Living with Less: How We Found Freedom in Downsizing

We Weren’t Looking to Move… Until a Late-Night Scroll Changed Everything

Six weeks later, we were sipping wine in our new condo, wondering why we hadn’t downsized sooner!

The Unexpected Start

Two years ago, my husband and I were sitting in the family room scrolling through our phones. Me? I was looking at work emails, checking for interesting new listings. Sure enough, one caught my eye. A high-rise condo in Buckhead.

Were We Shopping for a Condo? No.

We had talked about downsizing. We’d even put an offer on a townhouse in Brookhaven the previous spring but didn’t get it. As I looked through the pictures of this listing I thought to myself, we could live here. I showed it to John who, without batting an eye, said, “why don’t you ask an agent to take you to see it?”

Long story short, I did. Within 6 weeks our home was sold, and we’d closed on the condo.

Why We Chose to Downsize

We aren’t impulsive people. But our kids are grown and flown. Why did we need 4,000 square feet of living space?

A Smart Financial Decision

There was also a financial component. The housing market was still strong. The idea of selling for top dollar and buying something significantly less expensive proved too hard to resist.

The Hardest Part: Downsizing Our Things

The challenging part was downsizing our things.

Step 1: The Floor Plan Strategy

First, I got a floor plan for our new home with room dimensions. Then I divided our furnishings into categories - keep, maybe, and discard. I carefully measured each “keep” piece and figured out where it fit in the new place. That allowed me to see what “maybe” furniture made the cut. Everything else we offered to family and friends. What remained went to a consignment shop, was sold online, or donated.

Step 2: Sorting the ‘Stuff’

Second, for the “stuff” - artwork, lamps, rugs, decorative objects, holiday decorations, keepsakes, dishes, crystal, and cookware – we divided things into the same categories. After giving the kids and extended family what they wanted, we opened a bottle of wine and sat on the family room floor sorting through box after box of old papers and things. It was shocking how much we happily tossed.

Step 3: Renting a Storage Unit

Finally, we didn’t force ourselves to make difficult choices. Instead, we rented a 10’x10’ storage unit where we stored family heirlooms and things that were just too hard to part with. Over time, we found homes for the important pieces and continued the process of elimination. After a year, we were able to give up the storage unit.

What We Love About Condo Living

Nearly two years have passed since we moved into the city, and I can honestly say neither of us misses our big house. Practically speaking, 1,500 square feet is less to clean and maintain, so we have more time to do the things we enjoy. Then there’s the fact that John’s work commute went from an hour each way to less than 10 minutes.

The Freedom of Less Stuff

I’d always heard that having less stuff makes you feel lighter, freer. Turns out, it’s true. And that lock-and-leave lifestyle realtors like to tout? Awesome! We can travel with no preplanning. We don’t have to stop the mail. The concierge accepts our deliveries. And our place is secure, no worrying that someone is casing the joint to see if anyone is home.

The Biggest Adjustment

The biggest adjustment? We have extended family in the area and our house was almost always the site for big family gatherings. I worried about what would happen if we didn’t have room to host. You know what I discovered? The next generation was more than willing to take over.

Could Downsizing Work for You?

Downsizing worked for us. Maybe it could work for you too.

How Our Team Can Help

Downsizing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right plan and a supportive team, it can be a surprisingly freeing experience. The Home with Sherry Team at Compass is here to help you find a home that truly fits your life today while making the selling and moving process simple and stress-free.