Downsizing Your Life

I remember the morning 13+ years ago when I woke up still in Brazil thanks to lingering jet lag. I had just spent a beautiful Christmas with my son and his wife in Cumbuco, Brazil. Spending a week by a sparkling beach in a simple and minimalist flat…

One thing to remember for all second home types is the “double up” situation. This means the homeowner has the responsibility of ownership for two homes. Whether it’s do-it-yourself or hired out, there is more effort to maintaining two homes…

Who could have guessed that the cathartic process of purging and decluttering one woman’s home one drawer, one closet, one room at a time could change the direction and trajectory of life forever? What began as an attempt to help…

The journey to simplify my life has taken many detours over the past few years. After moving from London to Switzerland in July 2013, I put all my energy and passion into launching a new business, Sixty and Me. It has now grown into a community…

When we put together a list of things we want to experience in our lives before we die, there is one thing that is often included. Many people long for a portrait of themselves – painted with something long-lasting and memorable – oils, watercolors or pastels…

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the popularity of second homes jumped due to low mortgage interest rates and the surge in working remotely. Higher rates have dampened the mortgage market, but the interest in second homes continues as people…

When I was a kid, watching old family slides was an event. Dad would drag out the slide projector, a screen would be erected and popcorn would be made. Every new slide would bring a shared memory, a laugh and an occasional snide remark…

Throughout the prior installments of this Sixty and Me blog series, I’ve covered the many facets of deciding to move later in life and how to prepare. Once you’ve moved, how do you adjust to your new living quarters and community?

Downsizing is always a personal journey. For older women, in particular, the downsizing lifestyle involves a major shift in mindset. We don’t just have a few things here and there to throw away. We have a lifetime of memories and purchases…

We read a book, the news or our partner’s mind. What if we started reading our home’s story, the message between the lines and pages of its history, between the nooks and crannies of walls, furniture and other „stuff“ that surrounds us every day…