On this week’s podcast we sit down with Dana and Steve Miller of the blog House*Tweaking to talk honestly about the realities of downsizing. They made the unusual choice to move into a smaller home at the same time their family was growing, and they shared how that decision helped them meet financial goals, simplify daily life, and focus on family priorities — while also admitting the trade-offs and challenges that came with it. We also recount a memorable (and very strange) morning we spent together, debate when it makes sense to buy a tool versus renting one, and Sherry offers a speedy tip for fixing dents and scratches in wood furniture.
You can download this episode from iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, and TuneIn Radio — or listen to the episode using the player below. Use this page to find any links, notes, or photos we mentioned. If you’re reading in a feed reader, you may need to click through to the post to see the player.
What’s New
Over the years we’ve leaned on rented tools for several larger jobs where owning a specialized tool didn’t make sense. Renting can save money, storage space, and upkeep, and it’s often the most practical choice if you only need the tool for a single project. Below are a few examples from our own projects:
- We rented a demolition hammer to remove an old tile floor during a bathroom renovation.
- We rented an auger — in fact, we needed it twice — to dig holes for deck footings.
- We rented a pressure washer to clean our home’s exterior before painting and sealing.
- We rented a floor nailer to install hardwoods in our bonus room.
At the same time, there are specialty tools we do own and use repeatedly. For example, we have a wet saw we rely on for bathroom tile work and plan to use for many future renovations. Owning that tool made sense for us because of the frequency and scale of the projects.
If you’re curious about sensory isolation or “floating,” we mention a place we visited and a summary page about the benefits. We included those references because the visit became part of a funny, unexpected morning we describe on the episode — but the photos are the real show-stealers.
Creepy selfie alert in 3…2…1… (yes, we got to wear purple ear plugs)
What’s Not
In this episode we also touch on curb appeal and exterior projects that add value to a home. Sherry referenced an infographic summarizing the top exterior improvements for resale value, and we shared a selection of DIY projects we’ve completed over the years that boosted our home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank. Here are a few favorites:
- Installing DIY landscape lighting to highlight walkways and plantings.
- Staining and sealing an older deck to refresh and protect the wood.
- Adding window boxes for instant charm and seasonal color.
- Building a pergola to create shade and architectural interest.
- Painting the front door a bold, fun color to improve first impressions.
- Plus many more projects in our outside/home improvement archives.
Dana Miller
Dana and Steve share their projects and process at House*Tweaking. Their blog features thoughtful before-and-after stories, space-saving ideas, and practical lessons from renovating, flipping, and running short-term rentals. On the show they talk about downsizing, the financial benefits they gained, and how those choices changed family routines and priorities. We also mention some of their Airbnb properties and trips that showcase creative layouts and design solutions.
- Follow Dana and Steve at their blog and on Instagram to see recent projects and design details.
- Read their posts on downsizing and financial planning to understand the mindset behind their move and how they prioritized space and budget.
- Browse their short-term rental posts for inspiring ways to design compact, memorable stays.
We’re Digging
For quick fixes on wood floors and furniture, we’ve used stain markers for years. Two tones we reach for often are Golden Oak and Ebony, and they come in a wide range of other colors to match many finishes. These markers are an easy, inexpensive way to camouflage scratches and small nicks without refinishing an entire piece.
Also, don’t overlook experience-based discounts on deal sites if you’re looking for local classes, activities, or services. You might find a good deal on something you’d enjoy trying — and sometimes those experiences make for great stories on the podcast.
Psst — looking for something we mentioned in a past episode? We keep a master list of topics and products we’ve discussed so you can quickly find the show notes that matter most.
Visit DIYZ.com/YHL to learn more or download the app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, then search for YHL to find videos of a few five-step projects we tackled.
*This post contains affiliate links*