1 month and 7 days to go. I’ve lost track of how many days it’s been since I last washed my hair, our house looks like it’s been through an apocalyptic war, and mentally… I’m already checked out.
As you know, a few weeks ago they came and picked up the belongings we’re keeping, and I had big plans on how I was going to slowly get rid of the rest of our stuff. But it seems no matter how many things I sell, there’s always more—so much more—and I feel like I’m just being buried in mess. Our current apartment has barely any inbuilt storage, so once I sold off all the cupboards and drawers, there was no longer anywhere to hide our shame.
Do you remember that crazy show Hoarders or something like that? The one where they’d walk into a house filled with piles of things so bad that you wouldn’t be surprised if dead animals were lurking in the crevices? Well, that’s how this feels right now. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating... but honestly, logic has no place in this chaos.
I have a booking with the Salvation Army to come pick up a load of stuff, but that’s still four weeks away. I’ve also arranged for a skip hire the weekend after. At this point, we’ve stopped vacuuming because there’s basically no floor to vacuum. Everything is just everywhere, and I’m seriously considering hiring a skip now and then again later because, while I’m not a neat freak, this level of chaos makes me feel overwhelmed regardless.
Here’s a beautiful photo of how we’re currently living, I’m sharing it in the hopes that it makes you feel better about your situation if and when you get to this point. Remember… it’s okay and it will pass (or at least that’s what I keep telling myself).
Letting Go
How the heck does someone even accumulate this many things? We’re not even big shoppers, so I’m really struggling to figure out where all this came from. It’s funny because I’ve always preached that stuff doesn’t make you happy—yet here I am, wading through it. But I guess this is all part of the process, isn’t it? Every time I trip over another pile of things, I remind myself it’s all part of shedding this old life to make space for something new—new friends, a new community, and a whole new rhythm of life in Spain.
It’s symbolic, really. The more we clear out, the lighter I feel. As I’ve mentioned before, Australia has felt stifling for us in so many ways. The weight of feeling stuck, of being boxed in by the tall poppy syndrome, is something I’m ready to leave behind. This mess is just a temporary hurdle before we get to Spain and start fresh—where I can start creating the space we’ve always dreamed of.
Excitement Brewing
Meanwhile, as this chaos becomes our new normal, I’m simultaneously getting more and more excited to GET OUT OF HERE. I’m consciously allowing myself to feel it—mind, body, and soul. It’s such a nice feeling to start all over again, or at least the thought of it. New country, new house, new car, new… mindset, I hope. It’s really very cleansing, and I feel so light going into this.
I keep reminding myself that this chaos is just a stepping stone. Sure, it’s overwhelming right now, but in just over a month, we’ll be in our new home in Spain. And that is what’s keeping me going. I’m picturing the cozy retreat we’ve planned upstairs, the outdoor kitchen, the pool area, and how everything will come together in a way that feels truly ours. It’s going to be worth every single moment of this craziness.
A Fresh Start
And you know what else is amazing? Spain already feels like home in a way that Australia hasn’t in a long time. This process of decluttering feels like I’m not just letting go of physical things—I’m also shedding the mental and emotional baggage we’ve accumulated over the years. I guess that’s why I’m so eager to get through it. Every box that gets packed or tossed is another step closer to a life we’ve been craving.
Plus, we’ve been connecting with people in Spain even before moving there. If I’ve learned anything about making friends in Spain, it’s that integrating into the community as best you can is key. Just like us, be active and open—even before you arrive. Maybe you won’t be having deep conversations with the locals just yet if you don’t speak the language, but you’ll likely find other immigrants and expats who have walked the path before you and are more than willing to give you their time. That’s something I’m already so grateful for.
We’re starting over, but this time it feels like it’s on our terms. A fresh start with none of the heavy baggage we’ve been carrying for so long. It’s overwhelming, sure. But it’s also exhilarating, and that’s the feeling I’m leaning into as we move forward.
From Spain with Love,
Jasmine & Andrew
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