Moving is always challenging. No one is exempt. Our family of three (plus our dog) recently relocated from Los Angeles, California to Raleigh, North Carolina. We made a stop in Virginia to spend time with family as well as recoup from the first part of our move. We then planned what we could for our new location.

This entire move has been a true testimony of faith since I’ve only been to Raleigh once as a teen (my husband never has), and we chose our apartment online sight unseen.

As I previously mentioned, we sold and donated 95% of our possessions to make this move the most cost effective. We packed only what we could fit in the trunk of my husband’s car which we transferred (I sold my car), plus one large suitcase and two carryons for our flight. We truly downsized.

The process of being accountable for every possession that you own is much different than just packing up everything you own with a little bit of decluttering.

It was exceptionally stressful because I maintained my son’s schedule during the process which didn’t give me as much flexibility or time as I would have liked. Nevertheless we did it. I intend to keep our possessions as minimal as possible from this day forward as I have no desire to experience that again.

To stay encouraged during this extremely stressful process, I listened to the audiobook Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki.

This book was a game changer in the mentality needed to get rid of 95% of our possessions in a very short amount of time. Our plan of driving across the country with a U-haul changed three weeks before we moved. A lot had to be done very quickly because of it.

While in Virginia, I purchased some necessities that we couldn’t bring like a shikibuton mattress and a low table with floor cushions. Each new piece of furniture chosen needed to be minimal, beautiful, and lightweight to keep the rest of the move as simple as possible. I also chose as many organic and natural materials as possible. From this point a U-haul from Virginia to North Carolina would be simple.

I’m currently planning a very minimal decor aesthetic for our new home. I’m also learning and treasuring the value of empty spaces over fabulous decor. Now that we have a home (it’s been 1.5 weeks) and are somewhat settled in, I’ve also reopened my Etsy shop AZUHA. Once we are truly settled I’ll share a home tour as well as some new thoughts I’ve had around minimalism.

Lastly, I’m sure you’re wondering why Raleigh, North Carolina?

For starters the cost of living in Los Angeles is pretty ridiculous. I’ve also spent a long time living and traveling far from family to pursue my career as a performer. Now moving closer to family again just made sense, plus my son will experience a true autumn and winter. Although my family is in Virginia, North Carolina is still extremely close without the traffic or higher cost of living. And like I said, I haven’t been here long, but what I’ve seen so far has been a HUGE blessing!

I hope all of you have been enjoying your summer. Much love!

(Image by Dawn Michelle)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!