As local Hills Shire real estate agents, we spend a lot of time inside people’s homes – big homes, small homes, family homes, downsizers and everything in between. One thing we see again and again, particularly in well-established homes, is cupboards full of beautiful things that rarely see the light of day.
The good china. The crystal glasses. The linen sets still folded in their original packaging. The fancy perfume. The dress shoes that come out only for weddings and funerals. Yet, day to day, people are drinking wine out of mismatched glasses, sleeping on tired sheets and saving their best things for an occasion that may or may not arrive.
Our take is simple. Use the good stuff now.
Why do we save our best things?
For many of us, this habit is generational. If you grew up in a household where good things were saved for Christmas, guests or special milestones, that thinking sticks. When children were young and life was busy, it made sense to keep the good stuff out of harm’s way.
But life changes. Children leave home. Entertaining becomes more relaxed. The house is quieter. And yet the habit of saving the best things often remains.
There is also a quiet belief that in our everyday living we do not deserve beautiful things or that somehow using the best stuff is ostentatious, that somehow it is wasteful or indulgent to use our beautiful things casually.
We could not disagree more.
Life is the occasion
The truth is, most of us live a more casual lifestyle now. That does not mean we should surround ourselves with things we do not love.
We have dealt with deceased estates where cupboards are full of unused towels, unopened candles, unworn shoes and bottles of wine that never got opened. It is always sobering, not because of the objects themselves, but because they represent moments that never happened.
One client once told us about a bone china tea set she brought from London to Sydney and then packed away through five house moves. That tea set never came out of the box. Another friend of a friend keeps several sets of beautiful sheets neatly stacked in the linen cupboard while sleeping on ones that have clearly seen better days. She is in her seventies.
At some point, it is worth asking yourself: “What am I waiting for?”
What might be hiding in your cupboards?
If you are an empty nester or a downsizer, this stage of life is the perfect time to rethink how you use your home and what is in it.
Clothes are a good place to start. It is fine to keep old clothes for gardening or painting, but if you are heading out for lunch or doing the grocery run, why not wear the clothes you feel good in? Well-made classics do not need a special event.
Glassware is another common culprit. Many homes still use old jars or mismatched glasses day to day while crystal sits untouched. Use the good glasses. Every meal feels better when you do.
Cutlery is another ‘keep for best’ item. If you have a drawer full of odds and ends and a canteen of nice cutlery you never use, then consider donating the extras and enjoying the pieces you like every day.
Towels and linen are often overlooked. If you are still using towels from decades ago, upgrading does not need to be extravagant. Even affordable options can feel luxurious and make everyday routines more enjoyable. The bonus is you can rationalise your colours and make your bathroom more spa-like! [link to bathroom blog]
Perfume, hand lotions and aftershave deserve a mention too. These products do not last forever. Stored too long, they can lose their scent entirely. If you love it, use it.
The good knives. Anyone who cooks knows how frustrating a blunt knife can be. If you have a quality knife that only comes out at Christmas, bring it into daily use. It is safer, sharper and far more enjoyable.
Jewellery can be tricky. Have you inherited some good jewellery pieces from parents or relatives but never wear them? If you hate the style, don’t be sentimental; think about redesigning them into something you’ll wear daily. Alternatively, give them to someone who will love them or sell them.
Using the good stuff lightens more than cupboards
There is another benefit to this mindset. When you start using what you own, it becomes much easier to see what you do not need.
Downsizing is not just about moving to a smaller home. It is about simplifying. Using your best things often highlights what no longer serves you. That makes it easier to donate, gift or let go of the rest.
From a real estate perspective, we also see homes that feel warmer and more lived in when people genuinely enjoy their space. Homes where the good things are used tend to feel more relaxed, more authentic and more inviting.
Give yourself permission to use the good stuff
If you are waiting for permission, this is it.
You do not need a special occasion to enjoy beautiful things. You do not need to save them for guests. Life is already happening.
So open the cupboard. Light the candle. Pour the wine into the crystal glass. Sleep on the smooth crisp sheets.
When you look around your home, what is the good stuff you are not using?
Thinking of selling or need selling advice in The Hills?
We have buyers looking for homes in Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, Box Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville and Tallawong. As established real estate agents, we’re here to help. Get in touch today by calling us on 02 8883 0777.
