Do you really have to wait until retirement to make your move? Not necessarily. In this episode, we bust the myth that downsizing is a post-retirement project — and show you why moving while you’re still working might be the smarter, smoother path. We’ll cover why your income gives you more financial flexibility, how to plan a move without disrupting your job, and what to consider if you’re still commuting, working remotely, or balancing your move around PTO. Plus, we’ll share how to make sur...
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Do you really have to wait until retirement to make your move? Not necessarily. In this episode, we bust the myth that downsizing is a post-retirement project — and show you why moving while you’re still working might be the smarter, smoother path. We’ll cover why your income gives you more financial flexibility, how to plan a move without disrupting your job, and what to consider if you’re still commuting, working remotely, or balancing your move around PTO. Plus, we’ll share how to make sur...
Do you really have to wait until retirement to make your move? Not necessarily. In this episode, we bust the myth that downsizing is a post-retirement project — and show you why moving while you’re still working might be the smarter, smoother path. We’ll cover why your income gives you more financial flexibility, how to plan a move without disrupting your job, and what to consider if you’re still commuting, working remotely, or balancing your move around PTO. Plus, we’ll share how to make sur...
Starting the downsizing process is hard—but talking to your adult children about it can feel even harder. What if they resist? What if they worry you’re sick? Or worse, what if they avoid the conversation altogether? In this episode of the Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we walk you through exactly how to have honest, calm, and proactive conversations with your adult kids about downsizing— before an emergency forces your hand. We cover: How to start the conversation without alarming your familyWh...
Trying to buy your next home while selling your current one—and downsizing at the same time? It’s one of the most complex moves you can make… and it’s also one of the most common for people in midlife and retirement. In this episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we’re sharing how to navigate the emotional and logistical puzzle of selling, buying, and downsizing without losing sleep. Whether you're moving to a condo, relocating closer to family, or transitioning into senior living, this e...
What if you could downsize your home—without overwhelm—by focusing on just three key spaces over the next 12 months? In this episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, Jodi and Heather introduce The 3-Space Method, a simple, year-long plan that helps you clear clutter and create breathing room one quarter at a time. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, you’ll focus on the three areas that make the biggest difference in your daily life. Each month builds on the last—with practical, ...
If your home has become the storage unit for generations of family photos, heirlooms, and keepsakes—you’re not alone. Many people unexpectedly find themselves the “family memory keeper,” responsible for preserving the stories, history, and belongings of an entire extended family. But how do you honor that legacy without drowning in boxes? In this heartfelt and practical episode of the Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we explore how to downsize when you’ve inherited a lot more than just furniture. ...
We all know the stress that comes from a cluttered house—but what about the clutter you can’t see? If your phone is full of screenshots you never revisit, your inbox is overflowing with unread messages, or you’re storing years of old files “just in case,” this episode is for you. Today, we’re tackling the growing problem of digital clutter—how it builds up, why it creates emotional weight, and what you can do to clear it out without overwhelm. Just like physical clutter, digital clutter can q...
Should you tackle repairs and updates before selling your home—or skip the stress and list it as-is? If you’re downsizing, this decision can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we walk you through exactly how to decide what’s worth fixing and when it’s better to leave things as-is for a faster, simpler move. 🎯 In this episode, we cover: The emotional and financial crossroads of deciding what to fixCommon high-ROI updates vs. what buyers really care aboutSituations where selling as-is might be...
What are you still holding onto that your future self is begging you to let go of? In this uplifting and practical episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we’re diving into 8 common things people keep out of guilt, habit, or fear—and what happens when you finally release them. This isn’t just about decluttering your home—it’s about freeing your mind, your energy, and your next chapter. From boxes of unsorted memorabilia to clothes from a past life, we’ll help you: Recognize the emotional w...
Craft rooms, woodworking benches, model train layouts—these spaces are more than just square footage. They’re often deeply personal zones of creativity, identity, and memory. So when it’s time to downsize or simplify your home, the hobby room is often the hardest place to start. In this episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we walk you through the emotional and practical side of letting go (or reinventing) your hobby room. Whether you're ready to say goodbye, want to honor the memories, ...
Downsizing is never easy—but when it comes after the loss of a spouse or parent, it can feel almost impossible. In this heartfelt episode, we talk about what it really looks like to downsize in the wake of grief. Whether you're sorting through a loved one’s belongings or facing the emotional decision to leave a shared home, we’re here to guide you with compassion, encouragement, and practical advice. We’ll cover: Why there’s no “right time” to start—just the right time for youHow to begin sor...
What do you want your loved ones to deal with when you’re gone—boxes of clutter or a home that tells a clear story? In this week’s episode of the Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we review the bestselling book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson—a heartfelt, humorous, and refreshingly honest guide to decluttering your life with intention and grace. Despite its name, Swedish Death Cleaning isn’t about death—it’s about living with less regret, less mess, and more freedom....
Downsizing isn't just about reducing—it's about reimagining. In this empowering episode, we shift the focus from what you're giving up to what you're creating. Instead of starting with the donation pile, what if you started with a blank slate? We’ll walk you through how to design your downsized home with purpose, not pressure—no Pinterest account required. You’ll learn how to reimagine each room based on how you want to live now, how to release the things that no longer serve you, and how to ...
Thinking about your next move—but not ready for a senior living community? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the most popular home types for active downsizers and how to choose the right fit for your lifestyle today and your future needs. We break down ranch homes, condos, patio homes, dream homes, and the rising trend of second-home buying as a bridge to future retirement. You'll also learn how multi-generational new construction is reshaping the way families plan together. Wheth...
If you’ve ever sat in front of a closet, drawer, or attic full of stuff and felt totally overwhelmed—you’re not alone. Downsizing isn’t just physical work—it’s mental work. And in this episode, we’re diving into why it feels so exhausting to make all these decisions. We explore the science of decision fatigue and how it affects your brain during the downsizing process. You’ll learn why your willpower runs out faster than you expect, how clutter creates cognitive overload, and what practical t...
Some clutter hides in plain sight—disguised as good intentions, future plans, or memories we think we’re preserving. In this episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we unpack the hidden clutter traps that sneak into your home and your mindset. Whether it’s the “someday” box, the craft supplies you’ll get to one day, or the heirlooms you’re saving for kids who don’t want them, this conversation helps you spot what you're truly avoiding. We dive into: The psychology behind “just-in-case” clu...
You saved it all—the baby clothes, the school projects, the toys. But now your adult kids say… they don’t want any of it. So, what should you actually keep? In this episode of The Downsizing Roadmap Podcast, we’re getting real (but keeping it light) about what’s worth saving from your kids’ childhood and how to finally let go of the rest without guilt. We’re covering: ✔️ Why it’s emotionally hard to release kid memorabilia ✔️ How to have the “reverse inheritance” conversation &nbs...
Is your home filled with things from past seasons of life? It's time to make room for what’s next. In this episode, we’re rethinking decluttering—not as a chore, but as a fresh start. You’ll learn how to let go of what no longer serves you and create space for the lifestyle you want now. Whether you're planning a move, simplifying your routines, or just craving more breathing room, this conversation will inspire you to reset your home and mindset. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: ✔️ Why...
Thinking about downsizing but overwhelmed by the idea of doing it all at once? In this episode, we share a 12-month, season-by-season downsizing plan that helps you clear space and lighten your life without the stress of a last-minute purge. Whether you’re preparing for a move or simply want less clutter, this gentle, realistic approach allows you to start anytime and move at your own pace. We’ll guide you through how each “season” of the year can support different parts of the downsizing pro...
Are you waiting for the “perfect time” to start downsizing? The truth is, that day rarely comes—and waiting can cost you more than you realize. In this episode, we unpack the myth of the perfect time and why so many people delay downsizing until it’s urgent. We share the hidden financial, emotional, and physical costs of waiting too long, along with simple, practical ways to start downsizing now, even if you don’t feel “ready.” You’ll learn: Why “someday” often becomes “too late”How to replac...
If you're a veteran—or love someone who is—and you're navigating a big life transition like downsizing or aging in place, this episode is for you. We’re joined by elder law attorney Rachael Houck of Houck Menninger Law to talk about veterans benefits that often go overlooked, especially Aid & Attendance and how it can support the cost of care. We cover everything from VA eligibility myths, to pensions and Survivor Benefit Plans, to why it’s essential to have the right estate documents bef...
Do you really have to wait until retirement to make your move? Not necessarily. In this episode, we bust the myth that downsizing is a post-retirement project — and show you why moving while you’re still working might be the smarter, smoother path. We’ll cover why your income gives you more financial flexibility, how to plan a move without disrupting your job, and what to consider if you’re still commuting, working remotely, or balancing your move around PTO. Plus, we’ll share how to make sur...