An Empty House – Goodbye Atlanta

by Heather Blackmon on July 9, 2012 · 35 comments

in Life

Ten and half years ago, we built our first house. We signed the initial paperwork the day after we were married and picked out all the customizations. We watched them pour the foundation, frame the house, raise the walls, and eventually we moved in.

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Today, we officially close the door on that chapter of our life here in Atlanta, because on Friday this truck took all our stuff. Don’t worry, we paid them to do that and they promised to bring it to Colorado!

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I vaguely remembered that the house looked different before we added all our stuff, but watching it happen in reverse confirmed it.

Kitchen: Before

Kitchen from living room     Breakfast nook

Kitchen: Packing

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Kitchen: Empty

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The only thing that makes the house not look completely boring, is all the color on the walls. I can’t imagine how odd this must look if you’re someone who keeps the walls white. Although if you’re used to white walls, maybe that’s normal? I even painted the walls in the apartment before we moved to this house. I only lived there for 6 months.

Dining Room: Before

Dining room - facing front  

Dining Room: Packing

IMG_9570

Dining Room: Empty

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A house is not the same without your belongings. When it’s filled, it expresses part of your personality. When you take that away, it’s just walls and floor. I think our living rooms looks smaller somehow without nothing in it – is that possible? 

Family Room: Before

IMG_9124   IMG_9125

Family Room: Packing

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Family Room: Empty

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It was amazing what we found while moving out. It was also disgusting sometimes. Smooshed cockroaches under furniture. LOTS of dog hair, even more than our normal amount of doggie tumbleweeds. Old socks. Pretty gross stuff actually.

Guest Room: Before

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Guest Room: Packing

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Guest room: Empty

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I hope the new renters bring lots of their own things to liven the place back up. It’s a great house and it likes to be filled with people. And animals. They are bringing a little dog – yay!

Office: Before

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Office: Packing

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Office: Empty

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The strangest room to think about someone else living in is the bedroom. It’s just a little creepy to think about someone else making this their bedroom, but I know it’s completely normal.

Master Bedroom: Before

IMG_9161     IMG_9162

Master Bedroom: Packing

IMG_9576   IMG_9577

Master Bedroom: Empty

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I hope our renters have as much fun living in our house as we have, it’s been a great 10 1/2 years and it’s time for new adventures. I’m not exactly sure if we’ll end up with a similar style of decorating in Colorado or if I’ll do something different. I’m really excited about moving in and starting the transition to make our new house a home next weekend!! Just a quick trip to San Antonio between now and then. Where I’m hoping to meet up with this girl! =)

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{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }

Kirk July 9, 2012 at 11:39 AM

Really cool to see the progression through the move since it was difficult to take it all in during the process. Would love to see it in reverse in the CO house.

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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:25 PM

I love that idea – remind me!

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Janae @ Bring-Joy July 9, 2012 at 11:40 AM

Exciting times! What a lot of work. Sounds like you have some fun new adventures just around the corner. Good luck (& enjoy San Antonio, we’re moving there in the fall).

We are in limbo right now–we’ve half moved out of our house but left our furniture & furnishings for showings b/c we haven’t sold our house yet. Fortunately, we’re staying with family so we don’t have to worry about trying to live in a house while trying to sell it too!
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:28 PM

Thank Janae! I’ll tell you if I find anything cool, but I really only have one free night! I can’t imaging the limbo feeling for that long, I’m happy for the crazy & get it over with for my life. Praying for you!

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Lena @Fit on the Rocks July 9, 2012 at 11:49 AM

It’s crazy how different a house can look when it’s no longer filled with everything. It’s so sterile. Anywho, I’m excited for you guys to be starting your next chapter here in awesome Colorado…with plenty of summer to spare!
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:31 PM

I know – so weird. I’m so ready to be out of this crazy limbo and back in a real place. And have a house-warming party. I do love a party! :)

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Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table July 9, 2012 at 11:51 AM

What a fun post! And sad.

It is really gross to see the things you missed while cleaning… every time I’ve moved it’s freaked me out. I’m not THAT messy of a person. :)

Good luck traveling this week. Hope to see you SOON!

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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:30 PM

I know. I’m going to miss you SO much!! Please come visit me, A LOT!! You should get transferred to Colorado. :)

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Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table July 9, 2012 at 11:03 PM

You should just take the company over and hire me. :)
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Kris July 9, 2012 at 11:56 AM

oh, give Linds a HUGE HUG from me if you get to see her!

such a sweet post, I know the feeling of leaving one place and the excitement of making a new one yours… so excited for you guys!
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:34 PM

I will – I’m going to be fighting to see her this week, I love her and don’t even know her for real yet! :)

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Stacy @ Stacy Eats July 9, 2012 at 12:00 PM

So fun to look back on what was home for over 10 years. Can’t wait to see how you decorate your new home! Safe travels!
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:36 PM

I know – I’m going to be a dork and do a similar thing from Colorado. :)

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Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers July 9, 2012 at 12:12 PM

Awww, what a pretty house to have to leave. Luckily you’ve got good things in store. :)
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Calee July 9, 2012 at 2:35 PM

Empty rooms are always so bittersweet when you have had good experiences in a home.

Glad you mentioned that you PAID the movers to bring the stuff to CO.

Safe and happy travels!! <3
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:38 PM

Oh yes, I’m not THAT done. When are you coming to Colorado?! ;)

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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:37 PM

I know – very good things to move to. I loved our house, but so excited about our new place too! :)

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Tina @ Best Body Fitness July 9, 2012 at 12:36 PM

I can’t believe you’re leaving!!!!
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:38 PM

I know – but now you have someone to visit and bring the family skiing. You know it! :)

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lindsay July 9, 2012 at 1:51 PM

oh i hope we get too as well! such a bitter sweet feeling, the house i mean. Praying for you during this transition!

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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:40 PM

Just sent you a tweet – we HAVE to get together. I’ve been looking forward to this for a month!!!

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Carol @ Lucky Zucca July 9, 2012 at 3:21 PM

Aw Heather… what a great post!! I’ve never had my own home and only lived in my parent’s place growing up for more than 10 years. Other than that, my current place is my longest residence and I’ve only been there for 1.5 years.

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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:40 PM

Thanks girl!! It’s weird leaving home, but so exciting too! Only a few more nights until I’m a Denverite! ;)

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Lee July 9, 2012 at 8:32 PM

Sniff, sniff. I’ll miss you. But I can’t wait to hear about your Colorado adventures.
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:42 PM

I know, I’m going to miss you too. But now you have a free place to stay in Colorado! Seriously!!!

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Brittany @ Delights and Delectables July 9, 2012 at 9:38 PM

Praying for you during your move girl! I so need to come visit you in Colorado. :) Be safe!
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Heather July 9, 2012 at 10:42 PM

Thank you – we need LOTS of prayer!! And PLEASE come visit – we love to entertain and have 3 extra bedrooms. :)

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STUFT Mama July 10, 2012 at 1:38 AM

I got kind of choked up looking at your pictures. I’m also very envious of what was your clean gorgeous house. :) Moving is such a weird thing. I’m so excited for you to get settled in your new home Heather. If you meet up with Lindsay make sure to drink some wine and give her a big hug for me! :)
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Heather July 15, 2012 at 11:42 PM

Aw…it does give me that feeling too! Unfortunately Lindsay and I didn’t get a chance to meet up, but we did get to chat on the phone! :)

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jessie July 11, 2012 at 3:49 AM

What an absolute beautiful home from the outside to the inside. I would be devasted if I had to leave it all behind :( But enjoy your new journey and transition into the next chapter of your lives. I already can’t wait to see the next home, and the beautiful furnishings you decorate it w/ :)
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Heather July 15, 2012 at 11:44 PM

Thank you so much! I love our new home even more, we are very blessed!! I should be posting pics of the new house empty & filled with the same stuff this week, just waiting on the moving van. :)

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kalli July 12, 2012 at 10:38 AM

what a beautiful home! this is so exciting though and i can’t wait to see hw your life unfolds in colorado. i am late to your blog….though now i am saving it in my bookmarks…..why are you moving and where in colorado?
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Heather July 15, 2012 at 11:46 PM

Thanks Kalli!! We are relocating because I accepted a new job as a Digital Strategy Director with a company out here. It’s been a crazy month so far!

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lynne @lgsmash July 15, 2012 at 12:08 PM

congrats on the next chapter in life for you guys!!
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Heather July 15, 2012 at 11:47 PM

Thanks Lynne!! I was telling Kirk about your 14er hike this weekend — I’m so inviting ourselves next time. :)

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