Perhaps you still own the house you raised your children in, or you have grown tired of the “living large” lifestyle you worked so hard to achieve. As you look around your home, you see unused bedrooms, closets filled with belongings, memories in every corner and the garage? Well, you haven’t parked your car in there in years.
As you approached your golden years, you expected it would be a time of freedom – a season of rekindling old hobbies, social outings with friends, frequent travel and unabashed relaxation. Instead, you feel chained to your home and the chores that go along with it, not to mention the financial responsibilities.
However, there is another way to enjoy this next season of life. If you want to save money, energy and resources while spending more time living the lifestyle you always dreamed of, downsizing your home and the responsibilities that go along with it may be the ticket to more happiness and fulfillment.
Here are six reasons to consider:
1. Downsizing saves money on frivolous living
One of the challenges of downsizing is letting go of belongings that no longer serve a purpose or a function. But, even though this process can be hard for homeowners, it’s a great way to prioritize your life and hone in on how best you can live. Instead of filling unused rooms with furnishings and décor, downsizing allows you to be intentional about your spaces and what you bring into the home.
2. Downsizing streamlines daily upkeep and maintenance
With less square footage to clean, maintain, repair and tidy, downsizing frees up more time for leisure activities that feed your soul. Rather than cleaning all day or hiring an expensive service to do the dirty work for you, a smaller space allows you to get on with life without the unnecessary guilt that comes with chores.
3. Downsizing can strengthen relationships
Studies have shown that living in smaller spaces can often lead to a happier home. With less square footage for inhabitants to spread out in, it’s easier for spouses or even roommates to bond, connect and enjoy life.
4. Downsizing can lower your living costs
If you are coming from a larger home, you know that one of the downsides is increased energy costs. It adds up very fast, from heating and cooling unused bedrooms to water costs from many bathrooms. On the other hand, downsizing to a smaller home will reduce your carbon footprint and monthly living costs – and in some cases, it will completely wipe out certain expenses, like lawn care. Property taxes may also be less.
5. Downsizing makes it easier to travel
Have you ever wished you could grab your suitcases, lock your front door, and go on a three-week European tour? How about not fussing with holding your mail, arranging care for your property and being able to afford a trip? With less house to upkeep, maintain and keep afloat, you’ll have more time and money to see the world – your only worry is packing your bags and locking your suite behind you.
6. Downsizing gives you a clean slate for a fresh chapter
For most homeowners, downsizing is a new chapter – and sometimes it is planned and anticipated, and other times it is due to circumstance. Regardless, think how freeing it can be to start anew without the baggage, expenses, and responsibilities you have grown to resent as you approach your golden years. Downsizing lets you start over and design the lifestyle you want and deserve.
Your Mississauga Lifestyle55+ Affiliate
If you are considering a downsize and need guidance to help you with the entire process, a Lifestyle55+ Affiliate (formerly Accredited Senior Agent - ASA), such as myself, can help. Contact Deborah Clerk with Keller Williams Real Estate Associates, Brokerage, in Mississauga for more information.
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