...and then it was 2026!
- Cindy Murphy
- Dec 28, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Episode #10: Looking ahead to 2026.
This week, the "Living Smaller & Loving It!" blog is examining New Year's resolutions and how they play a role in downsizing.
Where did 2025 go? Any thoughts?
This year seemed to fly by. We were living it, then we weren't, and now here we are in 2026. It is said that the older you get, the faster the years go by. I'm buying into this because I believe it's true...how about you?
With every new year, there are new "I'm going to's...", you know, the changes we're going to make in our lives for the better, from fewer carbs to more walking, to better sleep, to more time with family and friends. Our lists can go on and on, but in the end, we are personally responsible for our goals and any lasting changes. We're driving the bus.
R E S O L U T I O N S. (a.k.a. GOALS)
The eleven-letter word that can create a potential pathway to success through solo accountability. When we write our resolutions, there's no one looking over our shoulders, and that's the way it should be. Accountability and outcome are up to us.
So, as you think about your 2026 goals (or resolutions), be honest about what you want to achieve. Are the things on your list doable? Are you determined?
Try keeping your list to the top 3 to 5 most important things to you, the things you've been considering and maybe even struggling with for a while. Too-long a list can cause stress, which can eventually lead to giving up, exactly what you don't want. Start with a simple, clear list, turn those "wants" into a plan, and refine it as needed. Manageability is key and holding yourself accountable will help you make your goals happen. Here's to 2026!
New Year's Resolution Facts (I've personally been there and done many!)
On Success:
Approximately 9% of Americans keep their resolutions throughout the year.
Nearly a third abandon goals in January, and over 60% quit by February.
Only 25% stay committed for 30 days.
Reasons for Failing:
Resolutions often remain aspirations rather than ingrained habits.
People try to change too much too fast.
No clear plan or small, actionable steps to build a routine.
Initial excitement fades, leaving little to sustain the effort.
How to Increase Your Chances:
Make the goal specific. Example: turn "exercise more" into "walk 15 minutes, three times a week".
Create a routine. Identify cues and rewards to build new behaviors.
Prepare for setbacks. Expect bumps in the road and have a plan to get back on track.
Source: Internet, AI
"Living Smaller and Loving It!" in 2026.
In 2025, we helped many people successfully downsize (whether or not they moved). The reasons for downsizing varied, of course, but a common theme among them was a strong desire to eliminate the excess in their homes (and lives).
They:
identified the issue,
made a decision, committed, and believed in their success,
put a plan in place with specific attainable goals, and
followed through to the end.
If living a smaller, more manageable, and rewarding life through downsizing is on your radar for 2026, we wish you success! To support you and your downsizing journey, we're sharing links to past blog posts below that you may find helpful.
Committing to the process and the work involved requires significant desire and dedication. Achieving the downsizing results you want takes patience and strong determination, so take a deep breath and prepare yourself; it won't happen overnight. Please take a minute to visit our blog post: Decide. Commit. Believe. Achieve.
Making a plan and setting goals. Without a plan, your progress may be haphazard, with frequent task-hopping, which can cause frustration throughout the process—starting and stopping, shifting gears, and jumping from one task (or room) to another without completing what you started. These and other obstacles can easily derail progress. The key is to stay focused even when something comes up that tries to knock you off course. Developing the best plan for you and your work style will keep you moving toward your goals. Remember, plans can be adjusted to fit your situation, especially if circumstances change along the way. See our blog post on setting goals and creating a plan: Making a Downsizing Plan.
Sorting and paring down your belongings is by far the most time-consuming and often most challenging step in the downsizing process. Room by room, drawer by drawer, closet by closet, sorting through and making decisions about your belongings isn't easy. It's the step that forces you to be honest about your excess stuff and your relationship to it. Success will come with patience and a realistic (truthful) mindset. If you are unsure where to begin this step in the downsizing process, using the "The 5 Sorting Categories" approach may help. Knowing what to do with your belongings as you sort is key and keeps the ball moving forward. Because this step takes time, be sure to schedule enough time to complete it.
Below are links to past blog posts that cover the 5 Sorting Categories:
Recycle and Trash. (At the bottom of the "Sell" page.)
If you're NOT moving.
Many people have no desire to move, but they've grown tired of their existing decor and would like a fresh look...something new and different. Sorting, paring down, and rethinking the "old" in pursuit of a new look, can be exciting. We enjoy helping our clients design a new home environment and often incorporate many of their existing furnishings and decor into their newly redesigned spaces. It's always fun to reimagine spaces and the possibilities. Click here to discover the many ways we can help in your downsizing journey.
PAST BLOG POSTS, CATCHING UP...
Episode #1: Hello! "Living Smaller & Loving It!" BLOG kickoff.
Episode #2: Making the decision and commitment to downsizing and living a simpler life with fewer possessions.
Episode #3: Making a PLAN. Whether planning a move or staying in your current home, the importance of setting goals and creating a personalized plan tailored to your specific downsizing scenario.
"The 5 Sorting Categories" Series -- Keep. Family & Friends. Donate. Sell. Trash/Recycle.
Episode #4: The importance of "you" and keeping (within reason) the things that have special meaning for you.
Episode #5: Gifting loved, but unwanted items, to family and friends.
Episode #6: Donate. Donate. Donate—the different donation scenarios and some local options in Kansas City.
Episode #7: The final episode of "The 5 Categories" Series--Selling, recycling, and trash.
Episode #8: The downsizing process steps.
Episode #9: Stories, Snippets, and Shares. Our newest web page.
from Downsizing Simplified, "Living Smaller & Loving It!"
Our newest web page, "Stories, Snippets, & Shares" debuted on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
The next page update will be early January and feature an interview with a daughter and her recent journey with downsizing her mother from an independent living apartment to an assisted living apartment.
There's a lot of shared personal insight here, so please check back...
-how to make things a little easier for your children and,
-handling those tough downsizing decisions for your parent (and you).
Please like, comment, share, and subscribe; we appreciate your support.
Click here to explore the website, send a message, give us a call, or schedule a free consultation.
Visit and join our Facebook Group: Downsizing Simplified Living Smaller & Loving It! | Facebook
© Living Smaller & Loving It! Downsizing Simplified, 2026
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