Monday Musing 53 | I'm DOWNSIZING!

[@AutumnBeckman]

The bit of condo we got to see looks lovely. Our living spaces are about the same size now! It's hard to imagine you in such a small space (relative to your house) but it sounds like you're really enjoying it. Thanks for showing my card. I'm looking forward to seeing the videos you described and to what becomes of your handbag collection.

[@JillMaurer]

I love that our spaces are about the same size. I've always enjoyed seeing bits of your lovely apartment, and you seem to be in an ideal location. I am definitely enjoying the smaller space. It has everything I want and nothing I don't. Loved your Christmas card! I'm curious about my handbag collection too. I like the idea of only having a few bags, but at the same time I love most of the bags I have. I really want to have an organized closet and don't want my clothes and accessories leaking into spaces outside of my room. This will be a challenge. I have my first meeting with a closet designer this morning to start exploring my options. We'll see how it goes! xoxo

[@KraftyPaws]

What a wonderful share about the thought process of why you decided to downsize. So helpful! Super smart. TFS hugs Kristina

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Kristina! It's been a major change, and I'm loving it!! xoxo

[@annmark9150]

Welcome back Jill! You have been missed big time. Congratulations on selling your house & downsizing. What a busy time you’ve had - whew! Selling; packing; moving; buying all in 3 weeks time. Have a glass of wine (& one for me also). XXOO

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you for the warm welcome Ann! It has been a busy time, and I'm not settled yet. I still work on it some every day. I'll get there, and I will definitely enjoy some wine for the both of us! xoxo

[@LifeofMC]

When you talked about downsizing, i was thinking about your luxury items too. Lol! I'm glad you found what you're looking for and hope you continue to do the things you enjoy. Have fun always! xoxo

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you darling! I will be downsizing my luxury collection as well!! xoxo

[@ginkat1318]

So wonderful to see a new video. What a delightful surprise to see you have moved into a new phase of life. Im looking forward to videos of your new adventures.

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you! This has been a wonderful way to start the new decade! xoxo

[@OceanluvOC]

When the kids left our nest we downsized from a 6200 square foot home to a two bedroom townhouse on the golf course 2 miles from the coast. I have so much stuff in storage and sold a lot of the furniture. It took awhile to get used but a relief as it’s far less upkeep! Good to see you back! ♥️

[@JillMaurer]

Wow! You made an even bigger transition than I did! I vowed to have nothing in storage. It was tough, but I sold most of my furniture. In fairness though my house had so many built ins that I didn't have as much furniture as most houses that size would. We are both happy members of the downsized life! xoxo

[@michelesalter9564]

Condo life is fabulous! I owned a condo in my hometown in Washington State for 23 years, then met and married my husband, moved to Salem Oregon and we bought a condo here. I have JUST got done serving my last year as Treasurer on the condo Board. In fact that is what I have been busy with the last few months, wrapping up, re-organizing archives and completing the year end and 2020 budget. This will be my first week of not having these responsibilities and I feel free and kind of lost at the same time. I need to go back and catch up on your videos. So excited for 2020 for you and cheers to your new home! Monday Musing Hugs xxoo!

[@JillMaurer]

Wow you have been busy Michele! I am so on board with condo life. No outside walls, roof, or huge yard to maintain. I am fortunate to have about 100 square feet of patio/garden area to myself. I adore my neighbors and already have dear friends here. It's wonderful! After your busy few months you are fortunate to have the space to take a breath and decide how you would like to spend your time! xoxo

[@Bobster992]

It’s so wonderful to see another video from you Jill! As others have said, from what we can see of your new space it looks very nice. So excited to see more videos from you in the future, and welcome back! We all have missed you very much! Can’t wait for your next video!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Bobby! I've still got a lot of work to do, but it will be perfect for me eventually. Thank you for the warm welcome back!! xoxo

[@YotaStyle]

Now you deserve to go to some exotic beach and drink Margarita's! I will say again, I don't see how you ever did a video a week for an entire year! I see that you are a time in your life that you will be able to enjoy traveling. (exotic beaches) My house is almost 5K square feet and I could never handle this on my own, so I understand completely. We actually use almost every square foot of this place but again it is two of us and not just me. I am happy for you Jill! I love the decor of your condo Jill, just lovely and so you! Happy to see you back and looking forward to seeing you regularly! I am doing two video's a week this week and so far so good! XO

[@JillMaurer]

I'm definitely looking forward to some travel when I get everything settled here. Thank you so much for the warm welcome and great job on two videos this week!! xoxo

[@ml6820]

How exciting! Can’t wait to see the upcoming videos and what’s in store! :)

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you so much! It's good to be back!! xoxo

[@gregbromley152]

Congratulations on your move Jill. It's an emotionally draining experience for most of us I feel. Once you're done unpacking and "at home" in your condo I'm sure you'll feel great about it.

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Greg. I know I will. There is still a lot to fix and work to do, but I will get there. Thank you for your words of support! xoxo

[@melikeetoo]

WOW!! That is not what I expected to hear. Honestly pictured you relaxing and taking in your accomplishment!! A new yet familar space sounds exciting! Looking forward to all you have planned! Many hugs to you Jill!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you so much! Unfortunately relaxing wasn't on the agenda, but the good news is that big changes are!! xoxo

[@dayle5101]

Congratulations on managing such a huge change with such grace and optimism. I’m looking forward to seeing your stories and how you adjust to this fabulous new lifestyle

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you so much Dayle!! xoxo

[@fabulousirene]

How are you darling? Glad to see you. What a wonderful decision you have made. I am opposite but I also realize now how much more time I spend on cleaning house every week . Thank You so much for sharing your life updates. Have a wonderful week❤️

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Irene! I'm exhausted and exhilarated! You still have young children which makes all the difference. I started wanting to downsize as my boys got older. It made a big difference not only in the amount of space I no longer needed but also in the time that I didn't need to be in the house. It's one thing to spend time in a home with your family. It's another to spend time there just because you need to maintain it. I wanted to turn my focus on other things and spend less time taking care of my house and land. When your children are older you may feel the same and you may not. Only time will tell! xoxo

[@emilypound]

So nice to see your smiling face again! Congrats on selling the house and moving. Looking forward to the tour, the bits and pieces we got to see of your gorgeous house were so tantalizing lol. I'm sure the total reveal will be spectacular. I need to declutter as well, looking forward to seeing videos about that from you as well. It does feel very freeing to let go of stuff. Welcome back!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you for the warm welcome Emily! My dramatic decluttering was a shock to the system, but I welcomed it. It will continue. Enjoy your decluttering! xoxo

[@SabrinaShekofteh]

Love Love Love your hair, so beautiful darling!! xoxo

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you so much!! xoxo

[@smscrapper]

Welcome back Jill! Happy New Year! Wow I can’t believe you moved at the end of the year in the mist of all the videos and craziness of the season. You must be exhausted! I missed ya! Congrats on selling your house, and hope you enjoy making your condo just what you want it to be. Looking forward to your videos this year!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you for the warm welcome back Sharon! Yes it started on December 15 which is the birthday of one of my sons. There was Christmas, New Years, selling the house, moving, setting up the new condo, AND a video every day. It was a lot! I'm looking forward to starting 2020 fresh!! xoxo

[@WilMikahson]

Hey Jill!!! Congratulations on moving back into the condo. Is such a lovely thing to start off the new year in a new space, literally and figuratively. I can’t wait to see the videos that you mentioned regarding your old place and hopefully the new condo. Take your time settling in and enjoy your your space. Thanks so much for the update. Xoxo

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Wil! It has been quite the change. Things are taking longer to come together with the condo than I had hoped, but I'm loving it! xoxo

[@Chicprofessor]

What a change! Good luck during this busy time! know it will feel much more manageable once the dust settles :)

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Jessica! Yes it's overwhelming at the moment, but it will be a good move for me and I will eventually be much more relaxed. xoxo

[@OxanaLV]

Congratulations on your new condo!!!!!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Oxana! xoxo

[@girlabee]

Oh wow, what a move! And here I am trying to make the opposite move: into a big house haha. Though the many moves I've made in my life have been annoying, I have appreciated the decluttering that comes every time.

[@JillMaurer]

Ha! We are in different stages of life. I'm so happy to be living simpler, and I am sure you will love your larger home! xoxo

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I hope you have a gala time in your new home.

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Daniel!! xoxo

[@MyfavoritesWithMaggie]

Omg Jill, how stressful! You’re amazing that you did so many videos when you were moving. It’s amazing that you went from such as big house to a smaller space! Looking forward to seeing your new chapter in life! ❤️❤️

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you! It was very stressful, but I just couldn't ruin my streak during the home stretch. So happy I accomplished my goal! xoxo

[@MyfavoritesWithMaggie]

Jill Maurer 👍👍👍

[@YosheaLux]

Good for you!!! Downsizing gets crazy!!! Yet moving!!! Good to see your back!! Happy 2020!!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you for the warm welcome back Deleen!! xoxo

[@Trixstien]

Hay Jill, didn't know that you wear back till I saw your bag video, stupid KZbin. Anyway, I'm glad that you are back from your break and that your location move went well. New place is looking awesome, and as an artist, I would love to see those paintings you were talking about. Also full respect to your father for serving in the forces :)

[@JillMaurer]

KZbin is funny that way. If you hit the notification bell it should help, but it may not always. Thanks so much! I haven't looked at the footage from my house yet, but most of my paintings should show up there. I hope so! xoxo

[@lesliecraven3087]

Goodness gracious what a year you had. I hope you are settled in soon and find your routine. I’ve just recently picked up a pair of Kieselstein-cord sombrero earrings. I thought maybe you would know more about the designer than I do look forward to a Vlog sale maybe ? take care wonderful to have you back

[@JillMaurer]

It was quite the year! And it feels nice to be starting the new decade completely fresh. I love Kieselstein-cord! I especially love the bags and belts that have sterling silver hardware. My favorite is the bag with the alligator head clasp and alligator feet for feet. The jewelry is beautiful too. Congratulations on you earrings!! xoxo

[@AndrisWorld]

Welcome back x

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you so much Andri! xoxo

[@PiperAddy]

OMG I'm so jealous! Decluttering/downsizing is one of my favorite things. I'm going to be doing some of that soon too. Looking forward to your edit videos. Congrats on your house sale!

[@JillMaurer]

Yay! It's been building in me for a long time that I wanted to do it so I was ready. I found it much easier to let things go than I thought. I felt a bit freer with each thing that left the house. It's been a wonderful experience! xoxo

[@elizabethfclark03]

Moving sucks! When I separated from my husband almost 3 years ago I moved from a 3200 sq ft house with 5 bedroom and 3 1/2 baths into a 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment (approximately 900 sq ft). I was overwhelmed with the amount of “stuff” I had to deal with. I look forward to sharing more videos of your progress!

[@JillMaurer]

That was quite the change Elizabeth! I went through a divorce too, and it can all be so overwhelming. Thank you! I will definitely be sharing!! xoxo

[@rickmoss8466]

Congratulations. December seemed to be the month for big changes for both of us. You look very happy.. Happy New Year's..

[@JillMaurer]

Oh I look forward to hearing about your changes Rick! xoxo

[@abigailhortencia5901]

A bless 2020 and all the best in your new living space make it home💞

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Abigail! You are so kind!! xoxo

[@TabbyViolet]

Thank you so much for the update! Wishing you the best in this “downsizing” time and look forward to the videos that go with it. Sounds like an exciting time for travel and new adventures :). I actually have been contemplating downsizing as well to 5 or so pieces, but we’ll see how that goes. I feel now less is more and yes more freedom to not worry about the house or bags or things in it :) I have always enjoyed your videos!

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you Tabby! It's been a journey, and it will continue. I've enjoyed watching your transition of taste in bags that has seemed to accompany your move. Less is definitely more! xoxo

[@tvaud]

Welcome back! You were missed. I had no idea you were moving on top of everything else going on in your life. OMG! How are you still standing? Looking forward to future videos, especially ones involving travel. Have you thought about where you might be headed? I’m happy you are back with us.😊

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you for the warm welcome! I kept the move quiet because I didn't want to jinx the sale of my home. I'm not sure where I'm traveling but am definitely looking to get away. I'm open to ideas. Where do you think I should visit? xoxo

[@tvaud]

Why not start with Europe? London...Paris...Venice...a Mediterranean cruise or a river cruise. If you want something laid back, maybe a Caribbean island or Tahiti & Bora Bora or Bali. What do you like to do when you travel? Quite a few of my friends went on African safaris this year. I’d hold off on Australia until the fires are under control though.

[@JillMaurer]

@@tvaud All great ideas! I love Europe and the Caribbean. I also love Asia. I've never been to South America other than Aruba. Africa sounds amazing. There are so many places I'd like to go. I'll have to narrow it down! xoxo

[@athenasizemore6272]

Welcome back Jill! I've been thinking a lot about downsizing the last year. I love my home and the idea is so overwhelming. How did you decide a condo was the perfect option for you?

[@JillMaurer]

Thank you for the warm welcome Athena! I wasn't sure the condo was going to be the perfect option for me. Honestly I think I'd enjoy living in Durham even more than Raleigh. But I already owned the condo and had renovated it to my taste so I decided to move in and see what I think. So far I'm truly loving it. xoxo

[@athenasizemore6272]

@@JillMaurer I can't wait to see how you feel in a few months. Ha! Somehow you have given me more confidence to make a move. Thanks so much for responding Jill.

[@pinkandpink4577]

I understand your reasons. But I will miss your MCM home 😭 Would you consider implementing your "10k for bags for the rest of your life" tag video list of handbags to downsize your collection?

[@JillMaurer]

I understand Mandi. I loved my MCM home too! Interesting. I should go back and look at that video. I would definitely love the Kelly!! xoxo

[@pinkandpink4577]

@@JillMaurer I purchased two Davis & Whiting bags based solely on that video, lol!