Lately, my husband and I have been quietly working on a plan one that feels both practical and hopeful. We’ve decided to downsize our living space, not by moving out, but by transforming part of our home into something meaningful and income-generating.
The idea is simple: we’ll rent out half of our first floor - the dining area, kitchen, and laundry space while keeping the rest of the house for ourselves. It’s a decision rooted in both wisdom and vision. Not only will it provide us with additional income, but it will also lessen the space I need to clean and maintain every day. A win-win, truly. Of course, turning this vision into reality takes work and patience.
My husband has been tirelessly focusing on the electrical lines, carefully separating the connections between what will be our private space (the second and third floors) and the rental area downstairs.
We’re keeping the front terrace and living room as a shared access area, but the hallway leading to the dining space along with a small receiving area that already has its own toilet and bath will soon be sealed off and transformed into a private, self-contained unit.
Little by little, it’s all coming together.
What excites me most is imagining who might live there someday. The space is actually perfect for a young couple starting out. It’s spacious and thoughtfully laid out—with a bedroom, living room, dining area, kitchen, laundry space, and its own toilet and bath. There’s even room for motorbike parking, which makes it even more practical.
While my husband works on the technical side of things, I’ve been doing my part too. Recently giving our overhead cabinets a fresh coat of varnish. It may seem like a small detail, but it’s part of the bigger picture we’re building together.
This project isn’t just about making space it’s about creating stability for our future. The added income will help support us financially and, in many ways, serve as a stepping stone toward our retirement plans. Since basically we are like empty nesters now. After our son graduate from College, He will make his own way Into the world. Finding and building a life for himself.
We’re aiming to have everything ready by June. It’s an ambitious timeline, especially since my husband is doing all the work himself but we believe in the beauty of “slowly but surely.” tiring, yes it will be since I will be climbing up and down bringing all our stuff up. Imagining it now just makes me want to hire someone to do it all but hey where's the hardwork in it and the value. It would be great for my legs, exercise!😩🥴
Once the downstairs is ready, we’ll begin our next transition which is moving up to the third floor. Right now, it’s mostly a drying area for our laundry and a storage space for our extra things. But soon, it will become our new living space. We have to begin somewhere and while we still have the strength to do them.
My golden body isn't functioning that easily while I was in my 30's and 40's. Feeling those aches at night now😅
It will take another round of adjustments and effort, moving everything from downstairs and reimagining that upper floor into a cozy home. But I’m actually looking forward to it. There’s something peaceful about that space, especially with its lovely view of our neighbors’ homes nestled along the mountainside.
This journey we’re on it’s not rushed, not perfect, but it’s full of intention.
We’re building something not just for today, but for the years ahead. And in every wire fixed, every wall built, and every cabinet polished, I see a future that we are creating together one step at a time.
Hope you enjoyed reading my post.
Remember, you can do anything as long as you put your heart and soul into it.
