There’s a lot that goes into the decision to downsize. It’s a move that will affect you emotionally, physically, financially, and socially. You may remember carrying a newborn through your front door, seeing your daughter chase butterflies in the back yard or watching your son wash his first car in the drive.
But those memories belong to you, not your home. And you need to think about what will bring you both happiness and new memories to cherish.
So how do you know if it’s the right time to move? Start by asking yourself the following questions:
• Does taking care of my house overwhelm me?
• Are there rooms I don’t use at all?
• Would I like to have more free time?
• Is my house a financial strain?
• Am I likely to have adult children moving back in with me?
• Is my house practical? (Carrying laundry up from the basement is one thing at age 30, quite another at 70.)
• Would I enjoy a change of scenery?
Many people put off moving, even though they want to, because they dread the work of going through a house full of possessions. But that task may not be as difficult as you think, especially if you enlist the help of family, friends, or maybe even a professional organizer.
Downsizing Your Home for Retirement
Retirement is a natural time when many start thinking about downsizing their home. You’re no longer tethered to your office, so you have plenty of time to begin to explore other options.
Plus, this is an ideal time to reduce the amount of money you spend on taxes, home repairs, and insurance.
Maybe you want to live closer to your family. Or maybe you want to live in the hustle and bustle of downtown. Then, there are resort communities geared just for seniors and the intoxicating thought of living on a golf course or lake.
Yes, you’re leaving behind a home that you love, but you’re also launching a new adventure—one free from the work and expense of maintaining a large home.
Sometimes, You Just Need a Little More Space
Maybe you’ve found the perfect space. It’s bright and airy, there’s no big yard to maintain and, best of all, it’s close to family and friends. The only problem? It’s a little tight on storage space.
Rather than make the mistake of moving into a too-big place just for the closets, consider renting a self storage unit. At StorageMart, we offer affordable self storage units that range from about the size of a closet to the size of a garage—or even bigger. They can be rented on a month-by-month basis and are always clean and well lit. Check out our storage unit size guide or rent a unit online today.