The Big 'D'

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The Big D

Eileen and I owned several properties over the almost 30 years we've been together. For the past seven years, we've had the luxury of a 1500sf house with a huge attached garage -- the largest space we've ever shared. We used every inch of it, never giving a thought to the stuff we accumulated on top of the stuff we owned. After all, we planned to stay in the house for another seven years or maybe more.

Maintaining a property is a huge responsibility, and, a huge expense. More recently, we've had THE conversations: "What happens when one of us dies? How does the remaining person deal with all of this and where would the survivor go?" We couldn't imagine leaving the Pacific Northwest.

For several reasons, we decided to take advantage of an opening at a Senior Living Apartment Complex. Early in March, we signed a lease for an 850sf apartment. We rented a storage locker for larger items that we knew would not fit in the apartment and would eventually find new homes.

For three solid weeks, we worked 15-18 hour days sorting through closets, drawers, cabinets, and shelves while asking the same questions: "When was the last time we used this?" and "How many sweaters/shoes/boots/tee shirts does one person really need?" and "We haven't had a CD player in five years, so why do we have all these CDs?" and "Do we still need 36 rolls of toilet paper and two dozen coffee mugs?"

Our new space has made us realize Mom's mantra of "There's a place for everything, so keep every single thing in its proper place." Days of jamming linens on a shelf and tossing miscellaneous items in junk drawers are over. Think "tiny home" with cruise ship amenities." The furniture and knick-knacks from our last three residences owe us nothing. It's all good!

We sold what we could through local 'marketplace' sites meeting buyers in parking lots and greeting others at our front door. We made countless trips to various charities. The move-into-the-apartment happened without a hitch. Until the house sells and we give up our garage space, we'll be sorting through the remaining items---maybe doing a quick Garage Sale--an excuse to say 'bye' to our neighbors.

In the meantime, we are meeting new people at the complex, enjoying evening swims and hot tub soaks in the complex pool, and looking forward to the many other activities available. Without the responsibilities of home maintenance like power-washing the house's siding, moss treating the roof, and high property taxes, we will plan day trips and week-long adventures.

And, Suzy? What a trooper she has been. She overcame her fear of the elevator's movements and finds her way to our apartment door. Many residents have dogs and she hasn't barked at any of them. She loves all the sniffs around the complex and the adjacent trail where daffodils in clusters bloom and birds chirp happily.

A friend told me that downsizing was intimidating and yes, downsizing is a challenge---but not impossible!

As we begin a new chapter in our lives, we wish you success in the next chapter of yours.

Cheers!