We got mostly puzzled responses when we started telling people.. "we're looking for a smaller place," This came shortly after we'd welcomed a new baby into our lives.  "Why?!" was the common response.  I know that people don't get it for the most part, but it's really not that hard to understand.  Cheaper rent, lower utility costs, less to maintain... what's not to love about that?  I think it's because the typical family moves into a bigger house when they have kids.  We took the opposite approach.  With a list of things we needed, we set out for the home that will likely be the setting of our little girl's first memories.  We found this great little place in best part of town.  (Best part for us, that is.) 

As soon as we get things in order I'll post some pics of the inside.  The problem we're facing is that we cut our square footage down by more than half of what we've been used to.  The great thing is that both of us wanted to do this.  It's been difficult at times, but we're easing into it.  I hope that we're able to really downsize on our possessions and be able to have only things that we need, and love, in our home.  Having a small child complicates things a bit. She has a lot of little things and as she grows, she'll accumulate more and more.  We're using our time here as therapy and as a learning experience for how to make the most out of what we have.  A few projects have been done, a few more to go... This area makes me enjoy being in Colorado so much that I've even said..."I think I could stay here....like, for awhile or longer".  I'm so indecisive that this could be considered forever for me.  Even if we move on I think a part of Colorado, and of this house will always live with me.  It's been a good experiment so far. 

What we did to prepare:
1. Sold at least 1/2 of our furniture.  Dining room, living room, bedroom, etc.  All of it...gone.  We needed to make room, and to make good use of our space.
2. We got a smaller drop leaf table and some stools that can be easily moved inside and out to double as our patio set.
3. We're using some small ottomans as our tables/footstools in the living room, along with a small glider rocker and a contemporary loveseat with wooden arms that takes up minimal space. 
3. Donation, donation, donation... We continue to cut back on our clothes and other items by taking trips to the local thrift store to drop of bags/boxes of things. 

Saying goodbye to things is easy when you come to a more relaxing, carefree and simple space. 

I keep telling myself, "How can I ever move to France if I have all this stuff?!"  So far, it's working.  We've got a lot of ground to cover.  So more and more to come on this subject.  -Jeff