Throughout different stages of life, our housing needs change. There is often the first home, that’s on the smaller size and is upgraded to a family home should that be the direction life takes you in. This might be increased in size again or perhaps there is a location change, but eventually the home you are in may start to feel like it’s too large for just one or two people, so you start to consider downsizing.
We have compiled a list of benefits to downsizing as well as important things to consider when downsizing.
1. Less Maintenance: A smaller home and property means less maintenance. With fewer rooms to clean and less outdoor space to maintain, this will leave you with more time to enjoy the activities and hobbies you would rather be doing, enjoy retirement as well as travel.
2. Lower Expenses: The cost of living is the hot topic of the moment with living expenses having increased significantly in the past few years. Downsizing means lower expenses, less electricity, gas or firewood being used, lower council rates and lower insurance expenses.
3. More Flexibility: A smaller home and property can offer more flexibility in lifestyle and location. Downsizing may allow you to move closer to family or friends, or to a location you have always dreamed of.
4. More Time: Downsizing can allow more time to enjoy life and do the things you love. With less cleaning and maintenance to take care of with a larger home or property, you can spend time on what really matters to you.
Important considerations for Downsizing
1. Decluttering and sorting: Downsizing requires going through all of your belongings and deciding what to keep, donate or take to the tip. This can be a large and daunting task, but provides an opportunity to get rid of things that are no longer of use.
2. Space Planning: Moving into a smaller property requires careful planning. Make sure you have measurements for your new home so you can plan what furniture will go where. Will old items fit? What storage options do you have? This is especially important as you don’t want to overcrowd your new home or find items just won’t work after having moved them.
3. Emotional Considerations: Downsizing can be an emotional process, especially if you are moving from a home you have spent many years in or where special memories were made. It’s important to take the time and consider these emotions before making any big decisions.
4. Lifestyle and Location: When downsizing it’s important to consider your desired location and lifestyle. You may want to be closer to family and friends, or perhaps you want to be further away! Are you looking for an area close to the golf club, lawn bowls and/ or local swimming pool? If you have a love of shopping, it might be that you want to be close to a shopping centre and other amenities you enjoy.
Downsizing can offer many benefits, however it also requires careful planning and consideration. At One Agency Durrand & Co our award winning real estate agents look after a broad range of properties, from large farms to units, acreage to family homes. If you are looking at downsizing, contact one of our agents today, to provide an appraisal on your current home and show you smaller properties that may suit your needs.