We’ve all moved a few times – or many – in our lives. We’ve likely helped friends and family move too. Perhaps the biggest moves are the downsizing moves we make or help family members complete.
Every move has emotions attached. Positive moves promising new opportunities can carry happiness and excitement along with concerns about whether it really is the right move and with some sadness over what is being left behind. Forced moves may have silver linings, however it is the “forced” part that brings hurt, sadness, and even anger.
The creation of home is about the people in our lives, about the objects we choose to put in our spaces, and about the experiences we choose to create. Home does not have to be dependent on the size or location of our spaces.
Downsizing from a house of many years into a smaller house or an apartment or assisted living can be the most difficult move to make. Yes, there are the treasured things to carefully select for the new space. There are also the memories of the place being left and the memories attached to each of the things that are being left behind.
When I moved into the house I’ve now lived in for twenty years, I felt at home. The location reminds me of my midwestern upbringing: green grass, waterways, large trees, flower gardens, and friendly neighbors. The house itself is bright year-round because of the large, east- and south-facing windows. I love light, things that reflect and diffract light, and lamps that produce plenty of light when the sun isn’t shining.
I love sill-scaping which means I love putting things in the kitchen window that catch light, that remind me of friends, and prompt me to smile. I enjoy the warmth and color that pillows add to the living room and bedrooms. Art from friends – now found at NestingCards.com too – adorns the walls, bringing good cheer. And, fresh cut flowers from the garden are a happy summer addition to the dining table, bedroom, and bathroom sinks.
Easy seasonal cheer comes to our house via hand towels in the bathrooms, dish-towels in the kitchen, and reversible bedspreads that are light for summer and darker colors on the other side for winter. Fast, easy, cost-effective, seasonal day-brighteners!
What makes your space feel like home?
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. Also, enjoy browsing NestingCards.com for fun, for gifts, and for joy-spreading possibilities. ~ Jana
Jana Kemp
