For what feels like a lifetime now, various tango friends have either asked The Question or enquired as to whether or not they should do so.

The answer has always been “Don’t ask” and “No” respectively, but that has finally changed …

That question, of course, was ” Have you moved yet?”

The entire saga from start to finish lasted almost exactly two years to the day – and that’s only if you start the clock on the day we first accepted an offer on the flat co-owned with my ex, ignoring all the prep that happened before then!

The first would-be buyer was an investor who got to within what should have been a week or two of exchange before it became clear that they didn’t in fact have the money. That wasted a year, and – thanks to the insane legal system applying to home sales in England and Wales – they were able to walk away without penalty. There were also two failed purchases along the way.

It was then close to a year from accepting a fresh offer to completing on the sale. I won’t go into any details on the various trials and tribulations along the way, but suffice it to say that even on the morning of completion, things didn’t seem certain.

The whole process was not rapid, easy, or enjoyable. The level of stress involved was both significant and sustained. It is, however, finally over! I’m writing this from the living room of my new home, where I’ve been living for almost a fortnight.

The exceedingly long and drawn-out process did at least give me plenty of time to think about what I wanted from my new home, and even to design the layout and pick out new furniture. Indeed, placing greater faith in the process than was justified by experience, I even went as far as ordering it ahead of the move. My boldest move was to arrange in advance for deliveries to be made on the day of the move itself.

Fortunately, everything worked out in the end – including my highly optimistic plans to set up my new home very rapidly! One day after moving in, my kitchen was fully unpacked and set up. Day 2, and I had a basic approximation of a living room. By day 5, I’d had four friends visit, which really helped me feel at home here. By day 9, I was 100% unpacked, with everything in its permanent location. All of the key home improvements were complete by day 12. There are now just a few less urgent things remaining.

None of this would have been possible without the extremely kind help and support of a number of friends. I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation not just to those who provided practical help, but also the many sources of emotional support through a trying period. Tango, too, has been a huge help – having a joyful activity that leaves no room for stray thoughts.

It has all been worth it. I’ve finally been able to fully close one chapter of my life and begin another, and I’m exceedingly happy in my new home. I feel more at ease and peace here than I have for a long time.

Let the flat-warming parties commence!