We’re moving

These boxes can only mean one thing. We’re moving. Oh yes, we are.

I’m not a nomad. I stay in the one place for long times. In my twenties I moved a handful of times, but I had very few things. Just a few bags and a bed and it was easy to move. Now I have a husband {who can lift heavy things, handy!} and a daughter who has lots of toys. We’re packing up and we’ve moving.

We’re not moving just around the corner to a house in a neighbouring suburb. We’re braving it, moving out of the big smoke and to the Country. For a better life for our little family, particularly Miss Lacey. We’re moving from a teeny two bedroom apartment with a courtyard backyard to a bigger house with space {so much so that we won’t have enough furniture to fill it}.


{Our new home}

I’m scared. I like change, but this is big change and it scares me. I’ll miss being part of the hustle and the bustle. I’ll miss being in the heart of it all. I’ll miss sharing a corner store with celebs and rubbing shoulders with the wealthy {I won’t miss their lack of indication when driving though!}. I’ll miss the people I know here. I’ll miss my local beach. I’ll miss my favourite eateries and shops. I’ll miss it all and more.

So next month we’re heading way up North to live {calling a house somewhere between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay home}. I’m excited about our new life too. I know there’ll be good stuff, lots of it.

Oh boy. It feels very real to write this. We’re actually moving, aren’t we? Eek. Now I’m getting teary…

Where did you grow up? The City? The Country? Which do you think you prefer?

140 thoughts on “We’re moving”

  1. I love moving! it's like starting a new adventure, growing up my family moved over 20 times, and after my hubs graduates we plan to keep on moving around the globe.

  2. Lived in Los Angeles for 52 years hubby and I retired and moved to Southern Utah 1 1/2 years ago to a small town, on a mountain and no neighbors. Miss the good restaurants, great shopping, easy access to everything. Love the clean air, hiking, quiet, real seasons. Don't like that you are treated different if you are not of the same faith. Can always drive 3 hours one way for great shopping, really good food and amazing shows in Las Vegas.

  3. First of all, congratulations on the move!. I know it's a bit daunting, but its also so exciting for you and your family 🙂

    I moved from Toronto Canada to Melbourne Australia. While I live in a neighbouring suburb of Melbourne it's MUCH MUCH smaller than what i'm used to. Part of me wants to move to a country town (I think my little suburb is considered a country town?) but like you, I enjoy hustle & bustle.

  4. Chantelle! What a huge move! I can understand feeling a little scared, but you must be so excited also! How wonderful! You've chosen a beautiful part of the world to settle. Good luck with the move, and I hope you settle in quickly.

  5. I can absolutely understand how you feel right now. I grew up in the country and I loved it as a child! But as a grown-up I headed to the city as fast as possible. Now that I'm pregnant I constantly think about where I want my child to grow up…I think, I will always be torn between what I believe would be best for my child and what I prefer for myself. Concentrate on the positive things that come with your move: the big house, the fresh air, getting to know new people – I wish you all the best!

  7. I've lived in the country ever since I was 11, and honestly, I can't stand being this far away from everything. It's great to be out here and enjoy such beautiful scenery & landscaping and be away from all the noise & city life, but it also sucks because everything is like 20 minutes away. Grocery stores, gas stations, everything.

  8. I am SO excited for you Telle. Although it seems so overwhelming right now, it will all fall into place and in 6 months time you will wonder why it took you so long to make the change. PROMISE. This is the start of the rest of your life, a real life, and I can't wait to see it all unfold. Congratulations! xxx

  9. Wow! What a huge move for your family, but just the right thing to do, I think. I'm heading up to Byron in November for a girls' weekend, so I'll wave on my way past, yeah? x If you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about the work situations and schooling decisions etc one day.

    I was born in the country when my dad was a farmer. He didn't see me until I was three days old because he was snowed in at the farm. He had to abandon his ute and wade back through thigh high snow after dropping my mother at the hospital. He used to put my carry cot on the side of the tractor when I wouldn't sleep inside the house.

    We moved into civilisation when we got older and when I was 22 and 3 weeks, I moved to Sydney. Growing up in New Zealand and moving to Australia is like a rite of passage, like moving to the big smoke, except it's just across the ditch.

    Now I live in the extremely urban suburbia that is the Inner West and wouldn't live anywhere else! We sacrifice extensive outdoor space, but gain a 7 minute express bus to the city, walking distance to school, markets, village shops, outlet centres, huge conglomerate shopping malls.

    I'm a country girl from birth, but whilst I love my weekends away, I am definitely a city girl now. Not born and bred, but the city is under my skin now and is part of who I am. x

  10. Big new adventures coming your way! In a years time you'll look back and wonder why you even worried. Smooth moving and happy travels to all of you! xo

  12. We are planning the big interstate move from Sydney to Melbourne over the next couple of months, and I am so emotional about it! Mostly about leaving all our family and friends behind. But like you we are living in a tiny 2 bedroom place in Sydney and we want more for our children. Good luck with your move, your house looks beautiful.

  13. Close the chapter; cherish it. Look back, later. Reflect on the changes, later. Open your heart and take it all in. Notice with different eyes. Your journey takes you in beautiful ways; smile.

  15. Moving is not exactly fun but I have no doubt that with your gorgeous, warm smile and personality (and the added bonus cuteness that is Miss Lacey) you'll have a large circle of friends pretty quickly. I did a move in reverse – from a small place to a larger place – and found it easier to settle in with kids as they make friends everywhere they go.

    And, remember, you're not moving terribly far away from me… that has to be an added bonus. *lol*

  16. You won't regret it. We did the exact same thing nearly 2 years ago. We still look at each and randomly hi-5 at how awesome life is up here. Social networking means you are never really far from those you love and life is sweet. Realllllly sweet.

  17. Oh we too did the move thing 7 months after our son was born, he's almost 4 now and have another 7 month year old. Left our swanky terrace in Sydney and moved to a house (which too our furniture didn't fill) and live beachside in Kiama. With kids – i couldn't have picked a better place. Do miss the hustle and bustle of Sydney but its only 1 1/2 hours a way and by the time we get there the ratty kids in the car remind us why we left! Enjoy your new location, you and most importantly Lacey will love the space!!

  18. I grew up in the country (where my parents still live) but I bought a house in a small town. It's not as busy as a city so I don't mind it. I actually like it.

  19. speaking from experience… is tough to leave sydney and all the things we love about it! but… its amazing to have space and that things cost so much less and that life feels just a little slower! flights are so cheap you can literally go home every month if your home sick ~ as you know ~ i do! im excited that you will be closer to us and we can meet up at the beach for dinner or a bike ride! i promise, you will eventually love it!!!

  20. I have moved about 30 times since I was twenty. I have moved 6 times since I had children and love the new beginnings but hate the move with a passion. I am hoping to not move again for a very long time soon. WE moved from Sydney nearly 2yrs ago for the quieter life and have moved back to my childhood town. There are sacrifices, if i could afford to live in Sydney I would but decisions are based on the family now and this is for their best..

  21. Congratulations! Living somewhere with space around me, enough for chickens and a huge veggie garden and maybe a few pigs and a cow is dream of mine. After living a long way from anywhere much for 12 years I love the convenience of being in the city now (or is only Adelaide though lol) and can't imagine being too far from it or the beach. Where you are moving to looks and sounds idyllic. So excited for you! Tatum xx

  22. I have never had a home town, I am an American Military Brat, Moved every 1 1/2 – 3 years, but spent most of my teens in various European Cities. Tough at times but it is the sacrifice Military families make, and I grew up appreciating everything I was exposed to. I spent most of my Adult life in Las Vegas Nevada, Great city full of wonderful restaurants, Great Shows and basically anything you could want at any time of day. A year ago we moved 3 kids in tow, to a Small town where Chilli's is the best restaurant…it has been difficult to adjust to small town feel, stores are far away, eating home is 100times better than any eatery. But I love the wildlife. Best of luck on the move, there will be the good and the different, it all adds to the wonderful experiences of life!…can't wait to see your country life photos!!

  23. I envy you and your little family. A lot!!
    I grew up in the city. Orange County, California. But I raised my family in the country. We didn't have a neighbor within hollaring distance. It. Was. Wonderful!
    I still live in that little town however it's grown over the last 35 years and is now crowded and big city like. If the economy was different we'd sell this house of ours and buy a bunch of land with a house smack in the middle without any neighbors. I'd even like a 12 foot block wall with a big wooden gate for privacy! LOL
    Good luck and Congratulations Chantelle. I can't wait to see photos. What you've shown so far is absolutely lovely!!

  24. moving is so exciting!! i've lived in the 'burbs my whole life and we've talked about moving country more times than i care to mention but we've never found “the” place that feels right….until this year.

    we've just returned from a holiday to country nsw and we've found “the” place that just feels like home. it's a biggish country town that feeds the soul, is perfectly located and is surrounded by spectacular scenery.

    we are planning on making the move in the next 12 months – sooner if we can find jobs in the meantime! and.i.cannot.wait.

    enjoy your new adventure that you're about to embark on, Lacey is going to LOVE all that space!!

    ~x~

  25. Wishing you a smooth move Chantelle… and you're moving to a beautiful part of the world. Lismore was home (still is home in my heart) before we moved to Walcha.

    Me? I'm a country girl. Grew up on cane farms and now am raising my kids in the country as well. It really is the best place to bring kids up. Plenty of fresh. Space to wander. And I think people generally have more time for each other in the country.

    Good luck with all.
    Might see you around when we come home for visits?!
    Tasha

  26. I love moving, but only once I'm moved. Does that make sense? I've been in an apartment for quite a few years now, and I yearn for a home with a yard that I can grow my garden in. Your new place looks absolutely heavenly!

  27. you'll love it chantelle!!

    i grew up in melb, but now live in the “country” and love it so much that i never plan on leaving.

  28. I grew up in town, but was never meant to be there. My husband is in the US Military, and we move a great deal. We have had around 15 homes in 21 years. Our happiest was the few we have found in the country. We had chickens, a goat, a horse. That was heaven. When my husband eventually leaves military life, that is what we plan to buy and spend the rest of our days in.

  29. I'm a farm girl that got the hell out when I finished high school and still live in the city. I've just bought a house further out of the city by the coast and that's where I want to live one day. Have fun moving!

  31. I did the opposite recently. Moving from the country to the city. I love that everything is super close but I miss having a place outside that is private and mine. That is the thing I miss most. So my next place will have a deck. Good luck

  32. We've just done the same thing…from Brisbane to Byron region on 5 acres, 6 weeks ago. We have 4yr old, 1yr old & 2 dogs. We had a big house on a hill with city views, 8 klms from city, corner cafe, walk to school etc. Now we live in a much smaller little unimproved house, have NO neighbours, peace & quiet, room to play, fresh air, no planes or emergency vehicles at all hours, the most spectacular sunsets over mountain ranges, Byron's beautiful beaches, school bus runs past the front gate…. We love it and can't believe how lucky we are to have the opportunity to do this! So many people only get to holiday like this…we have it everyday.
    Hope the move goes well & I'll keep my eyes peeled when I'm out & about for you. And don't worry, there are plenty of celebs & rich people here to satisfy your needs.
    So bizarre as when I saw your new home pic, I was like 'that so looks like my view'…macca trees & all.

    • And I was a big career/corporate girl…. But my girls are my world now and their smiles make it all worthwhile.

  33. After 32 years of south coast NSW living, just yesterday we accepted a job offer 5 hours away. So we too will be moving in about a month. To the Hunter region. We know it's the right thing for us, but now the enormity of it is hitting & I feel emotional & ill. Best of luck with your move, sunny days ahead! Me? I'm off to buy more winter clothes! Xx

  34. Oh Telle I am so happy for you and Shane and Lacey. Your home looks stunning ( we were stalking it on Real Estate. com as soon as Shane gave Jose the devastating news, he is still gutted ) and we wish you guys all the best. And secretly, I am hoping it gives Jose a kick in the bum so we can do the same thing. Would love Max and the bump to have a yard and room to move and clean air. Bliss, lots of love always. xxxooo

  35. After 32 years of south coast NSW living, just yesterday we accepted a job offer 5 hours away. So we too will be moving in about a month. To the Hunter region. We know it's the right thing for us, but now the enormity of it is hitting & I feel emotional & ill. Best of luck with your move, sunny days ahead! Me? I'm off to buy more winter clothes! Xx

  36. After 32 years of south coast NSW living, just yesterday we accepted a job offer 5 hours away. So we too will be moving in about a month. To the Hunter region. We know it's the right thing for us, but now the enormity of it is hitting & I feel emotional & ill. Best of luck with your move, sunny days ahead! Me? I'm off to buy more winter clothes! Xx

  37. After 32 years of south coast NSW living, just yesterday we accepted a job offer 5 hours away. So we too will be moving in about a month. To the Hunter region. We know it's the right thing for us, but now the enormity of it is hitting & I feel emotional & ill. Best of luck with your move, sunny days ahead! Me? I'm off to buy more winter clothes! Xx

  38. How absolutely brilliantly EXCITING!! I too am a creature of habit and get a bit thrown by change. My husband and I built our home when our children were babies . they are now 33, 30 and 25 and we are still here but only because we didn't have choices or opportunitys. It's great that you are taking life and bending it to suit YOU! Hope your new life is EVERYTHING you wish and more! Good Luck xx

  39. Oh my gosh what a huge step – although your new home looks absolutely gorgeous and imagine all the wonderful things you can do with that space. I've only lived in 2 places in my 29 years so I can completely sympathise with the feeling sad thing. I hope it all goes fabulously xx

  40. We moved from NSW to WA 5 years ago. It was scary & exciting & you know what? It still is!

    You are moving to one of the most beautiful parts of Oz ( my favourite area is the hills past Byron). You will love it!!!

  41. How brave of you and hubby – I think it is wonderful. What made you choose that region of the world apart from it being so beautiful? All the best for the move xx

  42. Oh how exciting and what a big move… To a beautiful part of the world by the sounds of it….;) I could imagine bondi would be great if you are young and free but not great to bring up family. I look forward to hearing more about your new adventure.x

  43. I'm the complete opposite.
    I grew up in the country and moved to the city.
    I grew up in a small country town. The population is 600 and is really on the road to nowhere. The nearest city is Adelaide, and that's 3 hours away. So growing up like this, a lot of young people move because they need to study, and it is in no way a commutable distance to any university. I moved to Bendigo to study, which is like a small regional town. Eventually I moved to Melbourne. I love living here, but I miss the community I had in smaller places.

    Good luck on the move. Which part of the country?

  44. Oh you are gonna love it! I live somewhere between Brisbane and the Gold Coast and I love that stretch of Coastline to Byron and back! I love it sooo soo much! I want to live the NSW side of it! We are thinking of moving too! I know how you feel. I've blogged this a lot. I probably sound fickle from vacillating sooo much! I've done both, country & city and I prefer the country, especially with children. Oh yes, I miss the convenience, but there are so many pros to it, the cons kind of fade away…I can't wait to move back to the country. It's calling my name and I want to go soon! I am actually physically homesick for it. But in saying that, I am leaving A LOT behind and that makes me feel sick and sad too! 🙂 Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and trust and just GO!!!!!!!

  45. Chantelle – we moved from a place we loved to a beautiful property in the Perth Hills – when we packed to leave I was sad – all those things I was going to miss made me teary too.
    What I didn't see was all the new additions we were about to gain in our lives – the new corner store with owners that I now call friends, my new community – a chat on every corner, my new neighbours – fed their cats all weekend, my new walking tracks – breath taking forest.
    So know the farewell tears won't last long & I looking forward to reading about your new adventures! <3 Raquel x

  46. Don't be scared! I grew up in the country and moved to the city when I was 19, I met my husband and had our daughter there and just this year I have moved back to my hometown in the country with my little family.

    It took me 3 years to convince my husband that it could be a great positive change for our family and finally he agreed to make the change. We have only been here for 3 months and already he loves it and seems a much more relaxed and happier version of himself, I wish we had done it sooner!!

    Enjoy it and yes there will be things you will miss ( we miss Japanese food SO bad) but the positives easily out number the negatives.

  47. Chantelle, as you know, I moved from Sydney to Vancouver and obviously that was a HUGE move.
    You will miss things about Sydney and there will be times that you crave something but the things I don't miss do make up for it.
    The cost of living, the traffic, getting around, public transport, the noise…I'm hearing lots of stories of people moving out of Sydney which is really sad. I really wish the local government would look at how they can start making changes to make it an easier place to live.

    As much as I love Sydney and I miss my beaches and the sunshine, the thing I miss the most is the people- my family and friends. It's honestly the hardest part but you will be able to see yours. Being 15 hours away on a plane makes that a little more difficult!
    Good luck with the move and the adjusting. 🙂

  48. Yay for you! I hope it all goes smoothly.
    I've lived in Sydney my whole life and while I like the idea of moving to the country at some stage, but my family and my husband's family are all close by. For me, home is where family is, especially with a 2 year old and another little one on the way.
    But I'm just a coward 😉
    I hope this only brings awesome things for you and the family!

  49. Moving is a big deal but it's also very exciting. When I was 15 we moved from NY to Kentucky. That was a huge deal because I had just started high school. It was not easy either going from a big city in the North to a very small city in the South. I could not understand a word anyone said for the longest time! 🙂
    I'm 45 now and I still live in Kentucky but I live in a bigger city. I have four children, three of them grown.
    I've never left the US and wish I could. Maybe one day.
    In the meantime, enjoy the move.. I think you'll be happy!

  50. This is HUGE!! How amazing!! What a beautiful area of the world u are moving to! I am sure the change will be very different but change is so good for the soul!
    U will be in heaven I am sure! I often visit Lennox Head through the year as my BFF lives there and every time i visit we look at real estate! I may need to open a Little Paper Lane up that way one day hehe! have the best journey ever!! enjoy breathing the fresh air!
    Jxx

  51. hi

    We have just moved back to Qld after 15 years in Melbourne and we have settled in a little city in the reldands and it is great, walk to the water and school. Grandparents 5 minutes away and amazing weather, best thing we did and you will love it. The one good thing is you make new freinds and habits and that is a positive. Enjoy

  52. Congratulations- we moved into our home in the country almost a year ago. We love it so much, and can't imagine living anywhere else! It will be ok.

  54. You will love it!!! You are going to one of the most beautiful parts of the world (in my opinion ;-)) and I am sure you will totally dig it. We left Sydney nearly 6 years ago now and there has been absolutely no looking back. Hope you enjoy this new adventure!

  55. Aahhhh moving! I love it and loathe it in equal measures.
    We made the opposite move 2 years ago, from the beaches of Qld back HOME to the city in Melbourne. It was definitely the right move for us as we needed the bustle and energy of the city. I think at different times in our lives we need different things and right now this move seems perfect for you and your family.
    Enjoy

  56. oh chantelle this is so exciting! and scary, yes! but the most wonderful kind of scary. I am so envious, I would love to do this. in saying that, we live out of the city, but not as far out as I would like. what a perfect spot on the coast you and hubby have chosen. the location of the house looking AMAZING! I can't wait to hear about your new adventures x

  57. Wow big move. We constantly battle with weighing up city life that while exciting can be hard with two kids and limited space. No backyard , no pets , no ball kicking , lot's of guilt! Still we console ourselves with having the beach two minutes away . I'm a little envious of your bravery and look forward to seeing how you new life unfolds. I'm sure it will be a huge breath of fresh air!

  58. How exciting for you. I moved a number of times through my childhood and only twice since having children. I live in suburbia and love where I am and the girls going to newly developed primary and high schools. You have triggered a post for me to contemplate.
    Wishing you a happy move and an outstandingly happy life in your new home.
    V xo

  59. Congratulations!
    What an exciting time for you & your family. I have a feeling you will love it.
    A new adventure (chapter) awaits. I can’t wait to see some of the pics you will produce 😀

  60. I've just done something similar! Moved from an inner city Syd terrace to outer (nearing country!) Melbourne.
    It's fun, exciting, scary, tough. And we are still working it out. And I'm sure you will too!

  61. You will be rid of those noisy backpackers once and for all! Think of the massive parties YOU can thrown now without disturbing the neighbors 🙂
    I grew up the opposite, I grew up in the country and then moved to the city in my 20s. Growing up as a kid in the country can be quite lonely, there are more boys than girls so little Lacy may end up a bit of a tomboy. But she'll have so much fun. You wont regret it x

  62. Gah!!! Such an exciting time for you and your family. I'm sure Lacey will love all the space to run around. Friends of ours did the same (albeit they moved from England to Australia) and one of their sons went from ” mr cranky pants” (their words) to a much happier child. They couldn't believe the difference how much having a big backyard made to him. And of course while Lacey is obviously not a cranky pants, who wouldn't be happier with that AMAZING view. Although it is not the same, the nice thing about your current home/ suburb is that you can always visit, rent a weekender and enjoy the things you do now. Can't wait to read about this new adventure.

  64. We “tree changed” (it wasn't a sea change because we are inland from Byron Bay lol) four years ago. We live on 20 acres surrounded by mountains, and off the grid. It's a truly beautiful place to live – and a great place to bring up your lovely daughter 🙂

    Jeni @ Northern Rivers Dreaming

  67. I can really relate to how you are feeling. I lived in Newtown for best part of 10 years, our son was born there and lived there for another 4 years and then made the big move to the northern tip of the central coast. I miss a lot of things about Sydney but the benefits for my children outweigh all of that. It is amazing how much happier my son is just having a back yard and I feel so much more relaxed. It did help with the transition that my sister and mum live close by to us now . Good luck with it all, am sure you will love the change!

  69. oooh, how exciting! I think we live in the same neighbourhood (at the moment) and I really relate. I'm def scared to move away from the hustle and bustle and especially the cafes and book stores, but sometimes I feel sad that the preschooler doesn't have a great big backyard to run free in. We only have a tiny courtyard, but as you know in this neck of the woods we are grateful to get even that! Good luck with the move, I'm sure it will be amazing 🙂

  70. ooohhhhh I feel a bit excited for you……I was bought up in a little country town in nz called dargaville but moved to the city Auckland to become a hairdresser, now living in Melbourne (I just love visiting the city) but I have to say we live an hour away now on the peninsula and I LOVE it…..I was so nervous before we moved all those questions (will I meet nice people, make new friends, find good coffee hehe) I love being near the beach, wineries, fresh produce etc…..the only way I can describe it I feel at home in my heart, and yay for all the space and when you do go back to the city in wil be a fun filled weekend smooch and fun fun fun Lisa xx

  72. Oh, amazing, what a fabulous new adventure! I grew up in Sydney (Bondi and then Beecroft…which felt like the country, comparatively) and now live in Vaucluse. I can't imagine living in the country but sometimes the idea is appealing…I am sure it will become moreso when I have children. I think this is such an exciting new adventure for you! x

  73. J.E.A.L.O.U.S

    I joke every weekend while sitting in our Sydney Eastern Suburbs home that maybe we should go for a drive and coffee in the highlands. My husband is on to me now and tells me to walk across the street – there is great coffee there. We always “happen” upon an open house. A magnificent home… I think in my next life I am marrying a sheep farmer. I need a team of people to feed scones to and a CWA to join.

    I too am over the lack of indication!

  74. How exciting! We're originally from Florida, but are currently living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, as that is where the Air Force life has sent us.

    Change is always fun and exciting though 🙂

  75. it is a beautiful spot chantelle. it may take some time to settle being so used to sydney, but it will grow on you pretty fast. my mother in law lives near byron bay. we visit there often only just back from a holiday recently. i would move in a heartbeat. for us though newcastle will be home for a little longer yet. i do like it here though. a mix of coast and country. take care and best of luck with the travel to your new home. xo

  77. Can't wait to read all about this big adventure. I know why you love where you are now so much 😉 but we too dream of having more open space and a less hectic life. Or maybe that's just me and that's why it hasn't happened yet. Am sure you will be so happy in this new chapter of your life. Will probably be forwarding on your posts to my husband in the hope of bringing him round to my way of thinking. Good luck with the move xxx

  78. Wow! How exciting. Good luck – both for the actual move and for a quick integration into your new home and neighbourhood.

    I grew up in the country and now live in the city (Melbourne). We'll probably end up back in a larger country city (oxymoron?) at some point.

  79. I've moved so many times in my lifetime I can't even remember how many just now. I'm from Melbourne and living in Adelaide and have been for the past 9 years …. which is probably the longest I've lived anywhere in a long time. Next move for me will be to Tasmania nearer my twin sister. Adelaide is quieter than Melbourne, but Tassie is quieter yet. Other than Melbourne and Adelaide, I've lived in Far North Qld, between Mackay and Townsville. I think if we have our family around us, any place is home. Good luck with the moving.

  80. Hi Telle… You know, I've been reading your blog and we've been chatting on twitter on and off since 2009, our girls are almost the same age… and it was just the other day that I was wondering if you would be moving some time. Because I know how hard it is to have an almost 4 year old in an apartment. And then I read this. I can't believe it. You know what? I'm JEALOUS. I grew up in Brisbane and spent much of my adult life travelling to or through the northern rivers. It's such a beautiful part of the world. You're so lucky and Lacey will have a wonderful life there. Good luck and maybe we can catch up one day (my brother is currently living near Lismore, so I'll definitely be travelling through!) xx

  81. Wow Chantelle! This is a massive move, but it all sounds so exciting. And from the picture of your new home, it looks absolutely beautiful. I can understand that you will miss the Eastern Suburbs… but where you're heading is equally as gorgeous. Good luck with the moving prep and the actual move itself xo

  82. Congratulations on your move! I feel like I'm turning into a pro on the topic – we'll be doing another transcontinental move this summer (Gabon to Norway.) There will always be things you miss about the old place but it won't be long until you find new things! Good luck with everything!

  83. Just wanted to say Congratulations! We moved in April from Sydney to a little country town in the Riverina NSW. My boys 3 & 5 have settled beautifully and our family is “blooming”. It is easily one of the best decisions we've ever made. Sydney living is not the be all and end all…. Im so much happier here. Wishing you all the best for everything 🙂

  84. Congrats on moving to the country, it looks beautiful. I grew up in the burbs of South Australia and have slowly crept out. We now live in a semi rural country town that amazingly is only 15 minutes down the hill to the burbs where I grew up. Took a couple of years to get used to it but now I can't imagine moving back down the hill. Good luck with the move.

  86. big move. imagine all the interesting things you can photograph near Byron Bay though!! I've moved over 20 times since I left school. (20 years ago this year). I like to think that each move is symbolic of a new adventure and a new part of me developing. P.S I think Sarah Wilson will live near you, so you can still do the celebrity thing. good luck. especially with going on a trip to nth qld at the same time!!

  87. I grew up in the city and would LOVE to live in the country – need to wait for family situation to change and then we are certainly considering a move. Seriously thought about it when we were in Yamba for the long weekend but alas, family commitments means we will stay where we are for now.
    Enjoy – I am sure that it will be LOVELY for all of you.
    Me

    • I hate moving – lived in one house all my life growing up. Got married and moved into another house. Moved countries and rented for 6 months. Have lived in this house for 12.5yrs – definitely no nomad blood in me !!!

  88. I grew up in Pottsville (right in between Byron & Gold Coast) once I was 20, I moved to Brisbane.

    I love both! The hustle & bustle of the city / peacefulness of the country. I'll probably re-evaluate when I'm ready to start my own family.

    But for now, luckily they still live at Pottsville so when I need time out, I drive 2 hours =)

  89. Wat an amazing view! You'll be very happy there.
    I've always lived in the country and just love it. It's so quiet en smells so fresh. Now that I'm studying, I need to live close to my college. So during the week I live in the 'big city'. I like it too. But later on, I'd love to move back to the country.

  90. HOME is where your little family is!! I like moving around, lived in various places around the world (due to my husbands' job), but as long as my little family (husband, son & dog) & my favourite stuff were with me, I instantly felt at home in any house/appartement(whether that was in the Netherlands, the UK, France, Brazil…).
    It's so exciting to move, to change perspectives! Go for it & enjoy the ride!!

    Take care & big moving hugs (now) from the Nteherlands!
    Chantal

  91. I grew in a tiny village in Melaka, Malaysia before moving to Woodlands, Singapore, where my late father was stationed as a Naval Officer. But I commute to school in Johore Bharu – across the Causeway. Then I moved to Penang before returning to Melaka to complete High School. Then I moved to Kuala Lumpur to pursue my tertiary education – visiting my family in Melaka during vacation. Had been living in Kuala Lumpur since graduation, got married and now living in Selangor. I enjoyed living in the quiet and peaceful village and then adapting to city life. I feel at home both ways and moving around has helped me to learn to adapt to my new environment fairly quickly. Likewise, I believe you'll adapt quickly, too. May you and your family have a good life ahead of you.
    Hugs, Lili

  92. As a kid, we lived in the city…Detroit to be exact. Devil's Night burnings, Eyes & Ears trucks (keeping watch for crime), drug bust across the street and the neighbor shooting at a car thief. Newly married we moved to Knoxville, TN. Nothing to do there when football season ends. BORING! And now, with 4 kids, we live in the burbs of Atlanta. Kids in nearly every house and in and out of mine, lots of room to run and play, security, neighborhood pool and tennis, and city life only 45 minutes away! Perfect balance!

  93. oh goodness. i'm moving too. the day after tomorrow in fact. it's scary, but exciting. i'm looking forward to the fresh start.

  95. Hello, there! I was born in a poor city in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Now I moved to a nice neighborhood in the famous city of Rio de Janeiro – Brazil. An island, actually. I'm pretty happy now!

  96. You have a lovely view!!! I grew up in the country and loved it! I hope to get back to a country setting at some point in my life – it's a wonderful environment to raise childrean!

  97. Congratulations! You and your family will love it. My husband and I moved alot before we had kids (Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Illinois). Now that we have two small girls (8 and 1), we lived in upstate New York for 8 years and just recently moved to New Jersey.We'll be here for a few years and are working toward moving to London! It's exciting. And with Skype, we can easily keep in touch with family and friends. It really gives kids a great adventure and special family memories. Good luck!

  98. I grew up in the city (suburbs), loved it there, always had friends around to play with. My grandparents had a farm and I always loved visiting there as well. I ended up settling for country living myself. It suits our family, great for the kids; but I do hate them missing out on having neighbhor hood friends. However, the good offsets the bad. Good luck to you and your family.

  99. Congrats on the move! I just want to tell you a little story about me and my family. I was 34 years old when I made my first move away from my home town. I little in a tiny little hamlet and I moved to a big city (Houston, TX). I moved in with my hubs, 2 daughters and my older sister. We lived there for 3 months. Then we moved again to the north of the city into an apartment of our own (hubs, daughters and I). We lived there for 5 years. It was a shock to all of us because even though it was a suburb of a huge metropolis it was STILL big city to us. In Oct. of year 5 we had to move to another city, not as big as Houston but still bigger than our place of origin. But it was more of a college town so more laid back. We LOVED it there! Then in 2001 we had to move again. This time is was to a suburb of Dallas, TX. We've lived in Allen, TX since 2001. Allen is still a big city compared to where we originally came from. It's hard to make friends as it is so big. But we've managed a small group of friends and our girls are now grown and out on their own.
    But what I really wanted to say was, through it all, I always kept the mindset that each move was a NEW ADVENTURE in our lives. It helped with coping with each move and new place. So Chantelle, I hope you will enjoy this NEW adventure in your life. I am sure the move will be very rewarding in many ways for your little family. God Speed!

  100. I hope you'll be very happy! I DEFINITELY love the country FAR MORE than the city/burbs. I spent the first 9 years of my life on a farm in Iowa…and recently lived in the country in northern California's wine country, as well as in the woods of Maine. There's nothing like the country…you will find new peace and adventures to share, new things to see and explore, and you will come to love it….but remember, all change takes time and you will get used to it. I am so grateful that our kids got to spend at least some of their youth living in the country with us. It adds a great deal of perspective to life!!!

  101. Good luck with the move. I would love to move to the countryside. I am sure it will be fab and your daughter will love it too.

  102. Good luck with your move! I know how scary it can be, but I have the feeling you will adjust perfectly. There will be new eateries and new people to run shoulders with, and MAYBE people in your new neck of the woods will use their indicator signals when driving 😀

    As for us, we are moving too, at the end of June. From a small, dull, dingy town in South Carolina where there is no work for my husband when he's not touring, back to my hometown of Nashville, TN, where there is plenty of work for him, and plenty of our friends to keep me company when he is at the studio! YAY!

    I grew up just outside of Nashville, and always had the best of both the country and the city and I miss it. I've tried for 5 years to make friends here, but it has never happened. And all that while, my friends and my Sisters From Other Mothers begged me to come back. Now I have found my father (the woman who gave birth to me took me from him and kept us apart for my entire life) and discovered I have a stepmom, aunts, uncles and cousins who have all been waiting for me to “come home.”

    It's going to be a good move for me. And I have no doubt yours is going to be just as awesome!

  103. I grew up somewhere between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay and it was wonderful. Days at the beach, magical. Adventuring in the rainforest, magnificent.

    Sending love and good wishes x
    Jess

  104. The view from your new home looks amazing! I grew up in a small town surrounded by California countryside. As a bitter teenager, I hated it (there's NOTHING to dooooo!), and I don't know if I'd move back, but I think I learned a lot growing up in the country. We were allowed to roam and be independent, which is something I feel like my urban/suburban friends missed out on.

  106. There's no getting around it- moving is HARD! I just moved into our new house in February- and I hope it's the last move for me for awhile! I do enjoy unpacking, though- finding a new home for all of my precious little things. Your new home looks just lovely.
    Also, a thank you for inspiring me to do the Photo-a-Day challenge. I started it in May and it's been fun! Check out my blog if you have time… After the boxes are unpacked!

  107. I'm so happy for you!

    My dream is to move back to Adelaide to be with my family, but my husband is Melbournian through & through.

    And so I continue to dream 🙂

    In the meantime, I'm going to live vicariously through you.

    Just from looking at the picture, Lacey will have an incredibly good life!

    & that's what it's all about 🙂

    Enjoy your new life xx

  108. Congratulations! How exciting. We've just done exactly the same thing. We packed up our 2 bedroom city apartment & bought a spacious 4brm house on the NSW South Coast and couldn't be happier. Think of all the new things to be discovered. Check out our big move & new life at http://oursouthcoastyear.blogspot.com
    You won't regret the move once you see the little one thrive on the space and freedom.
    Good luck!

  109. Congrats on the braveness and expansion for a better life, especially for Miss Lacey. I just moved from Melbourne to Sydney and I'm at the missing all that I know stage you're talking about. But I'm holding onto the conviction in our decision for a new and better life. Plus home is where you are loved so I wish you all the happiness!
    Good luck with the packing and the decluttering, then the unpacking and the new nesting (my favourite & most frustrated part)
    Look at it as letting new doors open to a new and better life you haven't yet imagined (that's to inspire both you and me)
    xo

  110. Congratulations! We've just moved from London, UK to Phoenix, AZ, USA. We love it, but I do miss all the fun that only a big city can offer. You will be fine, it will be great for your daughter.

  111. Congratulations on the big move Chantelle. I'm sure you'll love your new digs, and Lacey will settle in well.

    My hubby and I are currently deciding whether to sell our home of 11 years in the Blue Mountains and move to a bigger home or stay and renovate.

  113. Big congrats.
    We have just moved and i feel like I've moved a whole house of toys!!!!!
    And it's a temporary move so I've vowed that some of those toys will remain unpacked and will make their way straight to someone who actually needs them, before the next move.

  114. I grew up in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and lived there for 17 years. After high school I went to collage in the middle of the country. My sister chose the same school and my parents wanted to move with us because it's a 1,5 hour drive. So now we live in the country, 15 minutes away from my grandparents. And we love it! We have lovely neighbors, we get our eggs from a little farm nearby, every two weeks a man comes to your house selling cheese, horses everywhere, and a very large garden, just like my mother always wanted. A lot of people thought it was strange, moving away from the city. But we felt so welcomed and the people are so much friendlier. I hope you will love it too!

  117. Oh Darling a million, billion, squillion wonderful wishes for much good health and buckets of happiness in your move. You'll notice a massive change from the throbbing heart to adventuring in the gorgeous wide open spaces but I'm sure you'll adore every minute!

    A huge Thank You too as at last spent the TS voucher, I won from You, at their warehouse. I bought four fabulous long vests, yes, four can you believe that???
    I'm dancing, singing, looking divine and Thanking YOU so very, very much. C xo.

  118. Soooooo exciting! Good luck with everything. I have moved countless times from Berlin to NYC to London and within every city a couple of times…
    This year we are moving to Sydney.
    Very exciting. I am a city girl.
    Your new home looks like a dream though.

    Which ares would you recommend moving to in Sydney for a creative couple wanting to start a little family?

  120. As soon as I saw that photo I thought that's somewhere in my 'hood!!
    How exciting for you all to have space and fresh air and beaches and views like these 🙂
    Good luck with it all.
    x

  121. Sounds just heaven Chantelle – I have just come back from a few days in bryon and I could easily move that way – scary though moving from the city to the country so wishing you lots of luck. You won't know yourself once you get out of the rat race (sometimes wish we had the guts to do it!! Leanne x

  122. What a great place to move to.
    I grew up in the inner city of Sydney, and now, after moving numerous times, live in an outer suburb of Brisbane – feels like the country LOL. We often camp at Northern NSW – so many beautiful places. you'll love it there. Happy Moving.

  123. I'm a nomad. Always moving. I grew up in a city… a small city. Then moved to the big city in my 20's, then back home again. Moved house a billion times and then to Australia moved house 3 times in as many years and now we're in India. Back to Melbourne in 5 weeks, but out on the outskirts where the kangaroos are.
    You wont have backpackers using your clothesline or car park. You will have to buy more furniture – bugger 😉
    Look at that view! Amazing. Don't look back too often. What an awesome change.

  124. Chantelle,
    You are moving to a beautiful part of the country. I grew up in this area and moved to Sydney where I met my husband. We moved out of Sydney after several years and he loves it up here. Enjoy the move and the new lifestyle.

  125. Chantelle, northern NSW is a spectacularly beautiful part of the world. It's a very special place to be. I'm sure you'll love it. Best of luck with your move x

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