There is a surprising relief that shows up when you finally let go… and realize nothing important went with it.

Most people hesitate before change for the same reason.

They are afraid of what they will miss.

The comfort.
The extras.
The neighbourhood they have always known.
The version of life they worked hard to build.

It feels risky to loosen your grip on something familiar — even when it no longer fits.

But here is what people often think after the fact.

They do not miss the things they thought they would.

What People Think They’ll Miss

Before a move, people often fixate on surface-level losses.

The spare room that never gets used.
The square footage that mostly collects stuff.
The longer list of amenities nearby.

There are endless “what if” stories about convenience, status, or identity.

On paper, it could look like a downgrade, to those nearby.

Emotionally, it feels like giving something up.

What Actually Happens After the Move

Once life settles, something unexpected happens.

People start noticing what they don’t miss:

They don’t miss cleaning rooms they never enjoyed being in.
They don’t miss commuting faaaar longer than they needed to.
They don’t miss the constant background noise, everywhere.
They don’t miss paying for space that added stress instead of ease.

What replaces it is lighter.

More time.
More calm.
More presence in their daily life.

Time to be where your feet are.

The Things People End Up Missing Instead

When people look back, the only things they wish they had let go of sooner are:

The pressure to keep up.
The belief that “bigger” meant “better.”
The idea that comfort had to come later.

Very rarely do people say they miss the stuff.

They miss how heavy life used to feel — because it gave contrast to how much better it feels now.

Why This Comes Up So Often on Vancouver Island

These realizations shows up again and again for people relocating to Vancouver Island.

In communities like Campbell River, Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland, and the quieter pockets of Sayward, Black Creek, and Oyster River, buyers often simplify by default.

Homes feel more intentional.
Layouts feel more livable.
Life happens outdoors instead of being squeezed between obligations.
They can also usually afford much more home than they could have on the mainland.

People trade excess for alignment — and almost never regret it.

Downsizing Isn’t the Right Word

Most people are not actually downsizing.

They are right-sizing.

They are choosing homes that support how they actually live now — not how they thought they were supposed to live ten years ago.

This shows up in:

• fewer rooms, used better

• better flow with a more ideal layout

• outdoor access instead of indoor excess

• homes that feel grounding instead of impressive

• storage space, for all their hobbies and interests

And the surprise is how little is missed.. once the adjustment period passes.

Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers Alike

Buyers who understand this tend to make clearer decisions.

They focus less on perfection and more on fit.
They move forward with confidence instead of fear.
They choose homes that support their routine, not their ego.

Sellers who understand this prepare better, price more realistically, and move on with less emotional friction.

It changes the entire experience.

A Helpful Question to Ask Yourself

Instead of asking what you might miss, ask this:

What would I gain if my life felt lighter?

The answer usually points you in the right direction.

Letting go rarely feels easy beforehand.
But on the other side, most people realize they did not lose anything essential — they gained clarity.

If you are in that in-between space of considering change but unsure what it means for you, a calm, honest conversation can help you sort through it without pressure.

It is never too early to call your favourite Realtor to chat about your next move. They can help walk you through this.
Give me a call, maybe that will be me!

Let’s chat about your goals, and how I could help you.

Contact Ashley Wilson, Real Estate Agent – Real Broker Campbell River
250.288.1236 | hi@campbellriver.life