Bye Bye McMansions Please

The McMansion trend is finally reversing. I read this article by Steve Brown in the Dallas Morning News http://http//www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/classifieds/news/homecenter/realestate/stories/DN-homesizes_22bus.ART0.State.Edition1.3cf8490.html
A 400 square foot average reduction is size is huge! While growing up my family and I lived in a 1,300 square foot tudor and we were quite happy. When traveling to other countries it becomes clear to me that our "standards" of size and proportion are not simimlar to the rest of the world.

New tiny kitchen

This is what I am calling a " murphy table". We had it painted white. Just enough room for a coffee maker.

Photos of the new place

This is what it looks like so far. New bed isn't here yet. We kept our favorite art. That table serves as the computer table, bedside table, and dining table.

First night in the new place

Tonight will be the first night in the new place. I still have the old place. We decided to keep it to allow ourselves to change our mind. It is not failure to change your mind. It also allows us to slowly move the items we need and get rid of others. I have away my giraffe head to my friend Keith and he has also agreed to take possession of some of my favorite art for safe keeping.

Small Bathroom

Who knew I had 14 partially used bottles of lotion. 9 various hair products. 4 body washes. 3 different sets of shampoo and conditioner. No more. From now on, I will only keep one item of each. The upside is that Iwill stick with what I really like. I have been holding on to all this crap because I would use it someday. Well someday is here and it wasn't used. Only items I have actually been using will be making the move.

Final choice on the new Bed

I have searched the Internet and world over for the right bed for this space. I made a trip to Ikea. Pictured is a pottery barn bed. I have looked for other alternatives but I am now convinced this is the best for the value on the market right now. I also looked into having one made and the cost was almost the same if I used hardwood. The good thing about this bed is that it completely eliminates the need for one dresser. We are choosing a queen since it is literally 16 inches more narrow than a king. Since one side of the bed will be agaisnt the wall we will store out of season clothes in those baskets.

Financial benefits of downsizing (none yet for me)

The paint is done and the new frig is in. Six months ago my dad moved in with us. For the past 6 months we have been virtually living in the bedroom. This has helped me realized I can be happy in less space. The efficiency apartment was originally for him. We have managed to find a fabulous assisted living facility for him. This leaves me with the luxury of moving downstairs without having to purge everything first. Dish network came. Can't live without the satellite. I have yet to experience the financial gain of downsizing. Actually it has cost me money thus far. I asked my housekeeper to give me a quote on the new space. She quoted the same price!!! I know she needs the money, I am thinking of offering her the same price for twice a week. I will keep you posted.
Mortgage/rent is not the only financial benefit of downsizing; there is a trickle down effect. Here are the other savings
1) less utilities
2) reduced house cleaning expense
3) money saved on shopping to fill the space
4) less environmental impact
5) increased consciousness of clothes shopping (no unlimited closet space)
6)less taxes

Huge Dinning Table

This is my current dining table. I love it. It can seat 10. We have probably used it 6 times in the last year. I will be taking this table with the matching chairs to the office to be used as a conference table.

No not crazy

I have had several good friends tell me my move is crazy; that I don't "have" to live like this. To me, I see it as I have the freedom to "get" to live like this. The thought of getting rid of the clutter and "stuff" feels like a relief to me. I am very lucky to have a man in my life that is willing to go on this ride with me with very little complaint. His only requirement is that we keep the 52" flat screen TV. Today we went to Fry's and purchased a new frig for the apartment. We needed one that is only 67 inches high since I am reconfiguring the appliances. The painting is almost finished. New photos coming soon. I will be having a big SALE. The only thing I own that I will miss is my art. I have collected some really cool art that needs a good home. I have been reading some other blogs I am wanting to share on this site and haven't figured out how yet.

The Big Move

I own a triplex in Old East Dallas. It is a great historical building. It actually won a preservation award by Preservation Dallas. I have been living in the best unit which is 1,700 square feet. Recently, my efficiency apartment came open. I have always loved that space and have secretly desired to live in it. For the past year I have been reading other blogs about decor and small living such as ......I am also a big fan of Apartment Therapy. I made the decision to move into the efficiency. Once I rent out my current unit the rental income will cover the mortgage payment on this building. This move along with selling the car will free up about $1,800 per month.

Step One The Car

The first step was getting rid of the car payment. I drove a 2007 FJ cruiser. I purchased it new and financed it for 3 years. The payments were $554.00 per month. It had $8,000 equity. I sold the car and paid $8,000 for a new car. I am very happy with the result! It doesn't even feel like a sacrifice. I now own a 2007 PT Cruiser with 21k miles. The gas milage is about double the old car and it looks and feels new. Prior to this I had owned 3 red mercedes in a row. When I bought the Toyota it was a move from materialism. Why do I need to drive a Mercedes?

Getting Started

Wow, this is my first blog and who knew it was so easy. I am taking a journey of simple living. By choice. I am an attorney. I make a good living but have lately felt like my things were owning me instead of me owning them. I am taking a journey of Simple Living. Come along for the Ride