Finding Freedom in a Smaller, Easier Home

For many homeowners, the decision to downsize isn’t just about moving—it’s about creating a simpler, more manageable lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to reduce maintenance, cut costs, or transition into a home that better fits your needs, downsizing can be a smart and liberating choice. But sorting through years of belongings, making tough decisions, and letting go of sentimental items can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to make the process smoother.

Start Small, Start Now

Even if you’re not ready to move yet, decluttering early can make the transition easier down the road. A great way to begin is by tackling seasonal items—if you didn’t use it last winter, you probably won’t next year. Sell or donate gently used items through Facebook Marketplace, local shelters, or organizations like the Salvation Army. Many towns also offer seasonal bulk pickup for larger pieces.

Keep the Memories, Let Go of the Clutter

Leaving a home filled with memories can be emotional, but downsizing doesn’t mean letting go of those moments. Take photos and videos of special places in your home, or even create a video diary to share with family. Hosting a small gathering before you move can also be a wonderful way to celebrate and say goodbye.

Choose What Matters Most

When space is limited, less is more. Instead of keeping an entire collection, pick a few meaningful pieces that bring you joy. Some collectibles may also hold financial value—consider selling high-value items while donating or gifting others. The goal is to surround yourself with things that truly matter in your next chapter.

Paperwork Purge

Sorting through years of paperwork is no one’s favorite task, but it’s a necessary step in downsizing. Most documents, like tax returns, only need to be kept for seven years, and many records are now digital. Invest in a quality shredder and start clearing out old files—it will lighten your load significantly.

Enlist Help and Pass It On

Sorting through a lifetime of belongings is easier with support. Family members can help organize, and it’s also a great opportunity to pass down treasured items. Kids and grandkids will appreciate receiving keepsakes that carry meaning, and you’ll feel good knowing they are staying in the family.

While the idea of downsizing may feel overwhelming at first, the process can be incredibly freeing. With less upkeep, lower expenses, and a space that suits your needs, you’ll be able to focus more on enjoying life and less on maintaining a home that no longer fits your lifestyle.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Five Resolutions for Homeowners in the New Year

As we welcome 2025, it's the perfect time for homeowners to take stock of their living spaces and set resolutions that enhance comfort, sustainability, and value. This year, focus on improvements that not only make your home more enjoyable but also keep you ahead in energy savings and design trends. Here are five resolutions to inspire your journey toward a better home in 2025.

1. Streamlined Home Maintenance with Technology
   Take your home maintenance schedule to the next level by incorporating technology. Use home maintenance apps or set up reminders on your smart devices to stay on top of tasks like gutter cleaning, HVAC checks, and roof inspections. Proactive maintenance prevents minor issues from becoming major headaches and saves you money in the long run. Consider subscribing to a seasonal home inspection service to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

2. Boost Energy Efficiency with Smart Solutions
   Energy efficiency continues to be a top priority for modern homeowners. In 2025, go beyond the basics by investing in cutting-edge solutions. Smart window films, energy-monitoring devices, and solar panel installations are excellent upgrades. Pair these with AI-driven smart thermostats that learn your habits to optimize heating and cooling. These innovations not only reduce your carbon footprint but can also significantly cut energy bills.

3. Refresh and Repurpose Your Spaces
   Decluttering remains a classic resolution, but this year, add a twist by repurposing your spaces. Transform an underused corner into a cozy reading nook, or convert the guest room into a multifunctional office and hobby area. Donate items you no longer need and embrace a minimalist approach that prioritizes functionality and joy. For additional inspiration, explore virtual interior design services to help you make the most of your home.

4. Upgrade Your Home Security Ecosystem
   Security technology is evolving rapidly, making it easier than ever to protect your home. In 2025, enhance your security system with features like video doorbells, AI-powered cameras with facial recognition, and smart locks controlled via smartphone. Integrate your security devices into a central hub for seamless monitoring. A secure home brings peace of mind and adds value when it's time to sell.

5. Reduce Energy and Natural Gas Usage
   With winter in full swing, it's an ideal time to focus on reducing energy and natural gas consumption. Seal drafts around windows and doors, upgrade to energy-efficient windows, and add extra insulation to your attic and walls. Install a high-efficiency furnace or boiler to optimize heating while cutting costs. Simple actions like lowering your thermostat a few degrees and using a programmable or smart thermostat can also make a big difference in your utility bills and environmental impact.

As you implement these resolutions, break them into manageable steps and consider future savings and potential resale value when budgeting. Your home is more than a place to live—it's an evolving investment. Let 2025 be the year you create a more comfortable, secure, and sustainable living environment. Happy New Year!

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Color Your World with the Interior Paint Trends of 2019

We’ve seen a fair bit of winter white in the past few weeks, but with spring hopefully on the horizon, now is the best time of year to tackle an interior painting job. Fresh walls not only liven up your living space but they can also add value to a home if you’re thinking about putting it on the market this spring. Choosing one of the latest, of-the-moment colors will help you score major bonus points with potential buyers too. So let’s see what the biggest names in paint are forecasting to be all the rage in interior color for the season.

Pantone is the authority on color, influencing everything from home style to fashion. For 2019, their pick is Living Coral, which in their words is “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.” What a description! For me, the color is very tropical, pairing well with bright green and aqua for a Bermudian feel. While maybe not a living room color, I could see this pairing well with a bold, leafed wallpaper in a bright and sunny bathroom.

Next up is Behr, whose color of the year pick is a little more neutral. For 2019, the company announced Blueprint as their top choice in what they call “an honest, approachable color that conjures up the blueprints builders rely on to bring architectural designs to life.” The hue is just that, a mix of blue, green and gray that works perfectly for interior walls, cabinetry, and even a bold exterior siding color. This one is my personal favorite as it’s warm and inviting, yet interesting enough to make a statement.

If Blueprint isn’t your cup of tea, Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Year explores the other end of the spectrum with their 2019 pick - Cavern Clay. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Utah and Arizona deserts, Cavern Clay is a rich, earthy terra cotta color that the company calls “ancient, yet fully alive. Bohemian, yet totally refined.” If you like the idea of going with something warm and natural that pairs well with greens but isn’t as bold as Living Coral, Cavern Clay might be your perfect match.

Finally, we have Benjamin Moore, whose color of the year pick is the most neutral and easy to implement into any home. The hue, Metropolitan, is a layered gray which the company says, “emanates nuance, harmony, and extravagant ease. Always adaptable, it softens to matte or shimmers with sheen. It's neutral. It's understated. It just is." Marketing spin aside, the sophisticated twist on gray is really appealing and plays beautifully with warm pink hues or deeper jewel tones. If you’re looking for an alternative to white, Metropolitan is an easy transition that doesn’t offend.

With such a wide range of trending colors, I am excited to hear what you think about the 2019 picks. Would you go bold with Living Coral or is Metropolitan more your speed? Does Blueprint tick the boxes or are you feeling the warmth of Cavern Clay? I’d love to hear from you. Send me a message on Facebook at facebook.com/odonnellbros

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.