when DH and I decided to live together (with my then-13 year old DD), we chose to gut my apartment to the walls and start over. I'd been there 20 years already. WOW did I find and chuck tons of stuff. The truth? I really didn't miss it. we built a sewing space for me that is also used for guests. The plus was livign with the man/prince of my dreams! so, I downsized sort-of and it was fine