More or Less Simplified
Jul 28th, 2008 by Lauri
When I wrote my newest book, Downsizing Your Home With Style, it was based upon my observation that many of my baby boomer clients were moving into smaller houses and condos because of too big and too empty nests and, also, in preparation for retirement and the desire for a simpler life.
What I did not realize, then, was that over the following year, the confluence of the present real estate market, the high price of gas and the growing fascination with all things Asian and organic would compound the shift and expedite simplification at every level and within every age group.
Today, it seems as though younger and older people are all, consciously, trying to calm down by embracing the “less is more like it” mindset. And, at least among my clients and friends, there are more things dwindling in size than residential dwellings.
Lexus owners are putting their names on waiting lists for Priuses. Folks are staycationing instead of traveling abroad. Masters of McMansions are exchanging their palazzos for smaller homes located within walking distance of towns and cities; they are bicycling, recycling and on the lookout for new local sources of organic produce since they’re eating out less and cooking in more (besides, who can walk out of Whole Foods - or, as my cousin Debbie calls it, “Whole Wallet” - without dropping at least $100?).
Are you part of this group? Are you trying to downsize and declutter your home and lifestyle? Have you noticed this trend taking place within your circle of friends and family? Or do you prefer living with more? Do tell.
I have been “down-sizing/de-cluttering” for at least 5 years. I will keep my favorite pieces of furniture, dishes, etc. But multiples of everyday stuff has gotta go. I want to save things that will be difficult to find someday. I want to be able to enjoy the antiques I’ve bought instead of just storing them aside somewhere. I’ve always said why have it if you don’t use it. I already live in a small home so no down-sizing there but neither do I have any desire for anything bigger. Less stuff equals less stress for me!
We recently downsized from a 4,000 square foot home to a 1,900 square foot home. We wanted to have less to maintain and decided to make the shift when we had to move out of state for my husband’s job. Though it has been liberating to get rid of clutter and unnecessary things, it has been tough because we have three kids. The amount of things they have and accumulate makes me sometimes wish we hadn’t downsized. I know that it is best in the long run, but it does take some time to get used to. Our friends and family do not understand our downsizing and wonder why we wouldn’t buy a bigger home if we could afford one. We also moved to a neighborhood where we can walk to stores, schools and the library–we have really enjoyed that aspect. Overall, we are happy that we made this decision.
I’ve always lived on the simple side, more or less. Our house is 1800 square feet. I drive a fuel efficient car. My kids can ride their bikes or walk to school, but we’re not in walking distance of a store, unfortunately. I don’t buy a lot of “stuff”. My husband is Frugal Man and keeps us reigned in and our priorities straight. One thing I do is still buy books by the boatload from Amazon. I need to utilize the library more often. I used to have a magazine habit, but cut back considerably a few years ago. I now only subscribe to three favorites. This year we were a “tourist in our own town”. We have been to more state parks, beaches, etc. in Florida this year. There is so much beauty right in our backyards.