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Now 78 and three years intoretirement, shes got some hard-earned wisdom to share about downsizing.
Heres her take onwhy making the move earlier could have changed her retirement game.
I was house-rich and cash-poor, Ella shared.
Downsizing freed up funds she didnt realize she was sitting on.
Its not about living cheap, she shared.
Its about having options.
I can actually afford to spoil my grandkids now, which is my number one happiness.
Time Matters
Ella didnt realize how much of her life revolved around home maintenance.
Those were for cleaning gutters and touching up paint, she said.
Low maintenance by design.
Ive rediscovered hobbies Id forgotten about.
Turns out I still love watercolors and Im quite good at them.
Everyone was so busy.
Id go days without a real conversation, Ella shared.
Her new community changed that.
Its not all bingo and shuffleboard, she said.
Though we do have a pretty competitive bocce league.
The built-in social web connection has been a lifeline, especially after losing her husband two years ago.
Practical Matters
Ellas old house wasnt built with aging in mind.
Those stairs got steeper every year, she said.
Her new place is all on one level, with wider doorways and a walk-in shower.
Its freedom, really.
The Stuff Situation
Decades of accumulation made downsizing a huge project.
Frankly, I put it off because it felt overwhelming, Ella shared.
But it was actually liberating once I started.
Marie Kondo is right!
Ella gave her kids her most beloved family heirlooms and then donated truckloads.
Keep the memories, not the clutter, is her new motto.
And start before your kids have to do it for you, she added.
Ellas not pushing anyone to downsize before theyre ready.
Its a personal choice, she said.
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