As we prepare for our move to Florida, we spent three weeks living with almost none of our belongings to see how downsizing would change our relationship with “stuff.” The experiment surprised us: the things we miss most aren’t always the ones we expected. We also spoke with experts about how the pandemic might reshape home design—everything from layout adjustments to increased use of smart technology—and which changes could become long-term. And, along the way, we wandered into a lighthearted discussion about astrology, pet psychics, and whether the stars might point us toward an ideal place to live.

You can also find this episode on popular podcast apps like Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, Stitcher, and Spotify.

What’s New

• Follow our Instagram stories for real-time updates on our move—are we still in Richmond, in Florida, or somewhere along the highway? We’re posting what’s happening as we go.

• In the photo above you can spot our air purifier tucked between the media cabinet and a floor lamp. It’s one of the few items Sherry truly misses since we packed the POD: it makes a noticeable difference for her allergies. She tried a more design-forward model first, but it didn’t perform well, so she returned it and chose a unit with better reviews.
• Sherry calls herself a “Maximizer” when she researches purchases—someone who looks for the best possible option rather than settling quickly. We’ve discussed what that means in an earlier episode for anyone curious about the difference between maximizing and satisficing.
• We also miss our trusty home printer, which has been handy for printing school worksheets and other essentials during this transition.
• If you missed it, our final video tour of the house after we packed the POD is available to watch; it shows the items that stayed for the new owners and a few personal pieces we decided to keep, including the bedroom mirror we once called our “wedding” mirror.

Note: the same video is also available on YouTube.

Can We Just Talk About Astrocartography?

• We stumbled across an article about astrocartography and an astrocartographer who uses birth information to identify places on the globe that might best suit an individual’s life and well-being. We couldn’t track down contact details for a reading, but the idea sparked an entertaining conversation—and we’d be curious if anyone has recommendations or experiences to share.

How Will The Pandemic Change Home Renovations & Building?

• Experts predict several pandemic-driven shifts in how homes are designed and renovated. Mudrooms or dedicated entry zones that let you remove shoes and outer layers before entering the main living space are becoming more desirable. Larger bedrooms and more flexible living areas that accommodate working from home are also gaining importance. Outdoor spaces and private patios are getting renewed attention as places for daily living and safe socializing.

• We talked in more detail about oversized master bedrooms in a past episode and shared tips for furnishing and making those rooms feel more functional.
• Touchless or hands-free faucets are another likely trend. These faucets operate with motion sensors or can be adapted to voice controls using smart-home integrations, which reduces surface contact and supports hygienic habits in the kitchen.

• Some traditional faucet models can be retrofitted with voice-activation kits for use with smart-home assistants, offering another route to reduce touchpoints in the kitchen.

We’re Digging

• With more quiet time at home, we’ve both spent more hours reading. For a gripping thriller, check out The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager, which follows a tense mystery with strong twists. His earlier book Final Girls is also a gripping read if you enjoyed that style.
• Sherry is immersed in Crescent City, the first book in Sarah J. Maas’s new adult series. Fans of Maas often mention A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass as favorites, and many listeners have been using extra time at home to get through those longer series.

If you’re trying to remember which episode featured a particular recommendation, we maintain a master list of everything we’ve been “digging” across past shows, plus a Book Club page that collects all the titles we’ve suggested.

Finally, thanks to Framebridge for sponsoring this episode. They make it easy to have photos, digital art, or textiles professionally framed and delivered to your door. If you’re planning to frame sentimental pieces after a move or downsizing, professional framing is a convenient option.