.
Still, I’m very sad to be leaving my mom. It’s just been the two of us since my brother moved out when he finished high school. So, that’s 10 years. Minus one year of living on campus and that’s nine years of us living together. For most people, living with their parents past college is a nightmare, but for me, it has been a dream. It helps that my mom is my favorite person in the world and she treats me like an adult, not a child. And we just have a super wonderful relationship. It’s really awesome to have your mom be your best friend.
Today, in honor of leaving her to finally be on my own, here are five reasons why I’m going to really miss living with my mom.
- Watching our TV shows together. My mom and I love some TV time and we watch a lot of shows together. Some of our favorites: Big Brother, Scandal, American Ninja Warrior, Modern Family, and The Blacklist. It’s always fun to relax on the couch together after a long day and turn on our favorite shows, laughing together or discussing them together. I’m going to miss those nights.
- Having my life be so closely connected with my mom. My mom and I spend a lot of time together. This is good and bad. Good because it’s nice to always have someone around to do stuff with, but bad because it meant I spent a lot of time not trying harder to foster connections with other people. It has only been in recent years that I’ve been working towards building my own life, separate from hers. Even though I make plans with my friends often, my mom and I still have a closely interconnected life. (We’re honestly like an old married couple.) Though I’ll only be a short, 20-minute drive away, and I know I’ll be visiting often, it’s going to be different to not know what my mom is up to all the time anymore.
- Having someone to share dog duties with. Taking care of a dog is a lot of work. I think one of the biggest challenges is the fact that you can’t leave dogs alone for very long. (Or, at least, a senior dog who has had bladder issues in the past.) My mom works five minutes from our apartment, so it’s easy for her to come home at lunch to let him out. Now, I’ll have to use my lunch break to let him out. My mom sets up his vet and grooming appointments – that will now be in my hands. And it’s been really nice to have someone around to be there if I decide to go out after work and spend a weekend away from home.
- Saving money. Though I did not live rent-free with my mom, we didn’t have a full 50/50 split with our household bills. This has allowed me to save money and pay down debts. My budget is going to go through a radical shift with this move. It’s necessary and I’ll be living within my means, but I’m still a little nerve-wracked about it.
- Having so much one-on-one time with my mom. I know I am really lucky to have such a close relationship with my mom. Not everyone has this, and it’s a credit to both of us that we’ve worked hard to maintain a wonderful relationship. It’s been so nice to be able to hang out with her whenever I want, to relax on the couch after long days at work and chat about our days. I will miss those chats.
I don’t want to make it seem that I’m not excited about my upcoming move. I really am! I am looking forward to this new change in my life. I know I’m going to struggle with the transition because I always struggle with transitions. (It took me forever to feel comfortable at my current job.) But I also know I am going to thrive in this new environment. I cannot wait for the new adventures that await me.
Today, my roommate and I will fill out the final paperwork, get our keys, and start the move-in process for real. This has been something we’ve been envisioning since we made the decision to move in together earlier this year. I can’t believe the day has finally come. The next time I write, I’ll be writing from my new apartment! Wahoo!
Post idea inspired by Kate
Good luck with your move! I hope that everything goes smoothly today! I kind of loathe moving (and have done so much of it) but I actually like the unpacking/organization process as it feels good to be thoughtful about where all of your belongings should go! I hope the transition process is not too rough for you – I understand how it takes time to adjust to big changes, though!
I love my mom and am close to her, but not nearly as close as you and your mom are so I am kind of envious of the fact that you two have such a special relationship! I am sure it will be such a huge change for both of you but hopefully you are able to find ways to see each other often!
I know just how you feel because I had similar feelings when Jerry and I got our own house and moved from my parent’s house. My mom and I are best friends just like you and your mom. It took a little bit of adjusting, but now I love that we have our own place. It also helps that I still see my mom 6 days a week and you can always do the same if you feel like you’re missing her.
Good luck on this new and exciting adventure. I’m thrilled for you!
I left home years ago, but we’re in a similar situation as my Mom just moved out of her house that was 2 miles down the road from me to her new place in the city. It’s only 15 minutes away, but I’m really struggling with not being to run over there to grab something or have her stop by while she’s out running errands. I’m texting her like crazy every night about so much random stuff which helps a bit and we’re going to plan dates during the week just her and I to meet up for errands or dinner, so I’m hoping that helps! Good luck with the move!
Totally get the relationship with your mom; it’s such a joy and a blessing to have something so strong, so reliable and a best friend in your mom. So much love to you this weekend; I know you’ll have a great experience in your new place. <3
I totally get this conflicting feelings of YAY NEW LIFE CHAPTER and also OMG NO, I LIKE THIS CHAPTER. Hugs to you. Glad you are only 20 minutes away from mom!
My life is in boxes too right now and we’re signing our lease today and I’m just a little sick about the budget and money and unemployment, AH!!
I think it’s really nice that you get along so well with your mom. I lived at home until I was 25 (and before I moved here) and loved every minute sharing my daily life with both my parents. They treated me as an adult and it just worked out really well (and I had no desire to leave – so I definitely understand your mixed feelings! – especially because I knew that day was coming sooner or later).
Ohhh, you know I feel this. Good luck in the new place!
The nice thing is maybe you can still drop Dutch off with her for weekends away or days you’re going to have long days away from home! That’s one of the best parts about having my mom 10 minutes up the road, she’s super helpful with Chloe and watches her anytime we go away and also comes and picks her up sometimes during the week so Chloe doesn’t have to spend every day, all day at home while we’re both working!
Hope the move went well!
Good for you. This is a big step and it’s SO hard to say goodbye to an entire chapter of your life!! Excited for you.