
Downsizing Myths: Busted!
Anette Targowski, Realtor
10/15/20252 min read


🏡 The Truth About Smaller Homes, Bigger Freedom, and Letting Go of the Myths that Keep You Stuck.
If I had a nickel for every time someone whispered, “You’ll regret downsizing,” I could probably buy back half the furniture we’ve helped people sell. 😄
Let’s bust some of the biggest myths about downsizing — and replace them with the truth that actually makes sense.
💥 Myth #1: Downsizing Means Giving Up
It doesn’t. It means choosing what you want to carry forward.
You’re not giving up a home; you’re giving yourself permission to enjoy one that fits your life now.
That’s not loss — that’s freedom.
I once worked with a lovely couple who moved from a sprawling farmhouse to a modern townhouse on the bay. They thought they’d miss their property… until they realized they’d gained weekends back. No more mowing, no more shoveling, no more “honey, can you fix the thing behind the shed?”
Their Saturdays went from maintenance marathons to morning coffees by the water. That’s what downsizing actually gives you.
🧳 Myth #2: You’ll Lose All Your Memories
Nope — memories aren’t tied to furniture. They live in you.
You can keep the stories without keeping the stuff. Sometimes, we even photograph or scrapbook sentimental items before letting them go — that way, the memory remains, but the clutter doesn’t.
One of my clients said it best: “I didn’t lose my mother’s dining set. I kept Sunday dinners alive — just in a smaller kitchen.”
💰 Myth #3: It’s Only for Seniors
Downsizing is not an age — it’s a mindset.
We’re seeing 40-somethings do it to travel more, retirees do it for peace of mind, and even young families do it for financial freedom.
It’s not about slowing down — it’s about finally speeding up toward the life you actually want.
🧘 Myth #4: It’s Too Emotional
Of course it is. You’re closing a chapter. But emotional doesn’t mean impossible.
When it gets hard, remember what you’re really working toward — freedom, ease, clarity. You’re not walking away from a home; you’re walking into the next one.
💡 Final Thought
Downsizing isn’t about less — it’s about more where it matters.
More time. More peace. More life.
If you’re even thinking about it, start small: declutter a closet. Then a room. Then notice how light you feel. That’s the feeling of space — and that’s what you’re creating.
