Saying Goodbye To My Start OverApartment

I said goodbye to my start over apartment this month and it was bittersweet. Since 2018, I had always lived with someone, from my boyfriend to husband and roommates. So this was my first apartment after my divorce. I lived alone and it was my first apartment by myself. Downgraded from a two bedroom to a one bedroom and got two dogs when I first moved in in Oct 2022. I learned how to heal. How to love and just be by myself again. Learned that it’s okay to binge watch your favorite shows and not do anything else all day. Accepted that everything won’t always be clean to perfection (as my dogs would pull toys out all the time). Had many laughs and many tears shed behind these walls. Many closet clean out. Continuous shopping to vamp the place up all the time without having to worry about if the other person would like it. Came and went as I pleased and don’t have to answer to anyone. Was able to finally relax and breathe and give me the things I wanted. Eventually met my now boyfriend and had tons of overnights. Which eventually turned into overnights at his place for the next two and half years. Now we’re here and all moved out and moved in to our new home. A place that finally feels like home with a yard for our dogs big enough for them to run crazy and have tons of gatherings.

It’s okay to start over. Even if you’re not ready. It’s not permanent. Someone better will come along and show you what it’s like to be loved correctly all while still healing yourself and continuing doing what you enjoy! I’m glad I had the privilege to start over on my own and not move back to my parents. I learned so much and grew within myself that I cherish so much more of the little moments.

Apartment 1328 was so unbelievably good to me but it’s time to move on! Here’s to the next chapter and many more to come!!

#movingforward #startoverapartment #healed

2025/7/24 Edited to

... Read moreStarting over can be a daunting yet enlightening experience, especially after significant life changes such as a divorce. This new chapter often comes with opportunities for personal growth and rediscovery. My journey in my solo start over apartment taught me valuable life lessons. Embracing solitude provided the space to heal and reflect. I learned to enjoy my own company, eventually developing hobbies like cooking and organizing gatherings, which made my home a hub of laughter and joy. Building a space that reflected my tastes was both liberating and fulfilling; I could create an environment tailored to my preferences, without worrying about others' opinions. As I filled my home with memories—from binge-watching my favorite shows to enjoying quiet moments with my dogs—I realized that it’s okay to have imperfections in life. My apartment became a sanctuary where I could take the time to embrace every aspect of healing and self-love. Ultimately, moving forward is fundamental to personal growth. The journey from my start over apartment is now a memory I cherish, guiding me as I embrace the next stages of life. Through it all, I found solace in knowing that change is a constant, and every new beginning comes with its own excitement and opportunities.

44 comments

srayniece's images
srayniece

I just moved out and needed to read this. 🥺Thanks for sharing!

See more(1)
Lezlie Hammer's images
Lezlie Hammer

So inspiring! I'm currently staying with a friend, but my teen daughter and I will be getting our own place soon. It's a first for me too. Starting over, late 40's, been a stay-at-home mom/wife for 23 years. This is scary and exciting. Wish you all the best. Hugs!

See more(2)

See more comments

Related posts

A hand holds apartment keys against a green door, with text overlays reading "8 MONTHS IN MY FIRST APARTMENT" and "MY EXPERIENCE AND EVERYTHING I NEEDED FOR EACH ROOM!". Illustrations of champagne glasses, a checklist, and a family silhouette are also present.
An empty living room with light brown carpet and wood-look flooring near a sliding glass door. A white overlay lists "LIVING ROOM" essentials, including seating, lighting, TV supplies, curtains, storage, pillows, coasters, and blankets.
An empty kitchen featuring light wood cabinets, a white stove, and a sink. A white overlay lists "KITCHEN" essentials, such as cooking supplies, eating supplies, drinking supplies, furniture, cooking appliances, basic home electronics, hand/dish towels, and food storage containers.
8 months in my own apartment 🔑✨😳
* my apartment is fully furnished now these are all pics from when I first moved in* 🌟First, I am so blessed and grateful to have my apartment and just having my own space to share with my son. All the emotions of getting your own place can be so confusing because why do I feel lonely but so happy
Ayanna.

Ayanna.

4192 likes

New apartment essentials!!✨🍋
The best place to for new apartments finds would be Amazon and Tik Tok Shop 🛒🛍️ when moving into your apartment you could be so excited to move in but before you do here’s a small check list. I won’t go into too much details. ✅ First inspect the home document if anything is broken so maintena
QueenJy

QueenJy

3552 likes

How to survive your first apartment
The time has come where I am saying goodbye to my first apartment. For the past year, I have created my own home and discovered more about myself than every though possible. Here are some tips I have to help guide you in leading a successful first apartment life. 1. You are alone even when you are
Chels

Chels

1093 likes

First apartment necessities for less than $20
Found all of these on shein! Don’t sleep on it! I got almost everything for my first apartment in college from shein! I was so broke and it was a life saver! #firstapartment #firstapartmentjourney #firstapartmentfinds #firstapartmentchecklist #homefinds
Shopping finds✨

Shopping finds✨

7706 likes

Apartment Series: No More AirBed !! 📌
That sleeping on an air mattress phase will pass!!! Follow me to see how I turn my bedroom into my PINK PALACE 🩷👑🔥 how long did you sleep on a airbed when you got your first apartment? ✅ The PERFECT Bedframe ✅ ✅ Mattress ✅ ✅ Cute pink comforter set ✅ Decor & Make-Over 🔜🩷 Follow me for
Taleah Mianní

Taleah Mianní

11.8K likes

Two cats, one orange and white and one dark tabby, are resting on a bed. The image introduces the topic of keeping a small apartment clean with two cats.
A black robotic vacuum cleaner is on a wooden floor, with a cat tree in the background. The image illustrates the tip of using a robot vacuum every other day to maintain clean floors.
A wooden litter box enclosure with open doors shows a white litter box inside. The image demonstrates using an enclosure and a mat to manage cat litter and odor.
how I keep a clean apartment with 2 cats
I love these little monsters to DEATH but they sure cut my work out for me in keeping a clean apartment. my orange guy sheds SO MUCH and they track litter all over the place. being a neat freak I really gotta do the extra work cause I can’t stand a messy apartment even for a day. so after having th
evelyn

evelyn

1361 likes

⭐️ Amazon Apartment Essentials Haul ⭐️
Moving into a new place or just giving your home an upgrade? 🏡✨ I rounded up all the must-have Amazon apartment essentials that make life easier and your space cozier. From kitchen gadgets and stylish organizers to must-have bathroom accessories, these finds are total game-changers. Affordable, pra
Cianah Monaa

Cianah Monaa

9392 likes

An overhead shot of a Target store aisle displaying various Brightroom brand bathroom organization products, including bath caddies, over-the-door hooks, and toilet paper holders, with text overlays "Target bathroom finds" and "APARTMENT ESSENTIALS".
A close-up of a Brightroom bamboo bathtub caddy displayed in a Target store, featuring a slatted design and a small circular cutout, with text overlay "bamboo bath caddy".
A close-up of a Brightroom over-the-door hook rack in white and light wood, designed for hanging items, displayed in a Target store, with text overlay "over the door hooks".
APARTMENT ESSENTIALS 🛁
Target has so many great bathroom essentials! Here are some that would be great if you recently moved into a new apartment! Bath caddy - keep books, bath salts & more organized on this caddy! Over the door hooks - perfect to hang up your towels & robe! Toilet paper holder - an e
saleaoneill

saleaoneill

2302 likes

Meals I’ve cooked in my new apartment 🫶
I’m just a beginner but the transition from staying with my parents to moving in by myself was something I never really expected. It was so hard for me to get consistent with eating. I’d go days without eating a good meal now I make it apart of my weekly routine to at least try to cook one good hom
Adri ✨🦋

Adri ✨🦋

1836 likes

A hand holds apartment keys in the foreground, with an empty room featuring wooden floors and a partial view of a kitchen in the background. Text overlay reads "My College Apartment Moved Out At 19 Checklists I Used."
A checklist titled "Apartment Hunting CHECKLIST" details sections for apartment specifics like rent and utilities, questions about lease terms and pet policy, and a utility checklist for features like emergency exits and parking. An illustration of apartment buildings is at the top.
A comprehensive "FIRST APARTMENT Checklist" categorizes items needed for various areas like entrance, kitchen (appliances, dinnerware, cutlery), cookware, cleaning supplies, and office/study. A note advises selecting essentials rather than buying everything listed.
My First College Apartment
I got my first apartment last year in May! I honestly wish that someone could’ve walked me through it step by step because I had to learn so much so incredibly fast. I’m still learning, but I can impart some wisdom for anyone getting ready to or thinking about moving out. First thing, I recomme
✨🍒Bri🍒✨

✨🍒Bri🍒✨

7868 likes

A modern apartment living room with large windows and a light-colored couch, featuring the text 'FIRST APARTMENT CHECKLIST' in pink overlay. The image includes 'lemon8' and '@asiapeersin' branding.
A pink background with white text listing first apartment essentials for the entry/foyer, living room, kitchen, and bedroom, presented as a checklist. It includes 'lemon8' and '@asiapeersin' branding.
A pink background with white text listing first apartment essentials for the bathroom, miscellaneous items, and cleaning supplies, presented as a checklist. It also features 'CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST APARTMENT!' and '@asialynnn' with 'lemon8' branding.
First Apartment Checklist 💋
For those looking for a in-depth checklist to help when shopping for your first apartment, I hope this one helps! Comment down below anything I may have missed!🩷 #firstapartment #lemon8challenge #apartmentdecor #apartmentchecklist
Asia🩷

Asia🩷

28.8K likes

TIPS FOR MOVING INTO YOUR FIRST APARTMENT!
Renting your first apartment is an exciting milestone! 🔑🏠 Here are some Tips & tricks for future renters: 1. Budget wisely 💰 2. Location Matters 📍 3. Stay Organized 🧺 4. Attend Apartment Tours 🔑 Renting your first apartment can be both exciting and challenging, but with careful plann
Jess nguyen

Jess nguyen

555 likes

A cozy living room with a TV, media console, and coffee table, featuring plants and decorative items. An overlay reads "Move in tips on to your first apartment," introducing advice for new renters.
A living room scene with a TV and media console, featuring plants and candles. An overlay highlights "1st Tip: Budget," emphasizing the importance of saving for rent, deposits, and utilities when moving into a first apartment.
A stylish living room with a coffee table, book, and candles, set against a TV and media console. An overlay states "Tip 2: location Explore different locations that best suits you," advising on finding suitable neighborhoods.
Move in tips on to your first Apartment
Let me share with you guys some tips when you're moving to your first apartment. Tip 1: Save enough money to pay up to 2 to 3 months rent plus deposit. Other bills such as internet, utilities. Tip 2: Explore different locations that best suits you, such as grocery stores, schools, work.
Yesenia

Yesenia

212 likes

Your Ultimate First Apartment Checklist🏠
Moving into your first apartment is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming when it comes to furnishing and organizing your new space. To help you get started, we’ve put together the ultimate checklist of essential items you’ll need to settle in comfortably and efficiently. From th
Nasia❤️

Nasia❤️

44 likes

A hand holds a pink and white cleaning scrubber kit box, featuring an electric scrubber tool with multiple brush heads and two tubs of cleaning paste, displayed in a store aisle.
A close-up of the back of the cleaning scrubber kit box, detailing the various brush heads including medium, large, firm cone, and soft brush heads, along with usage instructions.
A hand holds a purple, textured cleaning sponge in its packaging, labeled as a special edition scrubber, displayed in a store aisle with other household items.
First Apartment Essentials @ HomeGoods 🏠🚨
Another first apartment essentials roundup at HomeGoods!! Found a lot of cool things on my most recent trip and saw a lot of brands I didn’t know they carried. Save this post for later if you plan on moving into your first apartment in the near future or if you just want to get ahead and start s
carissa nicole

carissa nicole

1319 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie, surrounded by plants, with text overlay: "Things I've EXPERIENCED & LEARNED From Renting My 1st APARTMENT PART TWO." It's a title image for apartment hunting tips.
An image with a vacuum, a dog, and a cat illustrates tip 6: "ALL HARDWOOD" floors are best for pets to manage hair and odors, preventing carpet discoloration.
An image with question marks and speech bubbles illustrates tip 7: "NO QUESTION IS A DUMB QUESTION," encouraging renters to ask about water, furniture, and locks.
1st Apartment Hunting Do’s & Don’ts!🌻
PART TWO | Things I’ve Experienced And Learned From Renting My First Apartment 😥 The struggle is getting real! I’m well into the ninth month of my first apartment lease, and I’m constantly learning from my mistakes.🫠 If you are looking to split the cost of an apartment, whether it be a long-t
Ayana Rae

Ayana Rae

703 likes

My Pre-Content of New Apartment Content
New Apartment Series Part I 😅 I’ve been waiting to post “new apartment content” until I started doing stuff for it or in it; it just hit me: I HAVE been doing it, planning! So here’s my planning process: 🏠 Write everything down: It’s easier to see when you write it down and keep things organi
Destini India🌟

Destini India🌟

231 likes

Home remedies forNYC apartment bugs🪳
After living in NYC for over four years, I finally saw my first apartment roach. It was absolutely traumatizing. My roommate and I immediately bought Raid, bleached everything, bought bug repellent that plugs into the wall, and had an exterminator come twice. While we haven’t seen anything since (k
Carlydanr

Carlydanr

434 likes

✨New Apartment Checklist - A Move-in Must have!🏡
Moving soon? Stay stress-free with this beautifully designed, prefilled & editable New Apartment Checklist!📝🌻 Your Ultimate Move-In Ready Guide 💕 🌞No More "Oops, I Forgot That!" • Covers all the must-have essentials 🌞Save Time & Money! • Get everything right the first ti
Lovely Luxury

Lovely Luxury

14 likes

A dirt road leads to a large white farmhouse with a black fence, under a cloudy sky. Text overlays read 'Amazon Western home/apartment finds' and 'SWIPE'.
A boho-style washable runner rug with an oriental distressed print in orange and beige, placed on a wooden floor next to a wicker table.
A rustic hand towel holder featuring a thick rope loop attached to a black industrial pipe-style wall mount, holding a white towel.
Western home/apartment finds 🤎
These are so cute!! I think they could work in just about any type of home. Whether it be a tiny home, apartment, large home, etc. They are also affordable and from Amazon 🤍 #Lemon8Diary #findsoftheday #amazonfinds #cheapfinds #apartmentdecor #homedecor #shareyourthoughts #amazon
Haleylynn_2005

Haleylynn_2005

56 likes

New Apartment🥳
Had my first apartment in 2019 lived there until 2023 when I got my second apartment. Lost my second apartment due to a very bad relationship and ended up having to live with someone for 9 months. March 11th I was approved for my apartment then March 19th I received my keys and moved in that same d
Key.onha

Key.onha

1782 likes

Homesteading, Where do you start?
I have seen this question asked a million times. To be honest, I have asked this question myself! 2 years later I’m hoping to help others on their own homesteading journey! All the answers I’ve seen for this question are either very broad like “use what you have” or very restrictive like “get an
Kenna🐓

Kenna🐓

169 likes

A hand holds apartment keys with a heart keychain, in front of an unfurnished apartment. Text overlays read 'First Apartment Check List home sweet home'.
A checklist titled 'Apartment CHECKLIST' details 20 kitchen essentials, including plates, silverware, cook/bakeware, appliances like air fryer and Keurig, and cleaning supplies.
An apartment checklist outlines dining room essentials like a table and decor, and living room essentials such as a couch, lamps, TV, and various decorative items.
First Apartment Check List
This is my first post here on Lemon8! I’m going to be on here documenting my life upon entering adult hood. I’m going to be moving into my own place sook with my bf and made a check list of things we’ll be needing (and wanting🤭) I took some examples off other lists i’ve seen and added some thing of
liahnoelle

liahnoelle

12.5K likes

My First Apartment 🏠
I absolutely loved this apartment in downtown Chicago. I had just got out of Military training and was about to start my first semester at University of Illinois at Chicago. I was 19 years old and the idea of moving to such a big city was so exciting for me. I moved into a 2 bed apartment with
Claudia LaBorde

Claudia LaBorde

4671 likes

My 1st apartment
I’m really new to lemon but it’s a start any tips and ideas I should do or have ? 👍Pros : 🤔Cons: #myfirstapartment #apartmentfinds #apartmentdecor #amazonfinds #fyp
𝓝𝓲𝔂𝓪♡

𝓝𝓲𝔂𝓪♡

111 likes

A checklist titled "FIRST APARTMENT *the basics*" outlines essential items for the bedroom, entrance, living room, kitchen, and bathroom. Categories include furniture, appliances, and household necessities, presented over a blurred background of a person.
A handwritten monthly budget on notebook paper details bills, amounts, and due dates, including mortgage, car insurance, utilities, and groceries. It also breaks down weekly and bi-weekly income and expenses for four weeks.
A handwritten budget on notebook paper lists estimated costs for items needed for a first apartment, categorized by room: Bedroom, Entryway, Living Room, Kitchen, and Bathroom, with individual item prices and subtotals.
FIRST APARTMENT List
#apartment #apartmentdevor #firsttimemovingout
KhaelaWhaela

KhaelaWhaela

4518 likes

A hand holds keys in an empty, newly carpeted apartment room. Overlay text reads 'tips for a successful apartment hunting journey!' and 'moving 101', surrounded by various emojis like a lemon, heart, house, and key, promoting apartment hunting advice.
Moving into a new apartment on a budget tips ❤️
✨ Moving into My First Apartment: 29 Days of Searching!✨ I’m excited to share some essential tips that helped me navigate the apartment hunting process in just under a month! If you’re on a similar journey, here are key considerations before you start looking: •Understand Your Budget Knowing
k.marie

k.marie

174 likes

Saying goodbye to one of my students 💔
Speaking for myself, & only myself. Saying goodbye to my students has never been easy. I form bonds with them throughout the year. Bonds that portray love, compassion, joy, and humor 💗 I try my best to mentally prepare myself for May, which is graduation time. But, when a student of mine has to
Sara A James

Sara A James

15K likes

Saying Goodbye To My Apartment 👋🏽
It’s hard to put into words what this apartment meant to me. It wasn’t just four walls..it was a whole chapter of my life. This was the space where I learned to be on my own, where I figured things out one day at a time, where I built routines, broke habits, and started to understand what peace rea
Cianah Monaa

Cianah Monaa

40 likes

A retail store entrance with numerous red shopping carts, featuring text overlays promoting first apartment finds for $10 or less.
White ceramic salad and dinner plates displayed on a shelf, with a text overlay expressing enthusiasm. Salad plates are $3.00 and dinner plates are $4.00.
A hand holding a white ceramic serve bowl, with a text overlay highlighting its dishwasher and microwave-safe properties. Other white dishware is visible.
1st Apartment finds that won’t break the bank 🏡🪴💵
Getting your own place is so exciting! But it can also be stressful! 🤗😓 I’ve found some home finds that can help make your apartment feel like home without a huge price tag. Fill your apartment that make the space feel like home and make you happy! 😃 📸1-3: I’m obsessed with these white d
Erin.Anne

Erin.Anne

21.5K likes

A living room featuring a pink sectional sofa with various pillows, a mirrored coffee table, and a large mirror leaning against the wall. A text overlay reads "Look at my pink apartment."
A living room with a large TV on a white stand, a pink sectional sofa, a mirrored coffee table with decorative spheres, and a textured rug. A plant sits on a mirrored pedestal.
A dining area with a round glass table and four pink velvet chairs with studded details. Decorative wall accents and a plant are visible in the background.
An Entire pink apartment
These are pictures of my last apartment in Ca. I lived there for over 3 years which is my daughters whole life basically so I wanted it to be like a girl sanctuary! i created such a beautiful space I pink, pink , pinked the hell out that apartment from the bathroom to my daughters room lol it was s
CaliRaye

CaliRaye

773 likes

A woman takes a mirror selfie in her new apartment bedroom, featuring a bed with white bedding. The image has text overlays "APARTMENT UPDATE Decorating my space!" and "Lemon8 @michy__d".
A bedroom with a bed, two nightstands, and two lamps. Text overlays indicate the mirror and lamps are from Homegoods, and the bedding, frame, sheets, and nightstands are from Amazon.
A living room with a TV stand and a light-colored sectional couch. Text overlays indicate the TV stand is from Amazon and the couch is from Homegoods.
APARTMENT UPDATE🥰🪴🏠
So I just moved in and I saved all summer so I could purchase little by little all the stuff I needed (and wanted😅) to start off. It’s not a lot but it’s an amazing accomplishment and I’m so blessed to call this place my little home.💛 Literally everything is either homegoods, TJmaxx or Amaz
💛Nurse Michy💛

💛Nurse Michy💛

1124 likes

Amazon Apartment Finds : White Aesthetic 🤍
Now We all know how it is when your moving. it can be very stressful but also very exciting. You have Your own space that you have absolute control on how you decorate and that’s the part that excites me. it’s a fresh start to new beginnings and new memories that you will hold and cherish foreve
Geralasha

Geralasha

1840 likes

Amazon Apartment Finds : Lavender Aesthetic 💜
Now We all know how it is when your moving. it can be very stressful but also very exciting. You have Your own space that you have absolute control on how you decorate and that’s the part that excites me. it’s a fresh start to new beginnings and new memories that you will hold and cherish foreve
Geralasha

Geralasha

2498 likes

How to prevent Mold in your apartment
If you live in an apartment you’re more prone to getting mold, This it’s why I recommend getting these items that help to prevent mold. I started to notice a lot of moisture in my windows specially during winter, I think it’s because most apartments have older windows and this issue can cause f
Yesenia

Yesenia

699 likes

Just a girl and her new apartment.
Major Blessing! Shout out to God 🥺 I can’t wait to start decorating. #newapartment #brandnewapartment #apartmentinspo
Beautifulbee

Beautifulbee

3347 likes

Amazon Apartment Finds : Yellow Aesthetic 💛
Now We all know how it is when your moving. it can be very stressful but also very exciting. You have Your own space that you have absolute control on how you decorate and that’s the part that excites me. it’s a fresh start to new beginnings and new memories that you will hold and cherish foreve
Geralasha

Geralasha

339 likes

Goodbye Cali🤭!!
Moving to a whole new state with no family other than my husband and kids!! It’s crazy that the day finally came. We have talked about this for a while now and my stuff is actually all packed and moved! Im no longer a cali girl. And yes What-A-Burger fries are better than in-n-outs. Sorry I said it
Jocelyntapiaa

Jocelyntapiaa

1307 likes

A clean, empty kitchen featuring dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and light wood-look flooring. The image has a text overlay "I MOVED OUT OF MY First Apartment".
An empty living room with light-colored walls, light wood-look flooring, and a large window covered by vertical blinds. The image has a text overlay "Living room".
An empty bedroom with light-colored walls, light wood-look flooring, and a window covered by horizontal blinds. The image has a text overlay "Bedroom".
My First Apartment 👋🏽🥹
I moved out of my first apartment over the weekend. So bittersweet, I was definitely emotional. I did a lot of growing, self-reflecting, facing fears and more here. When I first moved in I was so scared of living alone, then of course I got used to it and it became so normal and peaceful for
Rae | Lifestyle

Rae | Lifestyle

3116 likes

See more