Rightsizing for Every Life Stage
Often, we reside in homes that don't align with our present needs. Recognizing when to rightsize our living spaces to correspond with our lifestyle is crucial.
What is “Rightsizing”?
Rightsizing refers to the process of selecting a home that fits your current needs. It differs from downsizing, which typically suggests a reduction; rightsizing is about adjusting and moving forward into a new life phase. It involves taking an optimistic view of your present circumstances and addressing some challenging yet essential questions.
Here are some steps to help you rightsize your home:
Assess your current space.
Is your current home meeting your needs? Often, we become comfortable with the familiar. It's challenging to leave behind something we've known for years or decades. Take a critical look and recognize that some rooms may no longer be in use.
How often do you entertain overnight guests? Honestly, how often do guests stay at your place? Once or twice a year, or not at all? Do you even desire overnight company? While there are numerous ways to accommodate guests, it's important to size your home appropriately for your lifestyle. You don't need to maintain a largely vacant space just in case someone needs to stay.
Are there rooms that are designated for special occasions only? While the need for entertainment spaces is understandable, if a room is used only once or twice a year, consider whether it's truly being utilized. If it is, that's great. If not, then it might be time to reassess.
Organize your home.
What better way to understand your space than by organizing it? Taking the time to assess each room individually can be a significant first step.
Do your adult children's belongings still occupy their rooms? If they have their own homes with storage, it might be time to pack those items and pass them on.
Are there boxes from your last move 30 years ago that remain unopened? Perhaps it's time to consider donating, selling, or giving them away.
If you're uncertain about where or how to start, consider enlisting the help of a professional organizer.
Prioritize Comfort & Function.
Concentrate on what suits you best instead of merely following trends. Consider having a "just-in-case" area where you can store items temporarily and retrieve them if needed. Ensure this space doesn't become cluttered. Set a reminder to review this area after a certain period to determine if you really miss any items.
Aim to retain only those things that bring you joy, evoke pleasant memories, or are essential for everyday life. Remember the adage, "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater!" It's perfectly normal to feel unsure or uncertain. Progress often involves taking one step forward and sometimes two steps back.
Balance is Key!
As a society, we have often placed too much emphasis on material wealth. It's time to reconsider and reassess what constitutes true wealth. Material possessions can bind and define us, and it's regrettable that we've allowed them to impact our mental health negatively. Possessions are just that—things. They cannot replace relationships, smiles, or memories. They should not dictate our existence but rather be enjoyed temporarily and used as necessary. Sometimes, their necessity belongs in the past, and we must move forward and redefine our current way of life. It can be difficult, intimidating, and even terrifying, but it's important to ask ourselves: does my home suit the current phase of my life?