I downsized from a southern house to a midwestern rental apartment. It was the best decision ever because now I have less responsibility.

• Channing Muller, 38, purchased a three-bedroom home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2019.
• As she became disenchanted with life in Chattanooga, she started to prioritize homeownership less.
• Now she rents a two-bedroom apartment in Chicago and feels freer not having to upkeep a house alone.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Channing Muller, 38, who decided to sell her home in Tennessee and move into a smaller apartment in Chicago. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

In 2017, I moved from Washington, DC to Chattanooga, Tennessee. I had just gone through a bad breakup, and I thought the city would be the perfect change for me.