I’ve Moved! Again!
I’m still in London, don’t worry.
But now I’m in West London, closer to friends, and in a flat that’s closer to a tube station. Both are very important things. I wasn’t planning on moving again so soon, but when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Okay, that platitude is a bit overused, but it’s true in this case. I’m better located and my new room is nicer than the previous one. And this flat has a clothes dryer, which I haven’t had since I moved to the UK (you know you’re getting old when home appliances excite you).
Yet again, I’m getting to know my new neighbourhood, where the grocery shops are, which bus routes are helpful to me. I already have a favourite cafe nearby, and I like my new walk to and from the tube.
This is my fourth move in just over two years (yikes) so I figured I’d share a few bits of moving advice.
Ikea boxes are great, seriously better than other moving boxes I’ve used.
Keep a list in your notes of the boxes and bags you’ve packed, and particularly, make notes of which necessities are in which suitcases (aka, make sure your underwear and T-shirts are going to be easily accessible once you’re in your new place).
Start packing earlier than you think you need to! Trust me on this one.
This last one isn’t really a tip, but one of the things that has made moving a lot easier is keeping all the bubblewrap, tissue paper, packing paper, and newspapers that come my way. Newspapers are admittedly harder to find than in the past (bring back print media!) but this is when being at a university helps (long live student journalism!). Store them in a shopping bag or a previous moving box and when you need to move, you’ll be prepared! And it’s a great way to reuse materials that would normally end up in the trash.
It’s finally chilly in London, which means I finally know how to dress for the weather. After two years in Scotland, my wardrobe is much more appropriate for the colder months, and it’s what I’ve gotten used to. Black tights and sweater vests are my go-tos, and I’m much happier now that it’s turtleneck season and I can wear my favourite wool skirt that I thrifted in Edinburgh at W. Armstrong & Son.
I recently sent a neighbour a list of bookshops in Edinburgh, and I’m planning to tidy up that list and share it here. If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s recommending bookshops.
This week, I’m sharing “Dead Stars” by Ada Limón from her collection The Carrying. If you haven’t noticed by now, she’s one of my favourite poets, and has been for the last few years. I’m contemplating rereading her collection Dead Bright Things soon, since I already reread The Carrying relatively recently.
What I’m Reading: I finished Ripeness by Sarah Moss, and I’m slowly getting through Oppositions: Selected Essays by Mary Gaitskill. Also reading Nocturary by Niall Campbell.
What I’m Watching: Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
What I’m Listening To: The Eldest Daughter by Gatlin, “Dearly Missed” by Searows, A Matter of Time by Laufey.
What I’m Loving: Checking books out from the National Poetry Library, black tea with a tiny splash of milk, grocery store pizzas.
This feels pointed! I have begun packing though, so thanks for that tip.