10 years of memories from my balcony – saying goodbye to our apartment

11 years ago, we moved to Austria. Our first apartment was small but cozy, and we were so happy. However, it was right in the heart of Graz—a busy, noisy city full of people and cars. I’ve never been a fan of living in the middle of a big city, so we decided to search for something nearby but quieter.

And we found it. Just seven minutes from Graz, in a peaceful area with everything we needed—shops, parks, and fresh air. We stumbled upon a beautiful house on a hill with only five apartments inside. The last available one was a charming attic apartment. I was overjoyed! Living on the top floor with a balcony overlooking the city felt like a dream come true.

Every morning, I’d make my coffee, step onto the balcony, and gaze at the peaceful city below while admiring the vast sky above. Behind the house, there’s a forest and a huge meadow where our dog loves to play. It was perfect... for a while.

But time has passed. Our beloved dog is getting older, and those stairs have become too much for her. We take her out at least five times a day, and climbing up and down has become a struggle. The apartment, once spacious and cozy, now feels cramped after 10 years of collecting memories and belongings. With sloped ceilings limiting storage, every inch of space seems to vanish.

We actually tried moving five years ago. We found a huge apartment in the city, but as soon as we spent one night there, I knew it wasn’t for us. There was no nature, only walls and concrete. I felt trapped. The next morning, we returned to our old apartment, and when I stepped onto the balcony, I felt a wave of relief and gratitude. That view—our view—reminded me why this place was special.

Still, we always said, “If the ground-floor apartment ever becomes available, we should move there.”

About a month ago, I noticed our lovely downstairs neighbor clearing out her garden. At first, I thought she was just prepping for winter, but then I saw her carrying boxes from her apartment. My heart skipped a beat.

We’ve known her for 10 years—such a kind soul who never minded our dog barking or running after her cat. When I asked what was going on, she explained she had retired and could no longer afford the apartment. My mind immediately lit up: Could this be our chance?

I ran to tell my husband, and we shared one knowing look. We’re moving.

The ground-floor apartment is much bigger and has a yard! Our dog can go outside whenever she wants—just open the door and she’s in a safe, fenced area. She’ll still be in familiar surroundings, with space to explore while staying close to home. It feels like the perfect solution.

So, we started packing. Slowly but surely, we’re moving our things... just down the stairs. If all goes well, we’ll be in our new apartment by Christmas. What a gift!

Leaving our attic apartment is harder than I thought. I’ll miss that magical view from the balcony—the peaceful mornings, breathtaking sunsets, and starry nights. It’s been our safe haven for a decade.

But even though the view from our new apartment won’t be quite the same, it’s still high above the city, surrounded by nature, and full of potential for new memories.

As I pack the last few boxes, I can’t help but smile through the tears. It’s not really goodbye... it’s just hello to a new chapter—one filled with love, comfort, and new adventures.

Here’s to the memories we’ve made... and the ones still waiting for us. ❤️

“We do not remember days, we remember moments.” – Cesare Pavese