Downsize Your Home Without Compromise
A How-To Guide for Empty Nesters.
Life changes often call for us to reconsider our living spaces.
And as one of the largest transitions looms large – our kids moving out of home – you might find yourself in rooms full of silence; the laughter and chaos of young family life gone.
It can be a really pivotal moment.
But as the ‘empty nester’ phase sets in, it’s doesn’t have to be melancholy – it’s actually an ideal moment to adapt and consider downsizing your home.
Before the ‘I don’t want to compromise my lifestyle’ argument kicks in, take a moment to reflect.
Downsizing needn’t mean compromising. Far from it, in fact.
It can actually become a wonderful journey of prioritising, decluttering and choosing a new space that aligns with the next exciting phase of your life.
The thought of moving years’ worth of memories, however, can be daunting.
So here we share some of the benefits that downsizing your home can bring, as well as some simple things you can do to help make the transition smoother, easier and a lot less stressful.
Benefits of Downsizing Your Home
Moving to a more compact living space after the kids have flown the coop is not just about adjusting to a smaller home. It’s also embracing the real advantages that this change can bring.
Here are the greatest benefits of downsizing your home:
1. Financial Gains : There's an undeniable economic upside to moving into a smaller home. Utility bills are often lower, so you’ll potentially save on things like water and electricity - even mortgage repayments - while fewer rooms to clean, or gardens to maintain means you’ll reclaim your weekends! Moreover, selling unnecessary items before the move can be a bonus source of income.
2. Optimised Space : By focusing on the fewer items you’ll genuinely need when you move, every inch of your new home can be utilised to its full potential, ensuring that no space goes to waste.
3. Upgraded Lifestyle : A more modest home often brings with it opportunities for getting out of the house to enjoy community experiences, and, in the case of village-style neighbourhoods or apartments, making the most of shared amenities like gyms, pools, reserves and sporting facilities.
4. Embracing Modern Convenience : Many smaller homes these days come well-integrated with modern smart technology, ensuring life is not just simpler but also more connected and efficient.
5. Freedom and Flexibility : Fewer house-related responsibilities typically translate to more money in your pocket and more free time! With reduced maintenance and lower costs, you’ll have the capacity to take up a new hobby or simply enjoy some newfound peace. And those longer trips or holidays you've always dreamed of? They could become reality too.
Recognising and embracing the benefits of downsizing your home makes the transition smoother - and the future feel brighter - as you redefine your lifestyle.
Now that we’ve discussed the best parts about moving to a smaller home, here are a few ways to make the move easier once you’ve decided to take the plunge.
Assessing Needs vs. Wants
Any life change requires thought. Thought about where you’ve come from, where you are right now and where you see yourself in two, five… maybe even ten years’ time.
So the best place to start is with your stuff, and deciding what you’ll realistically need moving forward.
Begin by taking stock of all your belongings.
Categorising your possessions into essentials, sentimental items, occasional use items and things that haven’t been touched in years (read : that baby stroller you once loved that’s now redundant) can provide clarity.
Such reflection doesn't only kick-start the decluttering process, but also forces you to consider your genuine requirements.
Walk through the rooms and spaces you use the most. Often you’ll find the extra guest bedroom or formal dining room are no longer as necessary as they once seemed.
Make note of all these things, because they will become important when you begin the search for your new space.
Decluttering and Organising Before You Move
Now that you know what you’ve got, it’s time to declutter.
There are many ways to tackle this but the goal remains the same : hold onto the things that bring you joy, and off-load the things that hold you back.
While it might be easy to throw out old paperwork from 20 years ago, it’s often the sentimental things that empty-nesters get stuck on.
So instead of getting rid of them, or resigning yourself to the fact you’ll need a huge offsite storage container, why not reimagine them?
Converting physical photo albums, letters and other keepsakes into digital files is quick and easy these days, so you can preserve them without consuming space.
And if you’re crafty (or know someone who is) turning things like cherished baby clothes, kids drawings or other loved ones’ material items into cushions, throw rugs or artsy wall hangings can also be a great idea.
This way, memories are always on display, not hidden away in boxes.
Of course, there’s also the option of finding good homes for items you truly don’t need, either through selling, donating or recycling.
Choosing the Right Home
Now that you understand what your needs are space-wise for the possessions that will move with you, it’s time to talk property.
When thinking about moving in later stages of life, it’s important to prioritise location.
Why? Because location is going to be important as you get older.
Unless you really love seclusion, a smaller home near to amenities like shops, healthcare and public transport is likely going to be more beneficial than a larger home in an isolated spot far from the essentials.
It’s important to note, too, that size doesn’t need to be to the detriment of comfort.
A smaller home that cleverly maximises space, with an open floorplan and smart built-in storage solutions can offer a sense of spaciousness even with more modest square meterage.
It’s also important to think about what’s important to you socially.
Choosing a location that is within proximity of family, friends and familiar community circles can also have huge positive benefits - both physically and mentally - as you begin to rely more on external connection.
Lean on the Professionals
It’s also good to remember that your downsizing journey doesn't have to be tackled alone.
When it comes to finding the best small property to suit your needs - now and into the future - the value of having an experienced and caring real estate agent in your corner can’t be understated.
Engaging an agent that’s familiar with the nuances of downsizing means you’ll be able to take full advantage of their tailored advice and property suggestions.
Plus, they’ll be able to connect you with the right network of professionals to simplify the transition and help you declutter, pack, move and set up your new space with ease and efficiency.
Some of our favourites are:
· Removalists : The Removal Kings
· Home Organisation & Styling : Melanie Hansen
· Cleaning Services : Adelaide Commercial Cleaning Services
· Utility Connections & Transitions : Move Me In
Downsizing your home when time comes needn’t be stressful or sad.
If you view it as more an exercise in refinement than regret, and tackle the entire process with optimism, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of the next exciting stage of your life.
And with some careful planning and the right support from the experienced and professional team at We Connect Property, you can be sure your next home will be the perfect fit.
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As property experts with over 21+ years combined experience in buying, selling and managing property in Adelaide, We Connect Property are ready and waiting to offer expert guidance and support when you need it most, and answer all your questions about buying or selling your property.
Check out our 5 star Google reviews to find out what our happy clients think.
And if you’re just getting started, or looking for valuable property buying, selling or investing tips?
Check out these other handy articles on our blog:
· How do you know it’s the ‘right time’ to buy a new home?
· The Ultimate First Home Buyer Checklist
· What to Look for at an Open Inspection
Give us a call on 0403 799 983 today, or drop a line to sales@weconnectproperty.com.au - we can’t wait to chat!
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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.