Megnanimous Moves to New Jersey!
Life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn't it? Just when you think you've settled into your forever home, a new adventure comes knocking. That's exactly what happened to us this year, leading to an unexpected but exciting move from New York to New Jersey.
The Decision to Move
At the beginning of 2024, my husband took a new job in NJ. Initially, he was commuting up to 1.5 hours each way across the bridge, three or four times a week. After just a few weeks, we realized this long commute wasn't working for our family. We made the decision to relocate once school finished at the end of June.
I remember the night we made the final decision. We were sitting at our kitchen table, calendars and pro-con lists spread out before us. It wasn't easy, but as we looked at each other, we knew it was the right choice for our family's future.
Finding Our New Home
We started our search by exploring different towns in New Jersey, looking for a place that would feel like home for our family. After careful consideration, we ultimately set our sights on Livingston, NJ. What drew us to Livingston was its perfect blend of amenities and community feel. The town boasts great schools, which was a top priority for us as parents. We were also impressed by the strong sense of community, reminiscent of what we had grown to love in Pelham.
The House
Our house-hunting journey was surprisingly smooth, thanks to our resourceful real estate agent. She knew of some private listings that weren't on the open market, giving us access to hidden gems. After viewing just a handful of houses, we found the one that captured our hearts. It ended up being a split-level house which I initially wanted nothing to do with, but it won me over . Here are some of the features that made us fall in love:
A large yard, perfect for family activities and outdoor entertaining
A family room with high ceilings, creating a sense of spaciousness
A conversation pit, adding a unique and cozy element to the living space
A whole mid-century vibe that I'm totally into, aligning perfectly with my design aesthetic
I'll never forget the moment we walked into what is now our family room. The light streaming through the windows, the potential for cozy family movie nights - it just felt right.
Here's a sneak peek of our new family room:
The Move and Settling In
It's been almost two months since we made the move from New York to Livingston, NJ, and everyone is finally starting to feel at home.
When we initially moved from NYC to the suburb of Pelham, we thought we'd found our 'forever' home – or at least the home where our kids would grow up and make lasting memories.
Leaving Pelham was incredibly difficult for me. Over the past five years, I had become deeply rooted in the community. I worked in town for an interior designer, which allowed me to connect with many local residents and businesses. I also became involved in several non-profits, channeling my passion for giving back into meaningful local causes. Perhaps most significantly, I had finally built the friend tribe I had longed for years – a support network that made Pelham feel truly like home.
I still have moments when I get emotional about the move. My friends and former life are only a little over an hour away, which sometimes makes this transition both easier and harder. The proximity means I can still visit, but it also serves as a constant reminder of what I've left behind.
Embracing Change
Despite the challenges, we knew this was the right decision for our family. Having my husband just 15 minutes away and home for dinner every night is exactly what we needed. The first week in our new home, we had dinner together every single night - something that hadn't happened in months. Seeing the joy on my kids' faces as they spent more time with dad reaffirmed that we had made the right choice.
What Does This Mean for Megnanimous?
I'm excited to get involved with the community here in Livingston, NJ and start building my presence. If you're local to the Livingston, Orange, Montclair, Millburn, Summit, or surrounding areas - please reach out and say hi!
Local NJ Photo Services
In-home photo consultations
Scheduled drop-offs for photo scanning
Services Available No Matter Where You Live
Not local to the New Jersey area? No problem! Most of my work is done virtually, so I can still help you with:
Digital photo organizing sessions (completed remotely)
Photo book designs (just send me a link to your photos)
Photo scanning and digitizing (ship your photos, slides, albums, or videos to me, and I'll mail them back when finished)
Change is never easy, but it often leads to growth and new opportunities. As we settle into our new home in Livingston, I'm filled with gratitude for the memories we made in Pelham and excitement for the new chapters we'll write here in New Jersey.
Whether you're local to New Jersey or anywhere else in the country, I'd love to help you preserve your memories.