Hi friends,
To say it’s been awhile since I have posted on the blog would be an understatement. Most recently you can find me over on Substack writing! My latest series is how we made the decision to build a new home, sell our current one, and move our family all at the same time.

It was a bigger undertaking than we expected.

Along the way, I started documenting the process. What we were told, what actually happened, and everything I wish I had known before we began. Not the polished version. The real one.

This post brings the full Choosing Home series together in one place so you can follow the journey from start to move-in and everything in between.

What You’ll Learn From This Series

How to decide if it’s time to move
What to look for when selling your home
How to choose structural and design options
How to track your build and stay organized
What to expect from builders and timelines
How to plan your move without surprises
What move-in day actually looks like

Each part walks through a different phase of the process so you can follow along or jump to what you need most.

The Choosing Home Series

Part One
The List That Changed Everything
How we decided it was time to move and the non-negotiables that guided every decision.

Part Two
Selling Well Sets the Tone for Everything
How we chose the right realtor, positioned our home, and sold in six days.

Part Two: Subscriber Inside
The Reality Behind the Sale
What actually happened behind the scenes and what made the difference.

Part Three
The Options That Matter More Than You Think
What to review, what to prioritize, and how quickly decisions come at you.

Part Three: Subscriber Inside
The Design Experience
What we were told, what actually happened, and what I would do differently.

Part Four
The Spreadsheet That Saved My Sanity
How tracking everything became the most important tool we had.

Part Five
The Communication System
What happens when communication breaks down and how to protect yourself.

Part Six
The Moving Plan
How to choose movers, avoid hidden costs, and prepare your home.

Part Seven
The Day We Closed But Couldn’t Move In
What happens when timelines shift and everything collides at the end.

Part Eight
Living in a House Still Being Built
The reality of warranty work, repairs, and move-in expectations.

The Biggest Takeaways

If you read nothing else, read this.

Know your non-negotiables early.
They will guide every decision.

Do not rely on verbal promises.
Get everything in writing.

Ask to see real options before signing.
Not photos. Not descriptions. Actual selections.

Track everything.
Emails, selections, timelines, and changes.

Expect the final weeks to shift.
Build flexibility into your timeline.

Move-in day is not the finish line.
Be ready for follow-up work.

Subscriber Resources

Throughout this series, subscribers received additional tools to help navigate the process.

A few include the following, among others.

New Build Walkthrough Checklist and Warranty Tracker
Day of Move Checklist
First Night Survival List
10 Things Never to Put on a Moving Truck
Subscriber only posts

These resources are designed to help anyone building a home or moving avoid common mistakes and stay organized throughout the process. If you want access to these resources, you can subscribe here.

A Final Note

Even with the delays, the changes, and the unexpected turns, this house is becoming home.

The kids know where everything is. The dogs have claimed their spots. And slowly, room by room, it is starting to feel like ours.

If you are building, moving, or even considering it, I hope this series gives you a clearer picture of what to expect and how to prepare.

Looking for one place to start? Begin with Part One.