Everyone keeps telling me to "downsize." Why does that word feel so bad?
Answered by Chris Deutsch, Founder & Editor
Licensed Minnesota Realtor #20382264 ·
The short answer
Because the word is wrong. "Downsizing" tells you your life is shrinking. It isn't — it's changing shape.
On stage The 60-second answer
Captions on · Transcript below
The stage is set.
Chris's video answer is on its way. Until then, the short answer above says the same thing.
The transcript posts with the video.
The longer answer
Here's what's actually true about this move: less house to keep up with is not less life. The people I've helped through it usually end up with more — more time, fewer stairs, less to fear when the ice comes, money that was locked in drywall now doing something useful. What gets smaller is the list of things that own your weekends. The memories don't stay behind; they never lived in the square footage to begin with.
So no — I won't tell you to downsize. I'll help you find a home that fits the life you're living now. When that conversation sounds useful, I'm here. No timeline.
The next department over
What people in this spot usually ask next.
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- Senior transitionsWhat do we do with 40 years of belongings nobody has room for?Read the answer
- Senior transitionsI lost my husband last year. Is it too soon to sell the house?Read the answer
- Inheritance & probateI feel like I'm betraying my parents by selling their house.Read the answer
- Relocation to the Twin CitiesIs there a best time of year to move to the Twin Cities?Read the answer
From the editor's desk
“As Founder and Editor, I review, correct, and stand behind every answer.”
Is your situation more specific than the market? That's the one worth talking through.