downsizing advice please

That's amazing.. that someone feels they can judge others on what they write here about their expenditure.

Most people here already have bought big ticket items like houses, cars , boats, and holidays.. and even in some cases like me.. have second homes... so not necessary to use their money in their senior years to buy those things again... so judging those same people on their spendings on so called frivolous items... is ridiculous !
 

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hollydolly said:
That's amazing.. that someone feels they can judge others on what they write here about their expenditure.

Most people here already have bought big ticket items like houses, cars , boats, and holidays.. and even in some cases like me.. have second homes... so not necessary to use their money in their senior years to buy those things again... so judging those same people on their spendings on so called frivolous items... is ridiculous !
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I’m definitely not judging anyone on what they spend their money on. I find the differences interesting. A vacation I take could be considered just as frivolous as someone buying lots of clothes. I was just noting how different we all are.

My dog expenses are certainly considered frivolous by many people. It costs me a lot to feed high quality food, medication and vet bills. Most people can afford anything they want but not everything they want so we all make different choices. You totally misunderstood my post.
 
I understood what Terry was saying about priorities being interesting. When my father downsized from a huge house in the woods to a small house in the city, he used two of his three bedrooms for his art. If I hadn't been there I think his living room would have been full of art supplies, too.

Like Terry, my clothes closet is less than half full, but another closet contains 40 jigsaw puzzles -- completely worthless to anyone but me.

One time at the vet's, I wrote a check for $3,500 chatting all the while. They all laughed when I handed them the check. The procedure was just $350 and I hadn't batted an eye. He knows now, he can charge me anything if it's for my dog.
 

Teacher Terry said:
3 years ago I downsized to a 855 sq ft condo. I have emptied a in-laws house, helped my mom downsize and a few friends. It’s very liberating to live with less. My clothes take up half of a closet. When I buy something new a similar item leaves.

I like some home decor items because I dislike a minimalist look. However, many people have too much stuff. I love how easy it is to keep clean and find anything I need quickly.

When you read the what have I bought thread it’s very enlightening. It shows what people value and prioritize. Personally I tend to spend money on big purchases like home improvements, furniture, vacations, etc.

I also spend a lot of money on my two dogs. Some people say that they can’t afford pets. What most really mean is that they aren’t willing to sacrifice in other areas to be able to afford them as they aren’t a priority for them. They are my highest priority and bring me that much happiness. Others may not feel that way.

Other’s much prefer items that make daily life easier or feel better such as lots of new clothes, frequently dining out, concerts, etc. There’s no right or wrong of course as long as you can afford what you’re buying. I find human behavior all very interesting.
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Human behavior is indeed fascinating, and it's always interesting to learn about how others navigate the complexities of decision-making and finding fulfillment in their lives. :)
 
Della said:
I understood what Terry was saying about priorities being interesting. When my father downsized from a huge house in the woods to a small house in the city, he used two of his three bedrooms for his art. If I hadn't been there I think his living room would have been full of art supplies, too.

Like Terry, my clothes closet is less than half full, but another closet contains 40 jigsaw puzzles -- completely worthless to anyone but me.

One time at the vet's, I wrote a check for $3,500 chatting all the while. They all laughed when I handed them the check. The procedure was just $350 and I hadn't batted an eye. He knows now, he can charge me anything if it's for my dog.
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That’s funny about the check:)). I’m glad a few people understand what I was saying because I’m certainly not into judging people on their spending. I have had people think it’s ridiculous that I drive a 16 year old car yet spend plenty of money on the dogs I have rescued through the years.
 
Some years back we were preparing to move 2000 miles away to another state. We had a garage sale and sold a lot of things. I had put a "for sale" sign in the window. A couple came by and bought the house.

Before the sale I had gone to a local title company and they gave me the paperwork and handled the transaction.
 
I can live at a great motel 1/2 the cost of my home. Taxes, insurance, upkeep +heat and lights, water and sewer. Way over $100 a day.
An that doesn't cover anything else in the cost of living. Add Health insurances and all it nearly goes to $200 a day. $6000 a month won't cover it.
 
Manatee said:
Some years back we were preparing to move 2000 miles away to another state. We had a garage sale and sold a lot of things. I had put a "for sale" sign in the window. A couple came by and bought the house.

Before the sale I had gone to a local title company and they gave me the paperwork and handled the transaction.
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Wow! That's good to know about the title company! I'm going to keep that in mind when I'm ready to sell my house because I've had several lousy realtors in the past. I'm having a yard sale this summer to downsize a lot of things that my late husband accumulated over the years, like fishing equipment. I live near several lakes so they should sell easily. A lot of furniture will go, too. Not looking forward to the work involved in getting everything ready but looking forward to downsizing :)
 
Heck, I just started downsizing one room. A small bedroom where the fiber optic link enters the house. It serves as a 'computer room.' But it has so much junk in it I've accumulated over the last sixty years. It is really overwhelming to try dealing with. I am at the point of all or nothing. Either get rid of it all or do nothing.
 
ArnoldC said:
Heck, I just started downsizing one room. A small bedroom where the fiber optic link enters the house. It serves as a 'computer room.' But it has so much junk in it I've accumulated over the last sixty years. It is really overwhelming to try dealing with. I am at the point of all or nothing. Either get rid of it all or do nothing.
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I would get rid of it all, and start over.
 
I'm hoping to downsize if all goes well. Not only to a smaller house..( flat instead of a house).. but losing all my outside storage as well , Fully fitted sheds, Barn.. so I'm going to have to get rid of a HUGE amount of furniture and things generally.. it's going to be a massive undertaking, very daunting , having to do it pretty much alone..
 
hollydolly said:
I'm hoping to downsize if all goes well. Not only to a smaller house..( flat instead of a house).. but losing all my outside storage as well , Fully fitted sheds, Barn.. so I'm going to have to get rid of a HUGE amount of furniture and things generally.. it's going to be a massive undertaking, very daunting , having to do it pretty much alone..
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You seem to be very well organized, therefore, you can do it. I did it on my own, before I moved to Australia. I donated a lot of furniture to Goodwill, gave some to a friend, sold some. Just give yourself time to do it.
 
I have moved 21 times in my life.. all of it was fairly easy... but I didn't have 40 years of stuff in any other house.. and I also wasn't pushing 70 years old ..alone, and with some health issues...
 

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