Day 247. Life in a box.

The big day has finally arrived and almost 5 months after viewing it we moved into our new home.

Despite having moved house four times in the past 6 years it still catches me by surprise when I see our life boxed up in a lorry, even a lorry as large as this. Unlike the previous two moves, these guys have made it especially painless. Almost all boxes have landed in the right rooms, beds have been rebuilt and all furniture placed where we (currently) want it to be and before they left we were asked to take one last look around to see if we'd like anything else moved.

Now just the minor job of unpacking our life, all over again.

Day 237. The long goodbye.

We're counting down the days to our house move and savouring every moment in this heavenly piece of Norfolk where we've lived for the past three years. This oak tree in our garden will be missed as it's the perfect support for a swing. The other oak behind is the start point of the zip wire. Walk north of this tree and you reach our charming neighbours; south and the Ouse Cut Off Channel awaits.

Although we're all looking forward to moving into our own home again after renting for so long - we didn't think we'd want to stay when we first moved here - it will be with a heavy heart that we say goodbye.

Day 231. Peace at last.

We move house two weeks today. Not a single thing has been packed. Actually I did bubble wrap a couple of paintings a few weeks ago but that's pretty much it.

As we're at T-14 days it would perhaps be sensible to spend the coming week creating order where there will soon be chaos. Or we could head to the Cotswolds with a spring in our step and a two-finger salute at our house as we drive away.

Obviously we chose the latter and here I sit looking out over a lake playing DJ on the iPad and looking forward to reading a book with actual pages. We’ve already taken a dip in the heated outdoor pool, played Top Trumps and Tic-Tac-Toe. That’s more uninterrupted leisure time than I’ve managed in the whole of this year so far.

Even though I know when I get home the panic may well set in, I’ve mastered the art of getting things done in the time available and know full well that you fill the time you have. Better to fill my time here than at home surrounded by boxes.*

*Actually we have a removal company coming in to pack for us. What? It will take a lot of directing!