Sophia’s House

Is it too corny to name my first apartment post after Harry Styles’ new album? Maybe so, but I’m gonna do it anyway. It’s been far too long since I’ve written here, but let’s just jump in with a life update. Why not? 🙂

I took a leap I’ve been talking about for a really long time: I moved out and started renting my very first apartment in my college town. I have always dreamt of having my own little place, and circumstances seemed to line up just right for me this time. I’m so happy it worked out how it did, and I hope to fill this old house with so much laughter and joy and late nights and good music and great food.

I’ve been moved in for about 2 months now, which I honestly can’t believe. I’m still adjusting, and I’ll admit to being homesick sometimes, but I’ve really grown to love where I am. My apartment is the front unit in a 100-year-old house split into a triplex, and it’s got it’s fair share of quirks and old-school charm, of course. It’s small, only one bedroom and maybe 500 square feet, but it suits me just fine.

Although it’s only been 2 months, it’s already crazy to look back at the pictures from my first look at the place compared to what surrounds me now. I’m really beginning to see this place as my own little home as it fills with memories and trinkets.

I had so much help getting this place ready for move in. My family and friends were, and are, here in any way I could possibly need them. I couldn’t have asked for a better support system for such a monumental life-moment.

On April 2nd, a chilly Saturday, it was move-in day. My family helped with the big stuff, since I took most of my furniture from my old bedroom to save on money and time. As soon as the first of my things were moved in, it felt instantly home-y. We cleaned and arranged and re-arranged, trying to get a solid layout established so I could do more of the finicky decorating parts later on.

My friends Brooke and Haley came later, to spend the night and christen the house with love and laughter and the joy of Dominoes’ pizza delivery. They helped me with more moving in tasks: hanging wall art, laying the ever-irritating shelf paper, and organizing dishes. We played board games and laughed at our favorite YouTubers and made the place feel like a home.

I think the most exciting part of all of this has to be getting to decorate my own place. I’ve always loved to daydream about it, and the reality has been just as fun (albeit maybe a little more expensive). I have a collection of hand-me-downs, thrifted pieces, and some really lucky dollar store finds that I’m pretty proud of. Nothing is by any means finished, but its amazing to have a space filled with things that bring me joy.

One of my favorite things in my own place has been the mornings I spend here. I get a lot of natural light in the whole apartment, which is very good for the soul. I love to get up slowly and take my time making my coffee at my coffee bar and making myself breakfast. I usually either sit on my couch, or on my front porch, and just take some time to wake up and enjoy the quiet. Morning rituals having always been near and dear to me, and I love seeing them take on a new shape in this new place.

Another very important piece of home to me is having my own front porch and yard. Occasionally, it can feel a little lonely and cooped up inside my house. Whenever I happen to feel that way, I can just spend a little time out on the porch and I immediately feel healed. I love to read and write outside with the sound of birds and the neighborhood and the smell of rain and grass. And the stray cats are welcome visitors as well 🙂

I’ve also absolutely loved getting to host friends, something I looked forward to most about moving out. I love to cook for people, and I think there’s nothing better than a night spent eating with friends and listening to old records. I hope my house can always be a place to gather.

Well there we have it, my little piece of the world. This has been such a wonderful experience so far, and I’m always looking forward to the next adventure in this place and what the next year here will bring me. I’m so happy to finally share this space and how much it means to me. Welcome to my home, come back any time 🙂

Until next time,

Sophia ❤