Packing My Life in a Few Boxes
Life of Traveling, the Migration Sunnah
متوفر باللغة العربية
Life is a journey marked by constant change, and for me, this has often meant packing my life into a few boxes and starting anew. In 2017, after spending five years working abroad, I made the tough decision to return home and establish my life in Sudan. My career in video production and content creation—making videos, commercials, and documentaries—thrived briefly, but soon, another chapter was set to begin.
Photo with my friends at Khartoum Airport
In 2021, my wife Alaa and I decided to make a life-changing move to the United States. With little more than a few bags, we left behind our familiar surroundings and set out for New York City, a metropolis known for its daunting real estate market.
Navigating this market as newcomers presented unique challenges. Unlike previous experiences in other countries, where renting an apartment was straightforward, New York demanded rigorous proof of financial stability. We needed a guarantor, bank statements, social security details, and proof of income—all prerequisites just to qualify for renting an apartment.
The process involved connecting with numerous real estate agents, attending countless viewings, and engaging in complex negotiations with building owners or management companies. The requirements were unlike anything we had encountered before: pay the last month’s rent, a security deposit, and the first month’s rent upfront, alongside a mountain of paperwork.
Adapting to a new country, city, and cultural dynamics, we faced the daunting task of securing a decent apartment. Despite the challenges, we managed to find a suitable place in a good neighborhood, close to work, and within our budget. The initial weeks were tough; we slept on the floor, juggling work schedules and scouring Ikea and other furniture stores to furnish our new home.
Three years later, it’s time to move again. This means another round of searching for a new city, state, and navigating a different rental market. The process is lengthy and often stressful, but it is an essential part of our journey towards creating a better future.
Photo 1: the state of our living room
Photo 2: our cat Silvester, decided to move into one of the packing boxes
Each move signifies a new adventure, filled with new people, experiences, and opportunities. Packing our lives into boxes and suitcases is never easy, but it is a step we take to build a better life. Moving from city to city, we embrace the changes and challenges that come our way, knowing that they bring us closer to our goals and dreams.
Change is an integral part of life, and each move represents growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future. Our story is a testament to the enduring spirit of adaptability and the relentless quest for improvement. Through each transition, we carry with us the lessons learned, the memories made, and the hope for what lies ahead.
