So, recently my boyfriend and I moved into/bought our first home. Boy, has it been a learning experience. From realizing how much "stuff" you have to have to make a house run, to learning the ins-and-outs of bills, we have had our hands full. However, moving into our first home has also been very exciting. Just thought I'd share some of our experience, and hopefully, all you new homeowners and young couples can relate.
Bills. Good gracious, there are a lot of bills. So many different due dates too. Why can't everything be due on the same day? And on top of that, each and every place is so particular on how you have to pay them. Some online, some mail in, some over the phone, etc. It's quite overwhelming going from a couple to a ton. Props to parents, I understand why you were so stressed all the time, I feel ya.
This one is for all you young couples. You never truly know someone until you live with them. Sure, my boyfriend and I stayed together a bunch at each other's houses, but I never truly understood how it would be to live with him. For starters, men are helpless. Sorry guys, I'm sure that's not the case with you all, but my boyfriend, brother, and dad all follow this. He has no idea how to wash clothes, load a dishwasher, or clean. I mean, I'm feeling a bit like the old south here doing all the household duties. However, I do have it good because boy does my man know how to cook! Since I pretty much suck, for lack of better words, in that department, it is nice to have someone who knows what he's doing help out.
Who knew there was so much to clean? I mean, I always thought it was annoying having to keep my room clean growing up, and then also occasionally the bathroom I shared with my brother. But a whole house? It's a full-time job in itself.
Groceries. Why is food so expensive? Where my boyfriend and I moved to is in the middle of the country, a good ways from town. So McDonald's is not the best option. Therefore, we have had to buy groceries and cook, but oh my the expense of food is ridiculous. Even trying to get what we could at Dollar General is crazy. Again, props to the parents on paying for my high metabolism all my life.
Even with all these annoying things, this experience has been exciting. We can't stop talking about all the improvements we want to make, the additions we want in the future, planting a garden in the spring, etc. It is so nice to have the freedom to do what you want to do with your own property and home. Decorating has also been a perk on my end, since we bought a little farmhouse and I am obsessed with paintings of cows. And my boyfriend has enjoyed our several acres of land, exploring and just being a guy. Ya know, cold beer, gun, and four wheeler. Yes, we live in Alabama.
All in all, it has been an experience, and I'm sure there is much much more to come. Good luck to all you fellow young couples and first-time buyers, and just know, I feel ya.
