Sometimes less IS more. At least, that’s what one home and lifestyle trend would have you believe.
A house can demand more time and money than homeowners expect. Spare bedrooms fill up with things nobody uses, the yard needs another afternoon of work, and there’s always something that needs fixing. Downshifting is one way homeowners are trying to change that.
Here’s what downshifting means, how it’s different from downsizing, and whether it can actually save money.
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What Downshifting Means and How to Get Started at Home
Downshifting is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s a decision to slow things down a bit, spend less, and get rid of some of the things that take up too much time or space around the house.
Permaculture writer David Holmgren covers the idea in his book RetroSuburbia, which describes downshifting as “a conscious choice and action to shift to a lifestyle with less consumption, complexity, stress and status seeking.” The idea is to make everyday life a little easier to manage, whether that’s by cutting expenses or having fewer responsibilities.
It sounds a lot like downsizing, but the two aren’t quite the same. Downsizing usually means moving to a smaller house or getting rid of belongings. Downshifting doesn’t necessarily involve moving at all.
One family might trade a large house for a smaller place that needs less maintenance. Another might stay right where they are, stop buying things they don’t need, or spend less time working on the house.
Homeowners can start by looking at what’s taking up the most time or money. Maybe that’s a garage full of things that haven’t been used in years, or a spare bedroom that’s become a storage room. Clearing out those spaces can mean less to clean and look after.
Other changes can be pretty small, too. Borrowing a tool instead of buying one, fixing furniture rather than replacing it, or starting a small vegetable garden are all examples. The Environmental Protection Agency also recommends buying less and reusing things to help reduce waste.
Even looking for ways to lower utility bills, like sealing drafty windows or keeping up with heating and cooling maintenance, can be part of downshifting.
How Downshifting Can Affect Household Expenses and Daily Life
One reason people consider downshifting is to save money. Buying fewer things and using less energy can certainly help, but moving to a smaller home doesn’t automatically mean smaller bills.
“New homeowners are often surprised by the costs of owning property,” according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The agency recommends putting together a budget that includes property taxes, insurance, repairs, and other expenses beyond the mortgage.
There are some practical things to consider, too. A smaller house might not have enough room for a growing family, and moving farther away could mean a longer commute. Even growing vegetables or repairing things around the house takes time.
Still, for some households, having fewer things to pay for and maintain can leave more time for family, hobbies, or just enjoying the house they already have.
And that’s really the point of downshifting. It doesn’t have to mean selling a house or getting rid of everything. Sometimes it’s as simple as deciding the house doesn’t need another project or another piece of furniture.
Sources
- David Holmgren, “RetroSuburbia: The Downshifter’s Guide to a Resilient Future, book overview and chapter resources”
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “What You Can Do About Climate Change: Waste”
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, “Figure Out How Much You Want to Spend”
The post What’s Downshifting? The Trend That’s Helping Homeowners Do More With Less appeared first on Family Handyman.
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