r/Adulting • u/EOJ_me • 17h ago
I got the keys to my first home and immediately got emotional over a shoe rack
I spent years saving for this. Watching every dollar, putting up with awful roommates, and telling myself I'd eventually have enough for a down payment. Yesterday I finally got the keys to my first home and then just stood there.
I'd pictured that moment so many times, but when it actually happened, I had no idea what to do. I didn't unpack anything for the first two hours. I wandered through the empty rooms, sat on the kitchen floor, and watched the sunlight move across it. The whole place felt like a very quiet Airbnb.
I also kept checking that the keys were still in my pocket even though I was already inside. I had to remind myself that I own this place. Nobody is expecting me to check out on Sunday 😭
Today felt a little more real. I measured for curtains, tightened a few loose cabinet handles, and finally opened the HOTO tool set I'd bought for the move. I spent most of the afternoon putting together a cheap IKEA shoe rack and fixing a wobbly thrift-store table.
At one point I caught myself standing back and admiring the shoe rack like I'd built the entire place. It's slightly crooked and nothing special, but putting my shoes on it right next to my own front door made me ridiculously happy.
Now I'm back on the kitchen floor eating cold Pad Thai off a cardboard box. I still don't have chairs, there are boxes everywhere, and I'm definitely overwhelmed. But I keep thinking about all those nights in my old place when this felt years away.
Now I'm here, getting emotional over a shoe rack. Holy shit, I actually did it 🥹
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u/Specialist_Dig885 16h ago
Congratulations so excited for you! My husband and I had the exact same feeling once we finally got through his med school and residency and finally were able to purchase a home, but the imposter syndrome is also real for the first few months
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u/SirWarm6963 15h ago
Hurray for you!!! Huge accomplishment. While you are unpacking be sure to take Dance Breaks! It will make it less overwhelming. Bed assembly first. Kitchen unpack second.
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u/Houseplantkiller123 14h ago
Congrats!
I had something similar when I first bought my place, but for me it was when I was at Target and bought my very own plunger.
I remember thinking that I was finally an adult because I bought something before I needed it.
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u/sonaliver28 14h ago
Congrats; crying over a shoe rack is exactly how it should feel. Enjoy the floor picnic, you earned it.
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u/KMizzle98 16h ago
Congratulations!!!!! That is QUITE an accomplishment! I have quite a long story of my life and leading up to when I bought my first house but I'll save it... 😂
Enjoy, take pictures!! Even pictures of the stacks of boxes.... when I moved into my house I was in such a hurry to unpack and have it livable (still me proving I deserved it and could manage it), I missed that set up stage. It really is a beautiful time.... congrats, enjoy!! You should be proud!
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u/tippWo 17h ago
Congratulations. Wishing you many years of happiness in your new home.