Is Your Shell Too Big? - Part 1

January 2019 - Issue 15

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Changes

Life is all about them.

Some people say "I don't like change." Others are constantly striving for something new and different. (I confess to being in the latter group.)

One thing is certain, however - as long as you hang around on this earthly plane, change will happen.

This month, we're going to take a look at downsizing. Because having your space fit your situation is a big part of Loving Where You Live!

Thanks for reading. And if I can help you make your space fit better - whether it means a new location or changing the one you're in to look more like your soul imagines it, give me a call!

817.903.1112

debra@debrabarrett.com

p.s. - please share Harmonious Home Adventures with friends and family (everyone deserves to love where they live!). Just hit the "forward" button on your email. They can sign up here:

Graphic by Madpaperie

Shell Too Big?

Suddenly, it seems as though there are rooms in your home that never get used. It's not that there is anything wrong with them; they're just sort of neglected.

Maybe it's because the kids have gone off to school or on to their own family adventures. Perhaps it's because of less pleasant life changes like death or divorce. It could be that you simply don't go to the trouble to fill all the corners of your home with light and laughter.

Whatever the reason, for many of us, the time comes when downsizing is the right choice.

Emptiness Suffocates Joy

If there are rooms in your home that are rarely, if ever, used, chances are it's time to downsize.

At the risk of getting all woo woo on you, a house wants to be used, wants to be filled with life and contentment and joy.

Spaces that are empty, that never have people in them, become depressing (I'll resist the temptation to say that the rooms, themselves, are depressed).

You know how important I believe it is for you to love where you live. It's a huge step toward individual happiness. And it's just almost impossible to be kind, considerate, and compassionate when you dread going home.

The Vicious Cycle

Besides, cleaning and maintaining spaces that you never use is a colossal pain.

The longer you go without paying attention to a space, the more it falls into disrepair. The more it falls into disrepair, the harder it is to bring yourself to put in the effort to keep it clean and bright. You can see where this is headed.

So, before things get too bad, is it time to consider a new adventure in somewhat smaller space?

It Needn't Be Drastic

I'm not talking about going from one extreme to the other. Going too small can create as many or more problems in the opposite direction (we'll be talking about up-sizing next month).

So, sit down and take inventory - not necessarily of stuff (although of stuff, too - what can you safely jettison?), but of lifestyle, of wants and needs, and of goals.

Downsizing can have a significant effect on your financial situation, usually by freeing up cash flow.

It can also give you the opportunity to take a step "up" in terms of neighborhood or finishes - and finishes can go a long way toward making things pleasant day-to-day.

Take the Leap

So, talk to your realtor. If you don't have one, talk to me! I'd love to help you evaluate your situation and

Love Where You Live!