Should You Downsize Your Home?

1. Smaller homes come with less space to take care of. A home takes a large amount of time, energy, and effort to maintain it. Therefore, a smaller home requires less of your time, energy, and effort to accomplish upkeep and cleaning tasks.
2. Smaller houses require less décor and seasonal accessories. Again, this means less work and headache for the owner, as well as less storage space needed.
3. Smaller homes are less expensive, bring less debt and risk. Less space can lower insurance, taxes, heating, cooling, electricity, etc. Many advisors will suggest using a formula based on net income, savings, current debt, and monthly mortgage payments. Most of these say we should spend “28% of our net income on our monthly mortgage payments.” However, if we can live financially stable and happier in a 15% spending bracket, then why not?
4. Smaller homes produce less environmental impact. Fewer resources are required to build and maintain a smaller home and that benefits the environment.
5. Smaller houses have less stress associated and free up more time. For many, the more we own, the more we feel owned by our accumulations. More mental energy is spent on having more things to maintain and this includes the largest asset, our home. Buying small allows more mental freedom, a huge benefit of minimalism.
6. Smaller homes can create stronger family bonding. More social interaction among the members of the family happens with less space between. While we sometimes need more space, having a closer physical connection to other members will strengthen ties naturally.
7. Smaller homes compel you to remove clutter. Moving into a smaller home forces you to be clear on what items serve you and your family. Channel your inner Marie Kondo, be intentional and let go of emotional attachments or unfinished business.
8. Smaller homes have more market potential. A more affordable house has a larger percentage of the population that can afford to buy than a more expensive house.
9. Downsizing can create a nest egg. Homeowners selling a larger home often have a substantial financial gain from the downsizing difference. While a great benefit, consult your tax advisor ahead of time to lean how to account for this windfall.

Before going ahead with a significant downsize, think through these questions to determine how much space you actually need.

• Do you need a home office space to work remotely?
• Does losing an extra space really become a hardship when visitors come, or children/grandchildren may return? How often do you have overnight visitors?
• Do the existing furnishings fit into a smaller space or will some furnishings have to be put into a rented storage unit or sold?
• Does the smaller home reside in a gated or senior community, which may require HOA fees?
• Do you really need the extra spaces for clothing, crafts, sewing, keepsakes, etc, or could these items be accommodated with better storage solutions?
• Since individuals often downsize to simplify their lives and/or enjoy new pursuits, ease of upkeep should be considered carefully. A smaller home with a large yard or extensive landscaping may not meet certain goals. How much exterior and interior maintenance will be required in the smaller space you are considering?
• Couples should think of their privacy needs in a smaller space. Are quiet, private, interior spots important to have some alone time? What is needed to maintain your relationship?

People with expanding families may be looking to move up to a larger home. This creates availability of smaller residences for those that are downsizings, or want to live a simpler life. If you are interested in selling your larger home, let us know. We would be happy to research options with you for a smaller residence.