Secret’s Out… We’re Moving!

Seventeen moves in 22 years - and somehow, this one feels the heaviest. Maybe because my kids feel it too. Maybe because Virginia became home. Here’s how we’re navigating the goodbyes, the chaos, and the start of something new.

Secret’s Out… We’re Moving!
We’re about to close a chapter in Virginia and start a new adventure in Kentucky- and wow, what a whirlwind it’s already been. In just a couple short weeks, we’ll be saying goodbye to the place that has become home.

When we first moved here, it wasn’t meant to be forever. But as the years passed, we built a community we truly loved. I found my people: my mom tribe, my hair stylist, my massage therapist, my favorite boutique, my go-to restaurant… even my mom moved here!

Even knowing this day would come, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Virginia has seen us through so much: two births, two wildly different postpartums, Covid, death of loved ones, and now this big new chapter. The village here has shown up for us in ways I can’t even explain. And having my mom nearby has been such a gift- the kids see her multiple times a week. Saying goodbye will be TOUGH!

But at the end of the day, home is where we are together, right? And I know this move will bring adventure, growth, and new friendships, while still able to come back and visit and keep these friendships.

Why We’re Leaving Virginia

Matthew got a very well-deserved promotion! Sometimes life pushes us to take leaps, even when our hearts are still anchored somewhere else. Kentucky offers new opportunities for Matthew, and for us as a family, it’ll offer an even slower pace of life and new experiences. I am excited for him and this new role within the Clorox company, and for me to be able to really share the nitty gritty with Relo Mom!

Game-Time Mode: Operation Move

The moment we accepted the job offer; we called a local realtor- the same woman who helped us buy our current house fully sight-unseen. She’s a marketing queen and total expert in the county we live.

When she walked through our house recently, I could see the panic in her eyes. Kid handprints and marker on the walls, toys everywhere, summer clutter at full tilt… we were past “lived-in.” But hey, it’s to be expected when you’re home all summer with three kids, right? The second she left, I went full game mode. Luckily, my “Cut the Crap Challenge” had already cleared a lot of clutter, so momentum was on our side.

From there, everything snowballed. Matthew accepted his offer on Friday, August 15, and that very night we drove straight to Kentucky for a whirlwind 48-hour house hunt. We toured thirteen homes, found one we really liked, and are now under contract. The minute we got back to Virginia, it was all hands on deck: clearing, purging, repairing. We hired a friend who does it all—landscaping, power washing, painting, and a couple dozen other small fixes. He truly made the house look brand new. Within days, the place was spotless enough for listing photos, and by the time it went live, we had multiple offers in just hours. The work absolutely paid off!

Even in just one week, prepping to move has already taught me a few key lessons:

Declutter early. I thought I was in a decent spot- until I stumbled across boxes from when I moved at 14. Yep, Shurway Moving Company stickers still staring at me. Starting earlier would’ve saved me frantic, last-minute purges. Future you will thank you.

Your realtor is gold. Trust their judgment and just do what they say. Our realtor turned panic into progress, and within hours of going live, we had multiple offers. Miracle worker, I swear.

A “lived-in” house can turn around fast. Try not to stress too much (I know, nearly impossible)- kids leave fingerprints, toys scatter, and summer clutter explodes… but a few simple fixes- painting, power washing, and tidying one room at a time- make a huge difference. It WILL get there! I went room by room with giant trash bags while the kids were at school (otherwise, every discarded toy would suddenly become their favorite again). When listing your house, it needs to be pristine enough for buyers to see it as theirs.

Small wins add up. One drawer, one shelf, one room—it may feel tiny, but these little victories help you catch your breath. (We don’t have that luxury this time—we’re cramming weeks of work into days, and wow, it’s exhausting and really takes a toll on the body.)

Momentum is everything. Once you start, even the smallest action snowballs. I clear one counter, then a room, and suddenly we’re racing against the clock, ready for listing photos and showings. Action feeds action—and suddenly, the chaos feels like something you can actually tackle.

Helping the Kids Cope

Our top priority is obviously the kids. The baby barely notices the chaos, and our 3-year-old is happy with mommy, cars, and dinos. But Ruby, 6, feels it all- big emotions, tough questions, and lots of “why is this happening?” moments.

Meltdowns happen- hers, mine, sometimes together 😅. I stay honest about my feelings, promise visits with friends, and bribe with bunk beds when needed. We’ve also added little joys: personalized toy bins with stickers, researched fun parks to visit in the new town, and bought a cheap digital camera for Ruby to capture the people and things she loves.

She’s still in school for a couple more weeks, but leaning on her guidance counselor has been a big help. Weekly check-ins give her space to talk (if she wants) and process. Once we move, we’ll connect her with her new counselor too. Step by step, we’re focused on helping the kids feel heard, supported, and even find small sparks of joy amidst all the chaos.

On the Move: Next Steps

Boxes are piling up. Goodbyes are creeping closer. Another rapid move here. The friends who treat us like family, the routines, our schools, my mom just minutes away- those are the roots I’ll miss most.

Right now, we’re in full “hurry up and wait” mode. The house is under contract, Matthew starts his new role on September 15th, and the big move happens immediately after. It’s chaotic, emotional, and exhausting- and I’m sharing every step here with the Relo Mom community: the good, the bad, and the messy middle. Moving with kids is hard, but it’s totally possible. My hope? That by sharing our journey, yours feels a little lighter, maybe even a little more fun.

Home isn’t just the house- it’s the everyday moments that make life ours. The laughter, the toy tornadoes, the bedtime snuggles- they come with us to Kentucky. Seventeen moves in 22 years, and somehow this one feels different. Maybe it’s because the kids feel it too. Maybe it’s because I pictured us staying here longer. Either way, just like we built a life here, we’ll build one there- and we’ll pack Virginia into every box along the way.

If you’ve ever had to leave a place you loved, I’d love to hear your story. Was it the packing, the emotions, or something else entirely? Drop it in the comments. 💛