How Downsizing Changed Our Lives for the Better
It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since my husband and I downsized from our family home after our youngest headed off to college. Looking back now, I can say with complete confidence that it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
When our three kids were in school, our 2-story on, basement family home in the suburbs near their schools was terrific. But when the nest emptied, the home and big yard felt like too much for just the two of us. So, we made the move to a villa/condo home in Covington Creek, closer to town vs. schools, and perfectly suited to the two of us. It’s still spacious enough for visiting kids, but right-sized for our lifestyle today. And now, a decade later, we can truly see what a wise move it was — our kids love coming home to visit, and we love the freedom and convenience it’s given us.
Those first few years after the move, we would pick up and go — visiting our kids in college, and later, in the cities where they started their careers — without worrying about yard or basement water issues, for example, which we don’t have with our slab condo and yard maintenance included in HOAs.
Then in 2022, we took another big step: selling our lake home. With our kids scattered far away, it just didn’t make sense to maintain another property. That decision freed up both time and money and opened the door to something even more exciting - travel.
We just returned from what we both agree was the trip of our lives — a safari through South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. We’d often heard people say it was the best trip of their lives, and now we understand why. The beauty, the wildlife, the sense of awe, it was unforgettable.
Our amazing guide shared a piece of advice that really resonated: “Take your adventurous trips when you’re in your 50s and 60s — save the relaxing cruises for later.”
We agree that after taking this trip, trading the expenses and responsibilities of larger homes for experiences and memories that enrich and energize us means getting the most out of life while we are still in good health.
So, if you’re in that stage where your children have flown the nest and you’re wondering whether it’s time to make a change, I’d love to share what I’ve learned — personally and professionally — about making that transition smooth and rewarding. Just give me a call to meet up sometime. I’d love it.
