Moving For The Sixth Time In Ten Months

My landlord has family visiting and kindly asked me to move out for two weeks while they are here. She told me this before I moved in — it wasn’t a surprise.

Being in the middle of a housing crisis and only three days away from homelessness, I eagerly accepted.

She even found me a new place which was very kind and thoughtful of her. A lovely little apartment all to myself.

It’s a cute, cozy little spot that has been made a home by another Kiwi for the last two years. There are rugs, fairy lights, and photos on the wall. It’s a lovely, homely vibe.

I feel at home in this little apartment, and I’ve only spent one night here — I haven’t even unpacked.

Six accommodations in ten months is a lot. And I’ve gotten so used to packing and living out of a suitcase, that I probably won’t unpack for the next two weeks. I only need food and clothing. Everything else is extra.

These last two months have been filled with life admin. I found a second job and then tried to fit them into my life without experiencing burnout, then added moving on top of that plus paying rent in advance and all your normal everyday life stuff. I would try to squeeze sleep in there too sometimes.

I was asked the other day if I was still having fun in this country. That was a difficult question.

All I do is work and move house. But I have fun moments. When I try to add fun into my week — exploring and seeing friends — I crash into bed at night and stumble through the next day.

It’s difficult to juggle but I find the fun no matter what I’m doing.

I’m having the same amount of fun as when I first arrived. Things are over-the-top new anymore. Possibilities and new experiences I can’t foresee any longer await me. I’m not trying to make new friends anymore.

I’ve entered a phase where I’m just putting my head down and getting through the day-to-day, which is part of anyone’s life — expat or not. World traveller or not.

Six different living situations in ten months is a lot.

But it’s also fun. Once you get past the stress of moving day, you have a new location to explore, a new area and a new home to get used to — all things I enjoy.

Having fun and bringing back new and exciting experiences will re-enter my life.

Soon.

But for now it’s about life admin and keeping up with bills. Nothing wrong with that — in my opinion, at least.

And I’m going to enjoy curling up in a blanket with a good book, looking out at my new view.

How many times have you moved homes?