If you search on “Luxury Downsizing” you will see results from builders, real estate companies, and interior design firms. There isn’t a lot of conversation around the phrase “luxury downsizing’: Who is it for, and how can you accomplish it? It’s a topic I think is worth exploring – and worth talking about.
What is Luxury Downsizing?
Downsizing is self-explanitory: You move from a larger home to a smaller one, you move from a house to an apartment, you declutter a lifetime of belongings and you literally size down your life. While there are a lot of ways to do it, some of the most popular in recent years have been tiny homes, RV living, VAN living, or becoming a digital nomad. The concept of downsizing isn’t the issue I want to dive into. I want to dive deeper into the idea of luxury downsizing.
Luxury downsizing is about living with less, yes, but it’s also about living with better. This includes higher quality foundation pieces, more meaningful pieces, and having investment items you surround yourself with daily.
Who is it for?
Many people assume that luxury downsizing is for empty nesters or retirees. While this demographic often seeks to let go of larger family homes, and focus on other things like travel and leisure, luxury downsizing isn’t just for those 55 and older. The idea is optimal for anyone looking to simplify their life and focus on something other than “‘the American dream.”
Some people want to exchange a large home with yard work for an apartment where the manicured lawn is taken care of. Others simply don’t love home maintenance and want to simplify their belongings in order to spend their time elsewhere. It doesn’t matter if you are a retiree, an empty nester, or just starting out. You can live a luxurious life, even if, better yet, I dare say, because you downsize.
Don’t be afraid to let go
Downsizing can feel like a daunting task for some. We spend our lives working, building, collecting, and hoping for more, when the time comes to let some of it go, it can feel stressful. But don’t be afraid to let go. What waits on the other side, is an amazing destination! Choosing to live with less allows for more space, more time, more memories, and so much less hassle.
As you downsize, choosing to keep or replace well-loved and well-worn things with thoughtful pieces, will lend a feeling of luxury to your life that space alone could never do. Having the items you truly love without all the clutter gives you an immediate feeling of ‘less is more.’ Don’t be afraid to let go. There is so much clarity that comes from living with less.
Think ahead
When you start the journey of downsizing, and let’s be honest, it is a journey from point A to point B, keep the following things in mind.
- Will you need space for overnight guests?
- Will you need a work space?
- Do you need space for entertaining?
- Will you host larger gatherings?
Determine what your functional needs will be, and then think strategically about how to make them all fit into a smaller space. Can a home office double as a guest room? Will a dining area double as a homework space, or craft space? Then, Maximize the usage of your furniture to do double or triple duty. Multi-functional spaces are where downsizing really earns its merit.
Optimize strategic storage
Well thought out storage solutions are a great way to optimize your luxury downsize and increase the functionality of your home. We recently found these *under bed storage boxes to use when moving from our 4,000 square foot house to a 1,300 square foot apartment. (*not sponsored). Utilizing baskets in the upper cabinets of kitchen or entry closet gives storage without visual clutter. Cabinets and console units with closed door storage hides your everyday items out of site, but still allows for easy access.
I love using decorative boxes, canisters, and lidded baskets to store items we don’t want on display. For example, in the kitchen, decorative boxes store extra cloth napkins.
In my office, a ceramic canister holds coffee pods and creamer packets.
In the entry way, a basket with a lid hides shoes we don’t wear in the house.
Luxury downsizing for an upgrade
Downsizing does not mean you have to skimp on luxury items. You don’t have to sacrifice the style you want, simply because you move to a smaller space. In fact, some argue that having fewer but nicer things, brings more joy and less stress than having an over abundance you rarely use.
Recently we took a side quest to Nashville, Tennessee and visited some luxury shopping areas. I wrote all about the trip, and then broke the article into three parts to show you high v low options for luxury shopping on a budget. Luxury shopping at West Elm, Luxury shopping at RH, and Luxury shopping at Crate and Barrel. Luxury downsizing can be done inexpensively if you take your time, shop your wish list, and really focus on your desired outcome.
I recently read an article about sconce lighting. The article focused on knurled brass sconces hard wired into a dining room wall. But then, the writer talked about a *lesser expensive version that uses remote control light bulbs and did not need hard-wiring. A light bulb went off in my mind (no pun intended). They would be PERFECT for a luxury downsize, an apartment, or any rental. They simply hang on the wall, the way any other picture or artwork would. ABSOLUTE GENIUS! (*not sponsored).
If you’re heading for a move, don’t overlook luxury downsizing.
Remember, it’s for any age bracket, can fit into most income brackets, and will offer you an upscale upgrade while you downscale your footprint. That’s a win – win for me!
Remember that sharing is caring – share this on socials if you know someone who might benefit from the ideas shared here. It’s easy – the links are on the left side pane.
See you soon, friend!
Save it for later.
