Symplify and Save Big

Let's face it the grass always looks greener on the other side - or across the street. In my case the thought of a larger house for our growing family was very enticing. Now, only four years later, I yearn for my previous smaller-more-efficient home where every inch was utilized and had purpose. Never did I consider the fact that many of the rooms in the new home are hardly ever used (formal living room, formal dining room, guest room). Or, what it would take to clean such a large place. I hardly ever see my kids because they have most of what they need in their bedrooms.

Being an interior designer, I often get calls from realtors inquiring about staging properties with furniture until the property sells. I soon realized that I have enough extra furniture and accessories in my own house that I can actually stage a small two bedroom condo!

As the kids get older and will soon be on their own, I am beginning to evaluate my belongings and wonder what their purpose will be in the future. I'm fairly certain my kids wont find my extensive shot glass collection of any sentimental value when they move out. Also, having acquired my mother's antique dining suite, I am fairly certain my kids wont want any of my furniture when they move out either.

Therefore, I am now retraining my thought process when I make a purchase. Although I have always been a true believer in "retail therapy" I must now consider: 1) why am I purchasing this item 2) what is the life expectancy of the item 3) do I really need it? 4) is it something my kids would want in the future? 5) what will it cost to maintain it? After asking myself these important questions I probably wont actually purchase many of the things I considered purchasing. I figure I will save a few hundred dollars every month by eliminating unnecessary items.

By trading my large home for a smaller-but-well-designed home, I will save thousands of dollars a month in mortgage, insurance, property taxes and utilities!

The light bulb is on and the horses are out! I'm loving this already! Heck, if I lose 15 pounds I already have a fairly new wardrobe waiting in my closet! I can afford to vacation AND look good! Simplifying does make perfect sense.