New Home. New Adventures. New Memories.
Goodbye, Boise! You will be missed… 😢
You read that right — we’ve moved! My family and I recently made the short trek from Boise, ID to Reno, NV to start a new adventure together. To some, it might seem abrupt to pack up and move to a new state, but we’re so used to a traveling lifestyle from when my hubby was in the Marine Corps. So, after talking with our kiddos and deciding we were ready for a new and fun adventure, we set off to Reno to build memories and bond as a family in our new home.
Moving = Time to Purge
Prior to moving, we took a good look at all of our “stuff” and decided that downsizing our possessions before heading to Reno was the right fit for us. We purged the house of anything that wasn’t truly important to us so we could have a fresh start in the new home. 🏡
And by a new home, I mean a 1950’s ranch-style home that we’re planning to start renovating soon. This means my house is a construction zone that’s short on furniture, decor, and organization. We’ve got patio furniture in the living room and we’re using our Yeti cooler as a TV stand. 😆 That said, we’ll all win in the end since I’ll have so much to share with you all about my favorite budget home renovation and decor tips and tricks!
To save on moving costs and really feel like we’re getting a fresh start in Nevada, we sold and donated the majority of our stuff back in Boise. Even though we didn’t move in with a ton, we’re holding off on doing the majority of the unpacking until after the renovation is done.
So we’ve had to get a little crafty to make the most of it…
We’re learning to make due with less for the time being, and it’s teaching us to be grateful for what we have. ❤️ My daughter Piper and I had a blast picking flowers from our new garden and placed the stems in a lovely Pringles can vase 😂 — hey, it’s FREE and totally works!
She also has quite the obsession with snow globes. Every time we shop, she’s always looking for one to buy and recently found this “lucky” one for a buck at the thrift store (one of our favorite places to shop!). Move over Joanna Gaines… here’s the NEW Hip way to rock a centerpiece! 🤣
Upon moving in, we discovered that the AC unit in the house was and still is NOT working. Thankfully our realtor had purchased us a home warranty (and the AC unit is part of the coverage), so we are hoping to have it fixed within the next couple of weeks… but until then, we’re looking on the bright side and have fans blasting to help us through the heat!
You’ll probably also notice that our drapes are upside down. That’s because they’re hung with painter’s tape (we won’t be installing blinds until after the renovation is complete). 🙃 Pretty, right?! 🤣
After selling so much in Boise prior to the move, we didn’t have many kitchen dishes – so off to the thrift store we went. By the way, my kiddos and I love thrift shopping — they could spend hours looking through all the stuff and have a blast searching for special finds. They came across these funny Christmas dinner plates (that are microwave and dishwasher safe! Score!), so we ended up getting a different design for each member of the family. Yes, we are dorks and will be using these plates starting NOW — no need to wait until Christmas. 🎄
I also picked up these adorable Opalhouse drinking glasses from Target on clearance recently, so you may be able to find them at your local Target too!
They were a steal at just $2.98 (regularly $9.99!). With that said, I grabbed a couple of sets! 🙌
With minimal furniture, my kids have gotten creative! As just one example, a large moving box is now a cozy hangout spot. I feel like we’ve all had so much fun as a family coming up with unique ways to use what we’ve got!
Oh, my sweet Ma. 💕 We’ve got her right on the mantle watching over us. I have so many treasured art pieces and family pictures, but they’ll have to wait to be hung until we’re finished with the renovation. However, I wanted to have something up, and my lovely grandmother’s eulogy represents a relationship I will always cherish. Looking at her smiling face reminds me to be thankful, grateful, and to always celebrate this beautiful life. ❤️
With a new home comes a new school district, meaning my kiddos are starting out fresh this school year. It can be tough to be the new kids at school, but they’re making the best of it (I’m such a proud mama)! They’re already on their second week, and I can’t help but get emotional thinking about how fast they’re growing up. 😭
We’ll only have a couple more years with my oldest son Nick until he heads off to college 😮, which makes each day more precious.
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention how the sixth member of our family is doing! Our dog Yoli is already settled in and loving the new house. 😆
So much about this whole move has made me grateful for my family and the bond we share together.💗 I think it’s safe to say that while it’s not always easy to pack up and start a new chapter, my family and I have found that staying positive throughout the process has truly been rewarding — and the happy memories we’ve already shared in our new home prove it!
New home.
New adventures.
New memories.
I’m super curious, why Reno?
I hope target and Starbucks are close to your new digs. Good luck. You got this girl
Hi Collin, Congratulations on your new home and exciting move. Ok, it’s none of my business but I feel like I know you after all these years of following your website. So, why Reno, NV of all the places in the USA to pick? Did your husband get a new job there? Thank you for being so open with us. We love you!
I can’t wait to see the renovation, I loved the tips on the last house. We too had to redo a ranch, ours from the 60s and they are a challenge. But you have an eye. Lots of luck in the new place!!!
Hi Colin. I never comment and I’m super busy and almost never read anymore… but we lived in Reno just before moving to Scottsdale. We’re kind of the same… transient and happy to purge and adventure. We love new places and spaces and honestly, I’m a bit addicted to moving. I have to say, we’ve collectively lived in 6 states and Reno, NV was our very favorite. We love nature and having Tahoe in our backyard was definitely the most amazing experience.
We may move back someday. We loved it that much. I was actually jealous when I read that you moved there. Hah!
I missed this somehow and just saw it in your Christmas post! We live in Sparks and love it here! I hope you and your family love it too!
I also missed this post in August as I too was moving around that time. Have moved many times before but not lately and this was a definite downsize and purge. Kept enough sentimental things to enjoy but many things were donated to various charities who operate thrift stores. I’ve been hoping they end up in the hands of people who will enjoy them just as your family is with others’ “treasures”. Look forward to your future posts on settling in and making your new house into a home. Been following your site for years, including your move to Idaho from North Carolina. Best wishes for you and your family!
I, too, missed this post. Congrats on your move. I’m sure you and your family have acclimated well. I wish for you guys continued prosperity. Love that you have Ma’s pic for affirmation. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Merry Christmas! Wowee! Not sure why I’m so late to this party. My mom is also in Reno, NV. I occasionally send her on coupon missions when her stores have things in stock that mine do not here in CA. Hope you guys have settled in nicely!
Where is that cute young son of yours….?he is all grown.. tall, and hairy…. omg …he is so so grown unbelievable how quickly time has gone by.
I missed this too! Belated congrats on your new home, and can’t wait to see more of what you do with your new house!!! And yeah, I’m curious about what made you choose Reno as well 🙂
Great tips, it’s nice to downsize and live with less, less stuff, less square feet to clean, less to store and organize, less worldly possessions means more family time and meaningful time, donating to those who really do need instead of living for ourselves. Leaves some room for making memories instead of filling up rooms, we can fill up lives and hearts with generous lifestyle. I appreciate a frugal lifestyle and all the great deals promoted here