I guess my case is a little different from most of you in that I never had kids, and have no family here in Cali unless you count you-know-who.

Our first house was in Oklahoma, maybe half this size but with a huge yard that needed mowing every 15 minutes. My husband said he never wanted to mow another lawn again, and that's fine with me.

This house is ~2000 or 2100 sq.', and a very small yard with mostly xeriscaping -- cactus, bougainvillea, 2 avocado trees, and some unidentifiable growing things. I decorated the house, and it's like an art gallery with a 2-storey living room ceiling. I love this house. There was a time I thought about moving, maybe to North Cali because it's more cultural, but I never went so here I am.

U-no-hu doesn't want to move either, even though I've asked him to on many occasions. Not too long ago when we had termite inspectors give an estimate, hubbo said to the guy, "We'll probably be in this house till we die." I think he's right.

When I first saw this house in 1981, I absolutely fell in love with it. I love the way the space is arranged and the energy flow. When I moved to Cali I also had a very strong sense that I had come home.

I try to keep things neat-ish, which is not the same magnitude as actually neat. I'm down to adding maybe one art piece a year now, as my walls are running out of space (and my counters did years ago.) If it gets too cluttery, it loses the Zen and I can't concentrate on my work, whether poetry or jewelry.

I want a room with a view, a sofa sleeper, a bathroom, computer hookup, microwave, small frig, workspace, and a coffee machine. One door. That's it. Oh wait, walls to hang my jigsaw Elvis puzzles I've worked and framed. NOW...I'm good to go. Sounds like I need a Holiday Inn room. Hmm...

JJ

When we moved a few years ago we actually upsized, bigger house, bigger yard. I like the bigger house and contrary to what I thought, it stays neater because we have more room to keep stuff. The yard is another story. There's a lot of grass to cut and keep up with but to be honest we have more privacy this way.
The only thing I would downsize is the amount of stuff we keep. When we moved we got rid of a lot of clutter and now after a few years, I think it's time to do it again.

TVC, your privacy sounds wonderful. That's soemthing we don't have, but would love. Our home sits on the corner near the edge of our neighborhood. I feel as though we are on display because people park all around us to go into town. However, I love the convenience. IT's a trade-off for sure.

As far as your yard goes, I picture you with a big vegetable garden. Am I right?

Dotsie,
I actually have a bunch of small ones placed all over the yard. But if you put them all together, it would be pretty big. Next year we are planning to put some raised beds in. I can't wait.

Meredith your home sounds as comfortable and delightful as I've imagine you are.

I love your website. Most of my life I was a professional organizer and administrative assistant. Working with seniors to help downsize their home has been rewarding. Now I am taking care of myself and walking in baby steps to explore my future. Opening up and sharing is new to me.

Thanks Chatty! When customers come over to the house, I give them the option of the "guided art tour!" I don't offer unless they start complimenting the "stuff."

We're in a condo, but my situation is a little different. My husband bought it after his divorce. Now that we are married, we both own it. I had a two family house and sold it. We kept the condo and live here. If we had it to do over, we would not buy a condo again. I say this only because of all the rules and living with so many peopel. It's been hard to get used to. But, the conveniences are great: no shoveling, no mowing, no dragging out barrels or bags, no raking. We are on the first floor and do have a very large patio, which is unheard of in most condos. It's a plus. We are on a marina and have a beautiful view of Boston, which is what we really love about it. My husband has tons of flowers on the patio. The thing I need and don't have is enough closet space, but I probably could never have enough of that. I'm not a good downsizer at all.

Louisa

Louisa, I recall seeing your Christmas pictures with all your lights outback. I never would have guessed that to be a condo. It looked huge.