Nine months of living on my own for the first time can do a lot to one dorm room. Moving out, was a lengthier process than I expected. This room and I have been through a lot, so here is how I felt while moving my things out of it and beginning a new chapter.

1. Appalled by how much junk I collected

Moving out, I seemed to be throwing a lot more things away than I was actually packing to bring things home. No, Sarah, you do not need to keep that empty cereal box or broken picture frame. The entire underside of my full sized bed was packed with things I absolutely do not need.

2. Grateful for this little space of my own

I have shared a room with my brother my whole life, so having my own room in college was the greatest part of the whole year. This was my safe space for nine months during any and all hard times and I loved this room.

3. Proud of how much I have grown in this room

This year was way more challenging than I ever thought it would be, but I am an entirely different person, for the better, than I was when I moved in so I am so thankful for this growing period. I have laughed, cried, and slept a lot in this room, but more importantly, I have grown.

4. Excited for the next chapter

In August, I am moving in with three ladies that have become my best friends and I cannot wait to see what is in store. I am excited to move on and away from this sometimes toxic environment.

5. I really do not want to move all of these boxes again in August

I already had a lot of stuff when I moved in at the beginning of the year, but I accumulated a year's worth of more things and I cannot fathom moving it all again in a few months.