When I retired 10 years ago, I cleaned out every closet and drawer, purging "mess" everywhere. Then I painted every paintable wall (same color). The house smiled and felt "lighter" as did I. Then, like stitchinwitch, I suddenly lost my DH. Following that, I purged once more and moved into the bottom floor of my 2400 sq ft home. I learned that I only really needed about 700-900 sq ft to handle all my needs.
LSS, I met present DH who lived in another state. I had to clear out my entire house so I could rent it when I moved into his furnished house. Fortunately, my SIL was building a mountain cabin so she came and took everything that my kids and I didn't want. What I want you to hear from this is that the HUGE REVELATION is my kids wanted very little even of their dad's things. I had saved and cared for things for YEARS for them and they (2 married boys) weren't interested. My DH finished his basement into a studio for me. It had track lighted design wall, full bath with marble tile shower and a back lighted quartz insert, enormous walk in closet and a view to die for.
Two years of freezing winters and snow put us in the market for a house further south. We bought a little "fishing shack" with 2 bedrooms/2 baths on the sound. I sew in the living room and cut fabric on the screened in porch. My ironing board is up in our living room all the time. We really "live" in this room! We're warm and happy as clams!
You can make this happen just don't think you have to live a traditional way. I am ready for company anytime but it doesn't "look" that way. I don't shut down and stash when someone is coming for a visit. If they don't like it they can leave. Like Jan, a love seat is fine these days and folks should count themselves lucky that I am providing that sitting space, LOL!
We have gotten our house contents down to the bare minimum and it could still be pared down. It's a mind set. You can do this effortlessly if you get your mind in the right place. I kept telling my DH, "THINGS aren't important, PEOPLE are." and we have purged accordingly. I refuse to be "owned' by stuff! Be encouraged by this opportunity to free yourself from your belongings! You will ultimately leave them all behind.
PS. I do have a large stash which I use, add to, and keep organized!