As many of you know, we are downsizing our living space from 3800 square feet (not including the basement and attic) to under 1700 (no basement nor attic). We’ve been wanting to podcast some of the craziness going on, but honestly we are falling asleep practically at supper time. Today we spent the day at the new house working with an electrician to get things up to code, and while there I contemplated the kitchen.

 

This is my kitchen now. For a whole lot of other very pretty pictures, you can look here.

 

 

And this is where I’m going. And, yes, this is the whole kitchen. And, no, there are no cabinets. I think I counted nine drawers. And do you see those two little counters on each side of the sink? That’s my counter space.

 

 

I don’t know how it is all going to work, but I do have some ideas. I’ve decluttered and garage sale-ed and Goodwill-ed much out of my current kitchen. And I’m sure I’m still going to sit in the middle of this room with boxes everywhere wondering what I was thinking when I thought I could make those things fit. And there will be more decluttering and garage-saling and Goodwilling.

 

What’s been encouraging is hearing from people living in smaller spaces with even more people than us. One of my favorite encouragements was from a friend early on in the process; she said something like, “You could make a cardboard box look good.” 🙂

 

Well, I’m thankful I’m not in a cardboard box (and, unfortunately, there are people who are…). I think that what you really see in that second picture and what you think about it is dependent upon your view of a whole lot of things.

 

What do I see, besides the nine drawers and small counter space?

 

I see walls and a ceiling and a hardwood floor. I see a well-built home made out of lumber milled by the original builder. I see running water, electric power, appliances, and a window above the sink so I can watch the frogs at the pond while I wash dishes.

 

In downsizing, I see an opportunity to live mortgage-free. I see challenges to rise up to and problems that will need creative solutions. And I see potential in this little house and what it could do for us.

 

Have you ever thought about downsizing? I’ll share more soon!