Guest Blog by Eva Benoit:

When people say they’re “living the dream,” they’re usually referring to a big home with lots of valuable possessions and some discretionary income. The traditional American idea of a happy life is one of affluence and acquisitiveness, but there’s a fast-growing trend toward a more simplistic and manageable lifestyle with fewer belongings and financial responsibilities, and a smaller living environment: downsizing.

Typically, downsizing is a choice made by senior citizens who need to move into a home that’s easier to get around in and doesn’t require a lot of upkeep and cleaning. Yet today it’s a decision that a great many people have made, both young and old. Discover what they have discovered: There are a great many benefits to living a simpler, less stressful life.

Financial

The ever-increasing costs of living, of retirement, and of sending children to college place a premium on saving and thrift. Living in a smaller space means there’s less room for frivolous spending and acquiring things you don’t really need. This is an especially important point if you tend to buy on impulse. As such, downsizing forces you to be more responsible with money and encourages a more prioritized approach to life, which is a good thing if you’re trying to set some money aside. For some people, it’s the only way they can reasonably hope to retire.

Less space, less stress

Being responsible for a large house can be very stressful. High mortgage payments, utility bills, and the cost of home maintenance make it very difficult to feel like you’re in control of your life. Keeping it all together gets to be a strain, elevates blood pressure, and increases anxiety. With less home to pay for and worry about, you'll have more leisure time and greater flexibility in your life. No need to worry about getting that big lawn mowed before the weekend’s over.

More family time

With more free time comes more family time--the positive kind, with games and playing and laughter. Living in a smaller home encourages more interaction, sharing, and bonding. Kids may need to share bedrooms, which means compromising on closet and drawer space. Cleaning becomes easier, and there’s less need to continually remind teenagers to clean their rooms. Remember, clutter can become a major problem very quickly in a small home, so make sure everyone is aware of their cleaning responsibilities.

More time for personal pursuits

Have you ever wished you had more time and money to do things you enjoy? Downsizing can help you make time and save the money you need to travel abroad, put together a woodworking shop, or indulge in an artistic or musical interest. If you’ve always wanted to complete a college degree you began years ago, downsizing can help you make it a reality. You can spend more time away from home without having to worry that you’re letting things slip.

If you’re downsizing because you want to move in order to accommodate working from home, whether part-time or full-time, consider the many job options available. As a result of the pandemic and the shift toward remote work, more work-from-home ventures than ever have popped up. ZenBusiness lists 15 part-time business ideas, one or two of which may be right up your alley, including becoming a virtual assistant and starting your own pet services business.

Living local

Downsizing to a smaller home in an urban center is ideal if you enjoy having stores, restaurants, and other conveniences within easy walking distance. Parking may be a challenge, but presumably, you’d be walking most places or taking public transportation. Having to drive less will save on gas and car maintenance costs.

The task

Downsizing your household is physically demanding and can be an emotional ordeal. If you have belongings accumulated over many years, it’ll take some doing. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, hire a professional to help you get organized.

One of the most important changes will involve your furniture. There’s less room (and need) for chairs, tables, and sofas in a smaller residence, so you’ll likely want to sell or donate a number of pieces. In some cases, you may want to hire a reputable furniture cleaner because you have something that you want to keep but that is starting to look worn. A properly cleaned item will be desirable enough to keep, which may save some money if the piece is something that cannot be discarded without being replaced (like a sofa or kitchen table).

Downsizing can benefit anyone, regardless of age or circumstances. Less house means less spending on mortgage and upkeep. And it means more time for you and your family to have fun together.

Are you in need of a professional organizer to help tidy up your place? Tidy Closet provides home organization, workshops, retreats and other resources to help declutter and clarify your living spaces. Contact us today