Downsizing has never sounded so easy!
The podcast not only delivers you practical advice how to get started – topped with inspirational encouragement – but also provides lots of design and decorating tips to create a happy home and refine your new apartment lifestyle.
Additionally, you will hear from other designers and senior service professionals to support you make the right decisions at this stage in your life.
Listen – whenever you like – and be inspired to take action!
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Create A Happy Home And Refine Your New Lifestyle
All episodes:
DWS 75: What does Freedom Mean to You?
In this episode of the Downsize with Style podcast, I chat with Freedom Coach Lucille Rogers about letting go of physical stuff, emotional burden and old belief systems to return to yourself and find out what freedom means to you. Lucille and her family left their...
DWS 74: Dulux Colour Forecast 2017
Discover new colour trends and learn more about the Dulux colour forecast 2017 Antidote - A Colour Cure in my interview with Andrea Lucena-Orr, Colour Planning & Communications Manager at Dulux Group. We met at an event hosted by the Design Institute of Australia...
DWS 73: Letting Go
In this episode, I talk about the act of ‘letting go’. Letting go of thoughts, actions, things that do not serve us any longer. I would like to encourage you to think about things, beliefs and habits that you have been holding on to for a while, or maybe years, and...
DWS 72: Colour Psychology for Home Decorators
Colour is the most powerful tool in non-verbal communication. Colour impacts on a subconscious level on our behaviour, wellbeing, emotions, and decisions. No matter if you would like to become clear about a creative process in your personal or professional life, it is...
DWS 71: 5 Strategies to Boost Your Creativity
In this episode of the Downsize with Style podcast show I talk about the power or positive psychology and establishing routines to become more creative. I also share my five strategies to boost your creativity when it comes to decorating your home or apartment. Show...
DWS 70: Finding the Right Chair
In Episode 70 of the Downsize with Style podcast you will hear: Tips to choose the right chair for your home What to consider when deciding between fabric and leather Where to download resources to help you make the right decisions Show Notes Downsize with...
DWS 69: How to Visualise Your Retirement Lifestyle
In episode 69 of the Downsize with Style podcast you will hear how you can use the versatile mood board technique to visualise your retirement lifestyle. Translating your ideas on a vision board will • Provide Clarity: How and where do I want to live after downsizing?...
DWS 68: Build Mum a House
Interview with Jola Jackson, who publishes the UK blog Build Mum a House. When her mother could not maintain the family home any longer and it was time to downsize, Jola and her husband decided to build her a house with all the facilities she would need to enjoy her...
DWS 67: Styling Your Home to Live in
Interview with Naomi Findlay, CEO of Silk Home and Founder of the International Institute of Home Staging about styling your home to live in. Topics: 3 Tips to style your home for sale Do not de-clutter the soul out of your home How to optimise storage in an apartment...
DWS 66: 5 Tips to Spruce up Your Home
You might have been living in your apartment for a while and feel that it’s time for a change. If you’re looking to update your home decor, it can be difficult to know where to start – especially if you are not an expert in interior decorating. So, before you take on...
DWS 65: 10 Tips to Stay Organised at Home
January usually is the month when we are full of energy in regards to the things we want to achieve in the upcoming months. We intend to start fresh and organised in the new year to get on top of things. Maybe your goal is to downsize your home, to start a new hobby,...
DWS 64: Best of 2015
This episode of the Downsize with Style podcast features extracts of three shows that have been most popular in 2015 to help you downsizing your home: 1. Decluttering by Categories 2. 7 Things to Consider when Downsizing 3. Case Study: From Empty Nest to No Nest If...
DWS 63: The Gracewood Community
Are you overwhelmed with the number of retirement housing options to choose from? Are you not sure if a retirement village is your thing? Would you like to learn more about community living? Stay tuned to this podcast and you will find out why living in a retirement...
DWS 62: Case Study: Community Living
Have you ever considered community living and moving into a retirement resort? Would you like to hear first hand what the advantages of apartment living are? Are you curious to learn more about the life in a resort-style community? Tune in to episode 62 of the...
DWS 61: 7 Things to Consider When Downsizing Your Home
In this episode, I share seven things to consider when downsizing your home, such as costs, lifestyle, location, funcitonality, and your social network. I also talk about mood boards and why you should consider using a mood board when furnishing your new home and...
DWS 60: House Sharing for Empty Nesters
Affordable housing for a growing population is a hot topic in Australia. In the past year, I interviewed many people on this podcast helping empty nesters find the right place to live for their retirement. In the US, shared housing is a massive trend and follows the...
DWS 59: From Empty Nest to No Nest
In this episode, I chat with Veronica and David, a couple from the US, who downsized from their family home to a campervan travelling the world. They share their their experiences on their blog and in their book Going Gypsy - One Couple's Adventure from Empty Nest to...
DWS 58: 3 Strategies to Find Your Decorating Style
You are downsizing and looking to create an inspiring, stylish, and personal home. In order to achieve this, you need to find your personal decorating style. I believe that everybody has a certain decorating style, some people just don’t know how to name it. Don’t be...
DWS 57: Decluttering Paperwork
In episode 57 of the Downsize with Style podcast, I share 5 Tips to de-clutter your paperwork. Show Notes: DWS 36: Downsizing Case Study Case Study: Embrace Clever Design and Live Smarter
DWS 56: Downsizing with Pets
Australia’s first apartment dog park has been announced in Melbourne. The Gardenhill Project will feature a securely fenced ground floor off-lead area for dogs with seating, drinking facilities and a dog-cleaning station. According to the RSPCA (Royal Society for the...
DWS 55: Eating and Ageing Well
Downsizing, de-cluttering, selling your family home, moving to a smaller space – the entire process can be very stressful. Therefore, it is important to look after your health and wellbeing when starting your downsizing journey. In this podcast, I talk with Susan...
DWS 54: Decluttering by Categories
Do you have difficulties to let go of things because you might need them someday? Well, you are not alone. "Someday" is the our biggest enemy of most people, as it prevents us from focussing on the things that are important to us right now. In this podcast, I share a...
DWS 53: Multi-Purpose Rooms
In episode 53 I share three essential steps to make most out of a spare bedroom. Often, spare bedrooms are not very spacious in the first place. You might also find built-in wardrobes or large windows that take away wall space and make it even more difficult to work...
DWS 52: From NOW to WOW
Do you want to know How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life? Tune in to episode 52 of the Downsize with Style podcast with leadership coach and author Victoria Rose. Her book is a celebration of smart, single women over 60 and the many roles they play...
DWS 51: Navigate Your Life
You turned 50 and now what? How are you going to navigate the next stage of your life or career? What are you passionate about? What is important to you? In this episode, I speak with Joanna Maxwell about her new workshop Journey Without Maps, tools to spark your...
DWS 50: Personal Style Makeover
A while ago, I came across an article in The Retiree Magazine from psychologist Fiona Robards, author of the book What Makes You Happy. The article summarised a chapter of her book where she suggests that the easiest way to feel happy and confident is to dress as...
DWS 49: Downsizing after Divorce
In this podcast, I speak with Lisa McAdams, a personal trainer and transformational couch specialising in helping women, who went through a divorce or are in the process of divorcing. Lisa's motto is Life by Design, not by default. A divorce is often a reason to...
DWS 48: Living With Less
I have been working on a downsizing campaign with Howard's Storage World over the past six months. In this podcast, I speak with Cathy Player about the two downsizing case studies published in the July catalogue, storage concepts for apartment living and how to...
DWS 47: Love Your Home
In episode 47 of the Downsize with Style podcast, I chat with interior designer Babette Hayes about love in the home and how to create a happy home - no matter how big or small it is. We cover a broad range of topics such as colour, storage, space planning, decorating...
DWS 46: Strata Information Library
Apartment living is becoming more and more popular. A Tsunami of articles has flooded the media landscape about minimum sizes, affordability, and the importance of good design in smaller spaces. Life in Windowless Box: The Vertical Slums of Melbourne is the title of...
DWS 45: Lifestyle Planning
In this episode of the Downsize with Style podcast show we are talking about Lifestyle Planning and what to consider when downsizing. It is vital to become clear about your emotional needs after downsizing in order to avoid costly mistakes. • Do you want to stay in...
DWS 44: Versatile Apartment Furniture
In this episode, Bettina talks about versatile apartment furniture – spotted at IKEA – for living areas and bedrooms as well as some interesting solutions to create a small workspace in your apartment. She also discusses why it is a good idea to browse furniture...
DWS 43: Interview Chris Johnson
In episode 43, Bettina speaks with Chris Johnson, CEO of the Urban Taskforce Australia. In the first part, Chris shares his downsizing journey and how he let go of an extensive aboriginal art collection and some of their furniture. He also explains how their lifestyle...
DWS 42: Financial Security
Do you know your finances? Do you have an idea what you will need for your retirement? What lifestyle you would like to have? Are you in a position to make informed decisions about your future? Tune in to our podcast this week to hear a discussion with financial...
DWS 41: US Case Study on Downsizing
In this episode, Sally Hart reports live from New York City where she speaks with former clients who have downsized several times and now live in a 1-bedroom apartment in Manhattan. They also own an apartment in Sydney. Tune in to hear how this couple managed to...
DWS 40: Apartment Living in Sydney
Did you know that 56 percent of Sydneysiders are involved in apartment living? And that 40 percent of apartment owners are baby boomers? In episode 40 of the Downsize With Style podcast I share some interesting research results from a poll commissioned by the Urban...
DWS 39: Granny Flats
Granny flats are an option to keep your family home for your children and downsize on your property to a more compact space. Our interview partner today is Wally Gebreal, Head Designer and Partner of Grannyflatsolutions. Grannyflatsolutions is a granny flat builder...
DWS 38: Home Entertainment Systems
Moving to an apartment or smaller home means to start from scratch with your home entertainment system. You might face difficulties in setting up your internet connection in the rooms you want, moving your TV away from the pre-installed connection, or setting up an...
DWS 37: Interview with BoConcept
When downsizing to a smaller home or apartment, people often take the oppportunity to create something new, a different style, a different look in their new home. As I get often asked where to buy stylish and functional apartment furniture, I invited Eliza Williams,...
DWS 36: Downsizing Case Study
In episode 36 of the Downsize With Style podcast, I interview Tami Marlowe, who downsized with her husband from a 3-bedroom property in the suburb of Eastwood to a 2-bedroom apartment in the iconic Sydney beachside suburb of Manly. Learn about their biggest...
DWS 35: Creative Ways to Accomodate Your Hobbies After Downsizing
Have you used your garage as art studio or workshop? And now you are wondering where to move this favourite space with all its items when downsizing to an apartment with no extra storage? Defining your future lifestyle and what is important for you after downsizing is...
DWS 34: Simple Strategies to be Happier at Home
"Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action." Benjamin Disraeli Tune in to this episode of the Downsize With Style podcast where Sally and I discuss simple things you can do to feel happier at home. Some of them do not cost the...
DWS 33: How to Organise Your Paperwork and Digital World
In episode 33 of the Downsize With Style podcast, Sally Hart talks with Laurel Grey from Happily Organised, specialising in streamlining digital work spaces, about how to sort out your paperwork, email and life – online and offline. Hear about some great apps that are...
DWS 32: How Architects Can Add Value to Your Retirement Lifestyle
Storage is a major topic for any homeowner – no matter how large or small a home is. And it is even more important for empty nesters downsizing to a more compact space. We all tend to have too much stuff and accumulate more and more over time. Therefore, it is vital...
DWS 31: Aromatherapy or The Power of Smell
Today I am talking to Julie Nelson, an aromatherapist, natural beauty consultant and artisan perfumer, about how aromatherapy can help you reduce stress when downsizing. The idea to invite Julie to the show was born when I read an article in the Australian Financial...
DWS 30: Bespoke Lampshades and More
In episode number 30, I am talking with Arif Imran from Shady Designs in Sydney's Inner West, offering bespoke lampshades. We met a couple of years ago, when I introduced my art-inspired fabrics to him. He recently told me that they have quite a few empty nesters as...
DWS 29: Clutter Busters
Discussing one of Sally's ideabooks on houzz Australia, we share some strategies and tips to find the right mindset for de-cluttering and accumulating less in the future. We talk about philosophy, behaviour, and creating your individual systems to keep your home tidy...
DWS 28: Downsizing in Your Family Home
This is the first episode with storage designer Sally Hart as co-host. Sally will join me and contribute with her knowledge and tips to make your life easier when downsizing. In this episode she shares her unique downsizing story, having downsized in her family home...
DWS 27: 2 Epic Online Platforms for Home Decorators
Finding your personal decorating style can be challenging and is one of the reasons why Australians use houzz, a combination of an interior design online directory and glossy design magazine. What started out in the US in 2009, has now spread over the globe and...
DWS 26: Be Happier at Home
In the podcast I talk about a book I recently came across and that is very close to my heart: Be Happier At Home by Gretchen Rubin. In one of her chapters she suggest being a tourist in your own city to discover the beauty that lies in everything around you. As this...
DWS 25: Retirement Property Survey
What are people looking for in a retirement property? Two bedrooms or more, a community setting and public transport are on top of the wish list for retiring baby boomers. This episode of the Downsize With Style podcast reveals the latest survey results from Seniors...
DWS 24: Working Part-Time as Retiree
Especially after downsizing and letting go of a big house with lots of chores people often free up time for hobbies, travelling, or the things they are passionate about. Even after retiring from the workforce, a lot of people enjoy working a few hours and contributing...
DWS 23: Reflections 2014 & New Year Resolutions
It is the time of the year to think about and write down your major goals for 2015. Have you thought about your New Year resolutions? When I started thinking about mine, I realised that I first need to reflect on 2014 and acknowledge what I have achieved this year....
DWS 22: Getting Started with Storage Design
This episode of the Downsize With Style podcast features an interview with storage designer Sally Hart from Clever Closet Company. Storage is a major topic for homeowners - no matter how large or small your home is. When downsizing, it becomes even more important. No...
DWS 21: Buying An Apartment
Today we are talking about the basics of Body Corporates and what every empty nester, thinking of buying an apartment, needs to know about their investment. Are you thinking of buying an apartment off the plan? Are you hesitant because you are not sure if you...
DWS 20: 11 Tactics to Deal with Sentimental Items
Handling emotions and dealing with sentimental items is one of the hardest things to deal with when downsizing. We project our memories in our belongings and feel we will lose those memories when we do not possess the belongings anymore. To overcome those feelings,...
DWS 19: Storage Solutions For Small Spaces
Storage is a major topic for any homeowner – no matter how large or small your home is. This episode of the Downsize With Style podcast looks into storage optimisation, where to find storage in a more compact space and how to define your storage needs. You will hear...
DWS 18: A Quick Guide To Decorating
Episode 18 of the Downsize With Style podcast provides tips and tricks from professional stylists for home decorators. You will learn How to have some fireplace decorating fun How to style a vignette How to curate a bookshelf How to decorate walls creatively To get an...
DWS 17: Foolproof Decorating Tips for Apartment Downsizers
In episode 17 of the Downsize With Style podcast we look at how to create an interesting and unique interior by mixing and matching. If you would like to inject your personality into your new apartment, mixing and matching is a good way to go: mix old and new, very...
DWS 16: Relax and Move – Expert Advice on Moving
In episode number 16 of the Downsize With Style podcast show I am talking with Conway Stensness, founder and director of Relax and Move, a relocation business based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. If you keep listening you will learn how to make your move as relaxed and...
DWS 15: How To Make Small Spaces Look Larger
If you are downsizing, you are moving to a smaller space. A lot of empty nesters find it hard to prioritise what to keep and how to optimise the space in their new home. In episode 15 of the Downsize With Style podcast you will discover five methods to make a space...
DWS 14: Clever Ideas for Apartment Room Layouts
Small spaces require clever space management and room layouts. Every square metre needs to be used. Another important point to consider is the traffic flow through your apartment. Plan your home’s circulation and your space will work automatically. In episode 13 of...
DWS 13: Interview with Babette Hayes
Welcome to episode Nr. 13 of the Downsize With Style podcast to help empty nesters overcome procrastination, get rid off their clutter and stuff and eventually achieve a stylish and functional home in a more compact space. In this week's podcast, I am interviewing...
DWS 12: Epic Formula To Make Your Interior Work
You have come a long way now and can be proud of your achievements. You have mastered the unpopular task of de-cluttering and have decided what to take to your new home. You also went on a self-discovery journey and immersed yourself in the creative process of...
DWS 11: Visualise Your Ideas
Step 3 of the 5-step process to downsize with style is a creative task which will help you visualise your ideas, thoughts, and findings. To visualise your ideas on a mood board or in a style journal is an important step along the way to create a stylish and functional...
DWS 10: Find Your Personal Decorating Style
Today I would like to invite you to learn more about Step 2 of the 5-step process to downsize with style. Now that you have de-cluttered, tidied up and created your lists of what you want and need, it is time to go on a self-discovery journey and find your personal...
DWS 09: Essential Things For Balcony Gardens
I am not a big gardener I have to admit. I know, however, that many empty nesters had big gardens and find it very hard to let go of them. In this week's podcast I am talking to Nadia Pomare, landscape designer and owner of Stylish Gardens, how to set up a garden on a...
DWS 08: Decorating Essentials & Wish List
In this podcast we are focussing on the most important pieces of furniture to start a new chapter of your life in a smaller space. But don’t worry, I encourage you to dream big and to add the icing on the cake later. We all have to work to a budget, and therefore it...
DWS 07: Key Benefits Of Feng Shui Interiors
Have you heard of Feng Shui but don't know how to incorporate it in your home? Feng Shui is the study of time and space and seeks to harmonise nature’s forces within your living or working environment. Feng Shui is 3000 years old and originated in China. It has been...
DWS 06: The Ultimate Decluttering Guide
You are planning to move to a smaller home or are in the process of downsizing already. Even if you are super-tidy and organised, you may face some de-cluttering challenges. For most of us, de-cluttering is not a favourite task and therefore frequently postponed. Do...
DWS 05: Creative Ways to Deal With Sentimental Items
Handling emotions and dealing with sentimental items is one of the hardest things to deal with when downsizing. We project our memories in our belongings and feel we will lose those memories when we do not possess the belongings anymore. To overcome those feelings,...
DWS 04: How to Find the Right Retirement Village
Finding the right place to live when downsizing is one of the hardest tasks for empty nesters. There are many factors to take into consideration when looking for a new home, which should be cosy and comfortable as this is vital for your wellbeing. Are you overwhelmed...
DWS 03: How To Style Your Property For Sale When Downsizing
I recently was invited to speak at a downsizing event about property styling and how to best dress your home for success when selling. Over 150 people attended this information session with Andrew Winter from Selling Houses Australia at The Gracewood Community in...
DWS 02: Downsize With Style Author Talk
I recently had my first author talk at the lovely Bookoccino book store in Avalon, on Sydney's Northern Beaches. With 20 guests and the staff seated between book shelves we had a nice and cosy atmosphere to discuss downsizing challenges. I gave an overview of the 5...
DWS 01: Introduction of the Downsize With Style Podcast Show
Welcome to the Downsize With Style podcast show to help you create a happy home and refine your new lifestyle! A I keep getting a lot of positive feedback to my book I decided utilise another media channel to share my message with you - the Downsize With Style...