So my brother finally moved out. in 2014

So my brother moved out a month ago. I was sitting here trying to remember the year he moved in with me but it’s been so long I honestly can’t recall. He first moved to Perth approx 2008/09 under terrible circumstances. His girlfriend broke up with him and moved out, then he couldn’t afford the rent on his own so he became homeless and was couch surfing with friends. Then he lost his job. So he moved from Melbourne to Perth to go live with his sister because his life had turned to shit. He later moved back to Melbourne to go study music in 2011 I think. He was in Melbourne for a few years and then came back to Perth however this time around it was by choice. He realised he wanted to live closer to his family instead of on the other side of the country by himself.

After a year of living with me the second time around our house was sold by the owners and we had to move. So we decided to move closer to Chook’s high school at the time. We moved into a tiny 3 bedroom house. Our last house where we had lived for 12 years was a 5 bedroom house. So it was quite the exercise in downsizing both physically and financially. I’d always relied on renting out the extra rooms to friends in need which had always helped me afford the rent.

My brother has been working at a mobile phone repair store for the last 6/7 years and he met a girl who also works there and they’ve been dating. It’s all lovely except for the fact that she is the same age as Chook and it’s weird. She’s 19 and he’s 34. So we haven’t exactly grown very close to her. However things are pleasant so I can’t complain.

Anyway his goal was to move into a house of his own this year and he finally managed to do it. He’s living about 15 mins away in a 4 bedroom house. Sounds big but the rooms are really small. Still he’s loving all the space and privacy.

This is the first time in over 20 years I’ve lived by myself. I’m not living by myself because Chook still lives at home, with me. However I’m now responsible for all the bills with no financial help from house mates or family who are living with me. Actually the last time I lived by myself was before I met Chook’s Dad! It’s daunting and frightening sometimes but it’s mostly fine. I’m blessed to be in stable employment with a regular salary.

He still has furniture in his bedroom he needs to take to his new house. It’s the big items that he couldn’t fit in his car such as his bed frame, bookshelf, wardrobe and desk. The more time that goes by the less likely it is that he’s going to arrange to come pick them up. I gave him a $50 air dryer and a $100 single bed for free. When I offered to keep the wardrobe because I could use it for storage he had the cheek to ask me to take $50 off the bills he owes to pay for keeping the wardrobe because “it would make him feel better.” I just said yes to keep the peace. The last thing I want to do is fall out with my brother over money. However I understand how expensive it is to move house and I don’t want to put additional pressure on him. I just find his lack of awareness annoying. Actually, maybe I will bring it up with him at some point. He still owes me $250 for his share of the last electricity bill. He still pops by to do his washing because he doesn’t have a washing machine yet. Now that I think about it he hasn’t returned to wash the walls in his room yet which are covered in grime. I scrubbed two of the walls so I could store some items in there but the rest of the room still needs to be done. (note to self)

Anyway, money and cleaning issues aside I’m super happy for him and I’m especially happy that he no longer needs to live with his older sister! I feel like I raised an adult man child who has finally moved out of home and grown into a functioning adult. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next chapter looks like :)