Downsizing & Rightsizing (Part 2 of 4)
Downsizing: The Obstacles
Karen and her team have created a Four Part Blog Series dedicated to Downsizing and Rightsizing. You can also visit her website for a new special section filled with helpful advice and resources.
Perceptions and Stereotypes
Downsizing can have a negative connotation, and make you feel solely like you are “stepping down” or “settling for less”. This is simply not true. Many people are downsizing today by choice and not by necessity.
Another inaccurate perception is that it’s often thought to be synonymous with empty nesting. Sometimes this rings true, but the current trend now is families are downsizing or rightsizing as well.
As with anything in life, it’s important to remember that stereotypes are often just that..stereotypes -meaning they are broad, uninformed, some would say, lazy thinking that does not accurately depict what is real.
The Solution
The remedy for that is to ignore what “people” think, and shift the focus from, “I can have a massive house, but I am choosing something different because I want to, and it’s the best fit for me and my family.”
The Glass Half Full or Half Empty
There are some seriously powerful benefits to downsizing and when homeowners can let go off some of the outdated perceptions, they can begin living the lifestyle that is surprisingly customized for them. This shift in thinking is helpful and puts some people in a more positive mental space, when creating something that is the right fit for them.
Mental Preparation
As we have said, downsizing/rightsizing may come with some connotations that are not positive. So it’s important to challenge some of the pre conceived notions, and really unpack some of your own beliefs that could be standing in your way.
Fear of Judgement
Caring about what people think can be a deterrent to doing what is best for you. That’s a shame, but it can also be a reality. Do not let what others think of you, or may think of you if you decide to right size impact you. Think of it this way, you are living for you, not them.
Fear of Feeling Like You’ve Settled
We are a “want it now” society. We can also be a “want it all” society. The caveat is don’t confuse wanting it all with having it all. All is the operative word here, and you will need to unpack what “all” is for you. See the next blog in this series to learn how to identify what you want.
When people go through the process, they very often end up somewhere completely different than they thought.
More is More Mentality
Keeping up with the Jones’ can be exhausting and put you in to a bit of a “guinea pig on the wheel” scenario. Instead of getting off, and kicking back in a pile of wood shavings, you find yourself on even a bigger, faster wheel, terrified and running for your life. With the plethora of mini mansions strewn over the North Atlanta Real Estate Market, and perhaps friends buying bigger and bigger, it’s easy to fall into the more is more mentality.
Rightsizing is the New Downsizing
Rightsizing: Creating a lifestyle that brings you and your family true satisfaction, peace and joy. Explore in Karen’s Next Blog in this series what questions to ask yourself that will help you drill down on what it is that will make you truly happy, bringing you satisfaction, peace and joy that you deserve.
Also of note, Karen will be producing a Downsizing Rightsizing Seminar on May 7th . There will be information presented from a Financial Planner, a Professional Organizer, Lender, and of course Karen. There will be entertainment along with food and drinks after the presentation. Please join us. Contact Karen to reserve your space today.
Contact Karen, your North Atlanta Realtor, for any and all things related to North Atlanta Real Estate.
