Hello there friends! Today I am sharing and documenting here a new chapter my husband and I will be closing and opening a new. Many of you have been here with me for 10 years, have watched my boys grown up and read many of my stories.
Empty nest syndrome
Our youngest son Jack will be graduating from High School in just a few short months. It’s bitter sweet in many aspects. We are proud of the young men our boys have become and it’s been an absolute joy to see them flourish and pursue their passions in life. I have told myself for the past few years that if God took me today, I would die happy and fulfilled. I was given the best gift of my life and I can honestly say I have made the most of it. However, I don’t plan on leaving any time soon (God willing).
Now that my husband and I will be empty nesters, it will be our time to continue our next chapter of life. I have been blessed as well with my best friend in life and an awesome marriage. Don’t get me wrong, we have had our highs, lows and struggles like most couples have. Never once though through the years had I ever considered throwing in the towel. As I have told Mike many times, he is stuck like a truck HA!
So where am I going with all this mumble jumble? Well, it’s time to simplify our lives and consider a down size. We will be slowly making that transition into a condo in Charleston. We fell in love with Charleston the first time we ever visited. There is something very magical and special about that city.
The full transition will not be for a while. Mike just can’t quit his career and job of 22 years, although I so wish he could. It is a very stressful job and the man needs the nerves of steel and patience. He does have all those requirements, hence, how he has made it that long!
Even though I was able to be a stay at home Mom, I have always found a way to make extra income to help out with added expenses. I started this blog, learned to craft, stencil and decorate thrifty ways, and share all this here. This ought to come in handy when I tackled this place.
This little blog was a huge stepping stone for me. One I almost quit many of times. There is a lot of work that goes into content creation and putting yourself out there. This blog gave me the tools and the know how to create my own business and brand with Home Pressure Cooking.
So with all this said, basically I want to take y’all along with me on this next phase of life. The small condo we purchased is a super duper fixer upper. It is completely outdated. It is also very small at 1,100 sq. ft.. I just squeal in delight over that. Each building and unit are a little different. As you can see the outside is very colorful and screams Charleston. This will be our next home away from home.
Here are some before photos of the condo. Inch by inch, minute by minute this place is getting a makeover!
My plan is to go very simple in this condo. Light, bright and perhaps even some decor out of the ordinary. As you can see a very outdated kitchen. But that’s ok, I have plans:)
Plenty of windows and natural sunlight. That was important for me. This is part of the kitchen and probably where a little dinette would go. I think I am going to get a rolling butcher block cart, considering counter space is limited and I do plan on still cooking.
This back wall is where the dining space will go. Oh and see that carpet? That will be the first to go!
The small living room. Check out those original window treatments. Honestly if they are not in bad shape, I may just keep this. It will go with my out of the ordinary decor I plan on. Our decor is going to be an eclectic mix of mid modern century, hippie and colorful!
This is just one of the bedrooms. The condo is a 2/2. Two bedrooms, two baths. Here is the best part I forgot to mention. Mike and I never stepped foot in this place YET! We had been in other units on the property, but this one was not on the market while we were visiting the area. I saw the listing go up, and I jumped on the phone with my realtor. She dropped her lunch hour and went straight over to video it for me.
We fell in love with it. It ought to be exciting on closing day. Our current home was a similar situation. We never stepped in the place until our closing day, which was 13 years ago. Clearly, we are risky, crazy people!
Thanks for stopping over today. See you back in a few weeks after we close and go check out the joint!
Omgoodness, congratulations! What a journey you are starting!! It will be fun to follow along with you!!!
Thank you so much. Ought to be fun Pinky!
So excited for you! We’ve lived in the Charleston area for 14 years now and absolutely love it. Great weather and people too. There’s always something to do and new places to explore.
Good luck with the renovation.
Thank you! That is what we are truly looking forward to. Things to do, and just the whole Charleston lifestyle. It will only be a monthly thing to start, but it’s a start and we can’t wait.
Hi Debbie. I, too, live in a much smaller space than I did when I was married. My apartment is only 770 sq. ft.! A little too small, actually. It is what it is. My reason for commenting is to offer some free advice, which, I know, I know you did not ask for!!!! lol I share so much in common I think you would be surprised so here I go. First, as you down size, make darn sure you have somewhere specifically for furniture items to be placed. Draw a floor plan and use it for EVERYTHING! Furniture placement, amount of flooring needed, where to move what, etc. It will be invaluable during your journey. Also keep a color chart. You are like me in the way that you carry color through. Remember to use different hues of the same colors too. Don’t be afraid to use large pieces of furniture in small spaces. Depending, it can really define a space. I could go on, however, these are some of the first things I would suggest. I was a professional interior designer for many, many years and these are some of the things most important to me when working with a downsizing client. Keep us in the loop! I hope I didn’t overstep! Enjoy your ride, most of all!
That is fantastic advise Linda, and NO you did not over step what-so-ever! I appreciate your insight. Thank you. xoxo I will for sure keep y’all in the loop.
Geeze your just like my sister as she was living in Arizona and bought a home in Tennessee she had never stepped a foot in…but she is making it her own now. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new place.
Can’t wait to see all the changes you will make it will be awesome to see a new adventure on the horizon ❤️
Thanks Mom! I can’t wait for our good times ahead! xoxox
The next step in your life’s journey, so totally exciting. Wishing you all the fun and happiness! Can’t wait to see all your great decorating ideas! It sure is going to be amazing. Charleston what a magical place, it so fits you! Enjoy!
Love, Ruth ?
Thank you Ruth! xoxox
Congratulations on your new place. I do know about downsizing lot. Our first home was a 2 story cape cod with a basement. Down the road our second home was a bigger house which was 2,400 square feet. Than down the road, downsized to 1,600 square feet (was on the 2nd floor). But due to asmatha decisions to move again was made and downsized to 1,200 feet. I was always country/early American,, but with this move I did a 180 degree trun around. Since I’m not planning on moving again, I’m redoing
everything triditional. Some people think I’m a bit crazy, but I don’t. Wishing you and your husband the best of luck in your new place and please keep your blog up to date with your changes. Congratulations ?
I will! People already know we are crazy so there is no telling what exactly we are doing in this place. I just know I want it colorful and our happy place. Thank you.
Thank you Barbara!
How exciting, Debbie! Wishing you the best in your next chapter!
Thank you Linda! We are excited.
So excited for you and Mike! We lived in Mt. Pleasant for many years and loved it!
Thank you Jane:) Can’t wait.
How fun this will be. We downsized at first too, then when the children married and grands started arriving, we had to upsize again. I can’t imagine life being any better. The best is just around the corner for you two, so congrats on your new beginnings and Blessings.
Thanks Marty, yes we may down the line be in that same situation. For now, we have plenty of time. I remember your downsize than up size again lol
Congratulations! Sad to lose you as a neighbor, but excited for your adventure!
We aren’t moving yet:) Not for a while.
Oh my gosh I’m so excited for y’all!!! It’s funny how we all started on RMS with kids about the same ages, and here they are – one in college and another on the way. We still have our baby who turns 13, but wow time flies my friend. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new place!!!
Thanks Anita! RMS goes back around 12 or so years ago. It is crazy how time flies. Hold on to that baby of yours, in a blink of an eye, they are flying the coop!
Congratulations..woohoo..look forward to see what you will do..you are very inspiring❤
Thank you Melissa! I hope it all comes together like my head is telling me:)
I love your place! Hubby and I tried to downsize by using the kids’ bedrooms as an office and craft room, but lo and behold they sometimes come back! I never minded except for having their “stuff” stored in our garage so we can only get one car in our two car garage!
Thanks Gail. Yes, this may not be the forever place, but it is a foot in the door. Thanks for you visit.
Congratulations! You chose a beautiful city to call home. It’s good to have plans for when you become an empty nester.
Thank you Ricki! Nice to see you:)
How exciting! And I totally feel ya on the empty nest.
We shall get through it!
How very exciting! We downsized to a townhome 7 years ago, shortly after I found your blog. Youngest was married, all the boys were gone, and it truly was the BEST thing we ever did. . . The move was tough, 25+ years of accumulated possessions, but we did it! I know this is all going to work out for you. Can’t wait to see what you do with your new home! So happy for you and Mike!
PS. I love Savannah!
Sounds like you did the right thing! It is exciting and nerve wracking at the same time:) Thanks for your visit Judy.
Congrats! I can’t wait to see what you do with the place!
Congratulations! As I read and looked at the photos, I could feel hives
starting on my face. lol Yes, this is what happens to me when I’m faced
with change that is scary. I am so excited for others when they embrace
change with courage, but I am a wimp. I have a hard time letting go of
things I love and comforting things. I hope I can learn from you and
your wonderful followers.
Debbie
Debbie, don’t feel bad. This isn’t easy and I have had a lot of sleepless nights thinking about it all. I am very much a creature of habit. I will say though, taking risks and changes like this also excite me. If you don’t take chances in life you may be missing out on something amazing. I am not willing to risk that, for letting fear stand in my way. Part 2 coming soon.
Congratulations! Sounds so exciting! I know you will make this condo your own with your creativity!
Best wishes and good luck on your new adventure!
Congrats Debbie. Love Charleston! So looking forward to seeing what you will be doing with the condo. I admire your leap of faith!! Here’s to another chapter in your life. We just broke ground on our right sized home.
Thank you Shirley! xo
Just catching up on my reading! Congratulations Debbie! What a wonderful new chapter to start. My husband and I moved from our home of 20+ years to our condo two years ago. It was one of the best things we ever did! Makes the empty next thing a whole lot better! Enjoy this new chapter!