| I look around the living room in my retirement home, | | | | things, cute boxes from the container store, all full, |
| and, lately, I am a little dismayed by its appearance. I | | | | files, plants, newspapers, magazines, articles, and it |
| did not calculate all the time I would spend inside my | | | | goes on and on--and all in my living room. I certainly |
| home during retirement working from home. I did not | | | | cannot put it in the guest room. I would have to |
| realize I might find something to do inside my home | | | | move it in and out. So I am stuck on where to put it |
| during retirement to create this clutter. You see, I | | | | all. |
| have found a second career from my home requiring | | | | Every time I have guests, I have to straighten this |
| a space to work in. I am inside more than outside. | | | | corner with my desk. I dislike doing that and I do not |
| I purchased an apartment-style retirement home | | | | have the time. I would like a space where I can work |
| because that is what I always wanted in | | | | and let things be as I please. It is not that I am |
| retirement--to downsize. But now, unexpectedly, I | | | | messy but I realize I have too much stuff for this |
| have found a new line of work and one out of my | | | | small space. |
| home. I wish I had an "office" or extra room and one | | | | So, now I am longing for a separate room that I can |
| that I can close off when guests come over. Seniors | | | | put everything in. I need to be able to shut the door. |
| used to think of retirement as a time for downsizing | | | | I need a great view. I need a room I can paint the |
| and having as few rooms to take care of as possible. | | | | color I love. I want shutters and palm fronds--a room |
| However, times have changed somewhat. Many | | | | just for me. If someone sees it, I need for them to |
| seniors still work and many from their home. While | | | | appreciate it the way it is. My office paraphernalia |
| downsizing is still a good idea for most, it may not be | | | | just does not go well in the living room. |
| the solution for everyone. After selling a very large | | | | Before you retire, you may not be expecting to |
| home, I wish I had foreseen the need for an extra | | | | need an extra room but give it some thought. Think |
| room in my new one. | | | | through to what you may need in the future not just |
| The only place for my desk is in the living room. | | | | what is needed now. A study, a hobby room, a |
| Various items have become sprinkled on the floor | | | | sunny workshop, an alcove--a room for you. Other |
| around my small desk. I need a larger desk to hold it | | | | retirement design considerations are: having at least |
| all. A little while ago I regret I threw out a perfectly | | | | one bedroom on the first floor, wider doorways, |
| good table that I realize now I should have kept to | | | | grab bars in the bathroom, and an entry ramp. If you |
| hold all these extra projects. I have purchased 3 | | | | have a room upstairs, lower the risers for an easier |
| bookcases and they are already filled. I need more. I | | | | climb. |
| love artwork but have no more wall space left. I | | | | Retirement is a time of change. You never know |
| have a computer, wonderful lamp, scanner, printer, | | | | what may make your retirement just the way you |
| copier, shredder, office supplies, baskets to hold | | | | want it and an extra room might be what's needed. |