I’ve moved a few times in my adult life, but this move to Buffalo feels different. In the past, I’ve always treated new apartments like temporary stops — clean them up, make them livable, and then move on when life changes again.
But this time, I wanted to actually make it mine.
Maybe it’s the age of the building, maybe it’s how big of a leap this move was, or maybe I just needed to put roots down somewhere (figuratively and literally).
Whatever the reason, I’ve done a few things here that I’ve never done in any of my previous homes — and it’s made all the difference.
🌿 I brought my plants inside
In my old apartment, my plants lived outside on the patio, where they got plenty of sunlight and space. When I moved, I gave a few away, but brought most of them with me. In this apartment, I have lots of windows but no personal outdoor space.
Now, they have various little homes around my apartment — including in the shower! It sounds funny, but it’s perfect: the humidity keeps them happy, and it keeps them safe from Blanche’s curious paws.
Having greenery in my space has made everything feel more alive, and it’s surprisingly grounding to see them thriving alongside me in this new place.
🧂 I built my own pantry
For the first time ever, I bought and assembled a pantry cabinet. That probably doesn’t sound like a big deal, but in past apartments, I’ve just accepted whatever space existed.
If there wasn’t a pantry, I made do — at one point, I even turned my coat closet into one.
This time, I wanted to create a space that actually worked for me. I bought a tall white cabinet, put it together (which was an adventure in itself), and organized everything inside.
I even drilled holes in the back so I could store my electric kettle and espresso machine there — now I can make coffee right inside the cabinet, as if it were my own little café. Additionally, those appliances stay hidden, keeping my kitchen looking tidy.
🗂 I made sure everything has a home
During this move, I made an effort to unpack differently.
Usually, I just get things out of boxes and figure it out later. This time, I wanted real organization — not perfection, but intention.
As I unpacked, I found a place for everything. I wanted to know where things were, so I wouldn’t feel buried under clutter, and to actually make my daily routines easier.
It sounds simple, but having “a place for everything” has been such a mental relief.
🛋 I bought furniture that fits the space
In previous apartments, I never had the luxury of buying furniture that actually fit. Finances always dictated what came with me.
This time, I was able to choose pieces that make sense for the space — and it’s changed how the apartment feels.
I got a big white couch that fills the large living room and feels like the heart of the space.
My new bed frame has a slim profile with a touch of antique flair, a little nod to the building’s 1800s architecture. Everything feels cohesive, comfortable, and intentional — not just “whatever I already had.”
☀️ Building calm, one detail at a time
For the first time, I’ve created a home that feels peaceful. The plants, the furniture, the pantry — it’s not about perfection; it’s about comfort.
This apartment feels like a fresh start — not just in a new city, but in how I live. I’ve learned that home isn’t just where your things are; it’s where you finally have the space to take care of them — and yourself.
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