Family Downsizing: Moving to a Small Town

In 2017, a family of four relocated from Calgary, Alberta, to Nelson, British Columbia. The move resulted in an unintentional downsizing of their possessions and expenses. Before the move, their lives were filled with consumption, shopping trips, and paid activities, leaving little quality time together. After settling in Nelson, the lack of shopping venues and the smaller living space naturally curbed their spending habits. The family shifted focus from buying things to shared experiences like hiking and cooking. The children stopped asking for toys and started requesting activities. Ultimately, the move allowed the family to live more deliberately and connect more deeply.

The decision to move was not driven by a desire to minimize their lifestyle, but rather by a need for a change of scenery. In 2017, the parents moved their family from a major urban center to a smaller town in British Columbia. The relocation was a practical choice for their household, but it brought about significant side effects regarding their daily habits.

Upon arrival, the family purchased a smaller house. This physical downsizing necessitated selling items that would not fit the new space, specifically mentioning Ikea furniture. The move removed the pressure to accumulate goods simply because there was no room for them. Consequently, the habits of spending and accumulation became impossible to maintain.

The environment played a crucial role in this shift. In the new town, there are fewer places to shop and fewer costly activities available. This lack of infrastructure meant the family stopped browsing stores for entertainment. Without the constant push to consume, their days naturally began to slow down.

Life before the move was characterized by a high volume of activity and spending. The family admits their schedules were full, but not necessarily in a fulfilling way. Weekends were dominated by errands, shopping trips, and paid activities designed to make the work week feel worthwhile. They often visited big-box stores without needing anything specific or spent afternoons in the mall to escape the weather in Alberta.

Daily routines relied heavily on convenience and consumption. After long days of work and commuting, the family frequently ordered takeout or ate out. They also signed their children up for events largely because it seemed like the norm among other parents. At the time, this lifestyle felt normal, though it centered heavily on buying things and driving places.

Despite being constantly busy, the family felt disconnected. The author describes the feeling as being "ships passing each other in the night." The time spent together was often transactional, revolving around logistics and purchases rather than genuine connection. The "Keeping up with the Joneses" mentality was a subtle but constant presence.

After the move, the family dynamic changed significantly. Without the option to default to shopping or expensive outings, the family began engaging in low-cost, home-based activities. Their free time now revolves around morning hikes, bike rides around the lake, and cooking dinner together. Instead of rushing to adult-led events, they spend time watching the children play in the backyard.

One of the most notable changes was observed in the children. Previously, they frequently asked for "things." In the new environment, they began asking to "do" things instead. Requests shifted to hanging out, playing games, or having friends over. When boredom struck, it was no longer solved immediately with a purchase. Instead, it led to creativity, rest, or simply being bored together.

Weekends transformed from a logistical challenge into shared time. The family reported that they love this new dynamic. The reduction in external pressures allowed them to focus on the quality of their interactions rather than the quantity of their possessions.

Downsizing did not solve every problem or instantly bring happiness, but it fundamentally changed the conditions of the family's daily routine. The choices they make regarding time and space are now more deliberate and less reactive. They are better aligned with how the family actually wants to live.

As a result of these changes, the family members are more present with one another. The move provided the space to notice what matters most. By removing the constant noise of plans and consumption, they have found room to relate to each other more effectively. The experience demonstrates that reducing physical clutter and financial strain can lead to a richer, more connected family life.