If you’ve moved homes more than once in your life, then you probably know no two moves are the same.

Sometimes we move because we have to. Other times, because we want to. And then there are those moments—like mine—when a move is both sudden and deeply symbolic.

A few weeks ago, I moved into a new apartment in Yaoundé. It wasn’t something I had planned for that specific month, but deep down, I had been preparing myself for it. There had been signs for months: the growing discomfort in my old space, the mold creeping through the walls from unfinished construction, and the noise from the road just outside my window. But it wasn’t just the building. I had simply outgrown the space, emotionally and mentally.

The Apartment That Carried My Healing

Before this new place, I lived in what I often called my “refuge apartment.” It was the space I moved into after leaving a toxic relationship—a place that represented safety and survival. That apartment saw me through some of my darkest days.

There were tears, regret-filled nights, moments of complete numbness, and early mornings when all I had was faith and determination. There were heated phone calls, days of silence, bursts of courage, shame, and those proud, quiet victories when I could finally smile again at my own reflection.

So even though the walls were starting to leak and mold, and even though I knew I needed better, saying goodbye wasn’t as easy as I expected.

Letting Go Was Harder Than I Thought

Letting go of a space that held your worst and best moments can be deeply emotional. That apartment gave me warmth, comfort, and room to rebuild when I needed it the most. It was never perfect, but it served its purpose. It was my cocoon, and walking away from it felt like shedding old skin. Necessary, but bittersweet.

I realised something important:

We don’t just leave buildings. We leave behind stories, chapters, and versions of ourselves.

Every Move Comes With a Lesson

Over the years—and especially with this recent move—I’ve learned a lot about apartment hunting in Yaoundé. Things like:

• Always vet the neighbourhood first: proximity to the road is good, but too much noise can wear you down.

• Watch out for unfinished buildings—they can bring long-term issues like water leaking into walls and mold.

• Know your non-negotiables: A big kitchen? Natural light? Calm environment? Don’t compromise on the things that truly matter to your peace.

• Some houses fit a season in your life, not a lifetime. And that’s okay.

This time, I knew I needed a calmer space, better light, and a neighbourhood with more peace. I had to stretch myself to find it in a short time, but thank God, I did.

Stepping Into the Unknown With Faith

The first few nights in my new place felt surreal. It was quieter. I could hear birds in the morning—something I hadn’t experienced in a long time. It felt unfamiliar, but right.

I’ve started a new morning routine here—slow, peaceful, and intentional. I wake up feeling more centered, more present. It’s as though the space is inviting me into a new version of myself: softer, surer, ready.

I’ve also started looking at the things I brought with me differently. Some items no longer fit the new space or season of my life, and that’s okay too. You realize that in every move, you’ll lose a few things, gain a few, and repurpose others, just like in life.

My Favourite Things About My New Apartment

I haven’t done a full tour yet (but it’s coming soon on the blog and YouTube!), but I can already tell you what I love:

• The view. It's not grand, but it brings calm.

• The privacy. There are no shops in the compound this time—just peace and quiet.

• The sense of "new". The feeling that I get to recreate myself again here.

Growth Happens in Transitions

This move reminded me that growth isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet act of leaving a place that once held your broken pieces and walking into a new space with hope, even when you're unsure.

If you’re in a season of transition, moving homes, or just thinking of starting over in any way, I want to tell you this:

Every move teaches you something. Every space leaves a mark. And every new place gives you the chance to start again—with more wisdom, more clarity, and more strength.

Thanks for being part of my journey. I’ll share more soon—about setting up, creating routines, decorating on a budget, and finding beauty in the everyday.

Until then, here’s to new beginnings, healing walls, and homes that reflect the best version of who we are becoming.