Homeownership definitely has its privileges, and your home has likely served you and your family well over the years. But have you found lately that it’s too large? Are the upkeep, repairs, and mortgage payment of your family home weighing on your mind? Perhaps you’re wondering whether downsizing your home for retirement is an option. Here are several benefits of downsizing and how you can start the process of selling your house for retirement planning or relocation.
Benefits of Downsizing
Downsizing from a large home to a smaller space can be stressful. If you’ve lived in your current home for many years, it can feel like a downright impossible task. However, focusing on the positives and new opportunities a smaller home can bring can often lighten the load. Consider the following points to see how downsizing to a smaller home can make your life easier and free up some much-needed mental energy.
Takes a Load Off Your Finances
From property tax to utility bills, downsizing your home for retirement can make saving money a breeze. A downsize move can also ward off debt. With a smaller mortgage and less to maintain, your bank account will be in better shape.
More Free Time
Yard maintenance, house cleaning, and general upkeep can quickly chip away at your free hours. If you’ve dreamed of traveling, taking up golf, or writing the next great American Novel, a small home can free hours in your day to accomplish these goals. Downsizing your home for the retirement years also adds time (and funds) to cheer on grandkids to sporting events, enjoy social outings with friends, and spend time with extended family.
Less Clutter and Less Cleaning
With a smaller footprint, you’ll have less space to fill every nook and cranny with “stuff.” Clutter becomes minimal or nonexistent, and, therefore, there’s not as much to clean. When downsizing, consider keeping sentimental items that you can use in your new space as decor and selling, donating, or tossing what won’t work in your smaller home.
A Clean Slate
Perhaps you’d like to start a new chapter after retirement or a major life change. A move forces you to consider what items you can live without and what you absolutely must keep. Fewer square feet can allow you a fresh, organized start, creating ample time to spend with friends and family and the ability to direct your retirement income on updated furnishings for your new space and travel opportunities. A move can also result in finding a PA senior community for socialization and proximity to activities you enjoy.
Eases Family Burdens
Whether you’ve decided to travel for an extended time or have a medical issue that prevents you from upkeeping your house, fewer square feet and a small lot are easier for your loved ones to maintain while you cannot.
Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?
If the fresh possibilities of downsizing your home for retirement have you excited about moving, contacting a real estate specialist should be your next step. A real estate agent can assist you in selling a home, locating an ideal community for your needs, and explain the financial implications of selling a house, including closing costs, property taxes, homeowners association fees, and more.
A senior transition service can provide you with a checklist of tasks to accomplish to make your move as smooth as possible. They can also help you decide which of your furnishings will fit in a smaller space and help arrange for packing, storing, and moving your belongings.
Are you considering downsizing your home to a smaller space for retirement? Reach out to Christina Swain today for senior downsizing assistance in PA and more guidance to simplify your life.