Should It Stay or Should It Go?

August 13, 2025
Sherri Merulla

You have retired, or are getting ready to retire, and it’s time to make a move.

Maybe it’s to be closer to grandchildren, move to a less expensive area, or go where the weather is warmer—whatever the reason it’s a big step! If you have found a new home, your focus becomes making decisions on what to keep, give away or trash.

Some of us are better at purging than others, and we get rid of a lot of things before we start packing. Sometimes it happens so fast there isn’t time to think things through, we must pack and go! The movers come and the endless traffic of boxes and furniture start piling up! In most cases, we have downsized, so all the furniture you had in your former, larger home is crammed in smaller rooms.

Well, this isn’t how you imagined your new home looking. Ugh! It’s overwhelming! Where to start? Help!

Consider Your Current Furnishings

Do you still like the style of the pieces or are you ready for something different?
Do they reflect how you want to feel in the room. Do they say open and airy, warm and cozy, energized, or calm and peaceful?
Do the pieces fit in the new space? If you’ve downsized, they may not.

These are common dilemmas! You are not alone!

I have heard countless stories from people who have moved to the forever home leaving the home they lived in for many years. Previously, life was busy, the focus was not on the furnishings in their home. They had children to raise and jobs to do. Jump forward to the present and they are moving into their new home.

Some decide to get rid of all their old furniture and buy all new. They haven’t bought furniture in years! Many get sticker shock! Fear sets in…they can’t afford to make costly mistakes!

Others move their old furniture into their new house and realize their vision sure doesn’t look how they imagined. Their bubble bursts. Where do they even start?

This is where an interior designer can really help!

By listening to your needs, assessing the current size and style of your new home, an expert designer can:

Work with you to discover your unique design style.
Create the perfect space plan considering scale and function.
Design the space to include all the furnishings (new items and those pieces you still love), colors, fabric, lighting, etc.
Handle all the purchasing, tracking, delivery, receiving, and inspection.
Coordinate with the various trades, as needed, for electrical, painting, cabinetry, etc.
Install all the furniture, rugs, lighting, artwork and accessories for the BIG REVEAL!

An interior designer can keep you from making costly mistakes. When it all comes together, you know everything is going to fit and the colors/patterns will reflect your unique taste.