As a resident since 2012, Cathie Brown initially moved into a one-bedroom apartment with her husband of 60-plus years. Fewer rooms mean less to maintain, and more energy for the things that actually matter. Cathie explains how letting go of extra space invited her to let go of extra stuff, extra stress, and expectations that no longer served her. She found simplicity, comfort, and a surprising sense of freedom, proof that smaller can still feel just right.

In November, I moved from a one-bedroom apartment to a studio apartment.

Moving from the apartment my husband and I shared to a smaller unit, ten years after he died, was the best idea I’ve had in a long time. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

In the ten years I stewed around, I expanded my belongings from half the space to fill the whole space. More space to fill with more stuff. In moving to a studio with less space, my brain kicked in and I had to take a hard look at what I really wanted or needed. These decisions focused on clothes, books, kitchen stuff and memorabilia. If I didn’t want items I offered the best ones to my family, daughters and grandchildren. And fortunately, the helper I hired to move me knew what to do with things I no longer wanted.

One of my better ideas was to select one book that meant a lot from our collection for each grandchild. A way of passing on the heritage.

Another critical idea was to hire Resident Margie Beal for decorating advice. Even if you think you know what you’re doing, you don’t. Margie does. That was a great decision and wonderful to have her expertise here at the Gardens.

Within the process of moving, I felt the whole Gardens community supporting my transition to a studio. One of my daughters, who has worked managing major commercial properties (including the leasing of the Wells Fargo Center on Capitol Mall in Sacramento), said she has never experienced a community responding as rapidly as they did here for my move. A Gardens staff member did a wonderful job rehanging my art collection and my family photos in my new studio home. Wow!

I love my apartment. It’s perfect for me. I have more than adequate space. I love that I have everything simplified. I can find things more easily than ever. I have a “home” for everything. The only furniture I had to buy was a twin bed.

I feel right at home. I entertain guests with the help of my small Lucite tables, one beside each guest and it works great. My patio contains a  table and chairs I purchased from a previous resident. I’m eager for spring and warm weather to spend more time on my patio. Life doesn’t get any better.

To see Cathie’s home, call to schedule a tour at 909-399-1208.