On the verge of our big move to Florida, we took a final look at how downsizing and living for three weeks with almost none of our belongings changed our relationship with “stuff.” We reflect on what we miss most and why it surprised us, and we share experts’ predictions about how the pandemic might reshape home renovation and design for years to come. From new floor plan priorities to an increased interest in smart, touchless technology, the possibilities are worth considering. We also veer into an unexpected conversation about astrology, pet psychics, and whether the stars might point to where we should be living.
You can also find this episode on your favorite podcast app like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, or Spotify.
What’s New
- Check our Instagram stories for real-time updates on where we are now—Richmond, Florida, or somewhere in between.
- In the photo above you can spot our air purifier between the media cabinet and the floor lamp. It’s one of the few items Sherry misses after packing the POD because it helped her allergies. After trying a more decorative model that didn’t perform well, she researched and found a reliable unit with strong reviews. It came with two fabric covers and we use the gray one.
- Sherry has described herself as a “Maximizer” when she researches products—she prefers to explore options thoroughly rather than settling quickly. We discussed this idea more fully in a past episode about decision styles.
- We also miss our trusty printer, which would be handy right now for printing school worksheets.
- If you missed it, we filmed a final video tour of the house after packing the POD where you can see the items we sold to the new owners and the pieces we left behind, including our sentimental “wedding” mirror in the bedroom.
Note: You can also view the house tour video on YouTube.
Can We Just Talk About Astrocartography?
- I recently came across an article about astrocartography and a practitioner who uses birth time and place to map out locations on Earth where someone might feel happiest. I couldn’t find contact details for her, so if you know how to reach her, we’d love a reading.
How Will The Pandemic Change Home Renovations & Building?
- Experts suggest the pandemic could lead to long-term changes in how homes are designed and renovated. Popular ideas include prioritizing mudrooms for better entryway organization, rethinking bedroom sizes and layouts, and expanding outdoor living spaces to support health and well-being.
- We also revisited the challenge of oversized master bedrooms and shared tips for furnishing them efficiently in a prior episode. Big bedrooms can be tricky to make feel balanced and functional without wasting space.
- Another trend gaining interest is touchless kitchen technology. Motion-activated faucets and hands-free fixtures reduce contact points and feel especially relevant in a world more attuned to hygiene. Some faucet models are compatible with voice-activation kits that pair with smart home assistants.
We’re Digging
- We’ve both had time to read. For a gripping mystery thriller, try The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager. His earlier novel, Final Girls, is also a compelling read. These are enjoyable if you like tense, twist-driven stories.
- Sherry is engrossed in Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas, the first book in a new adult fantasy series. Many listeners are using extra time at home to catch up on her earlier series as well, including A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass.
- If you’re trying to remember a recommendation from a past episode, we maintain a master list of everything we’ve been “digging” across our shows, as well as a Book Club page with all our past book picks.
A note of thanks to Framebridge for sponsoring the episode. Framebridge is a convenient way to have photos, digital art, or textiles professionally framed and delivered to your home. There was a promotional offer shared in the original episode.
Thanks for listening, everyone!
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