For many people, a large home is part of the American dream. But with additional space comes bigger utility bills and oodles of upkeep. Depending on your lifestyle, you may suddenly find yourself with more house than you actually need or want. This is especially obvious when your kids have moved on, or as other lifestyle changes occur. In this article, we will focus on the seven signs that indicate that it’s time to downsize.
While the thought of moving to a modest home can be daunting, you don’t need to sell off all your belongings and join the tiny home craze to downsize effectively. Also, as you shed square footage, you’ll find that you gain a range of benefits that can make your life so much easier.
These days it’s always easy to find a great option for a smaller home right here in the Triangle too. At the end of the blog, I’ll add a link so you can search for homes for sale in the Triangle area. There are also a few 55+ communities available in Raleigh, Cary, and other towns. Links to their sites are listed at the end of the article.
If you are looking for a community where you can also get some assistance you can find that information on the Senior Living Guide to the Raleigh/Durham area. In this informative magazine, there’s a list of options from Independent Living communities to Assisted Living Communities and nursing homes as well as lots of articles about the senior lifestyle here in the Triangle area.
In the meantime, if you’re wondering if it might be time to look for a smaller abode ask yourself these seven questions and you’ll have your answer.
1. Is routine maintenance taking up too much of your time?
If you find that your weekends suddenly slip away as you attempt to keep up with your landscaping or just maintain your home’s interior, you may be ready for a little less housework. Sure, you could hire someone to take care of these tasks for you, but that’s less money in your wallet.
2. Do you have too much house?
Are there some rooms in your home that you don’t enter for days at a time? Even if you’re not using them, you’re still paying to heat or cool them. (And did we mention dust and vacuum them as well?) Unless you’re planning to try your hand at Airbnb and rent out a room or two, you may want to think about downsizing.
3. Are your house-related expenses eating away at your savings?
If your income has shrunk due to retirement or unforeseen unemployment, you don’t want to have to tap into your savings each month just to make ends meet. A smaller house will require less maintenance while lowering your utility bills. You can also consider downsizing in an area where the cost of living is lower so your overall expenses will decrease.
4. Has your home appreciated substantially?
Are homes in your neighborhood fetching top dollar? The Triangle Real Estate Market is favoring sellers in 2019 so this could be a fabulous time to lock in your profit and add that windfall to your retirement savings. Or, spend a little and see the world beyond your picket fence. Remember, vacationing is easier when you leave behind a smaller home — especially one like a condo or townhouse where outdoor maintenance is handled for you.
5. Are you feeling isolated?
If the kids have moved away and your neighbors have also downsized, you may feel like you’re the last man standing on your block. If the only person you recognize in your area is your mail carrier and that leaves you feeling isolated, it may be time to plan a move to a place where you’ll see some familiar faces.
Recent studies suggest that feelings of isolation can be very bad for your health as it contributes to heart issues and other problems. You don’t have to feel cut off from the world these days, truly the issue may not be you, but your environment. Developers build neighborhoods to cater to a specific type of buyer. When you are no longer in that demographic, it is usually time to search out a new community that fits better. There is plenty of options for people who are experiencing the same lifestyle and once you start living in an area that fits with your circumstances you will do feel more connected to the world.
6. Has your lifestyle changed?
Even if you once reveled in the majesty of your two-story entryway, if the thought of climbing 28 stairs to get to your bedroom now leaves you wanting to sleep on the couch in the living room, it’s time to move. As many homeowners get older, they seek the ease and convenience of one-level living. If your house has become too large for you to comfortably and safely maneuver, make a change.
7. Are you sick of having too much stuff?
Whether you’re looking to explore the minimalist lifestyle or just wondering when and how you’ve accumulated so much stuff, you may want to consider streamlining your belongings. Holding a garage or estate sale is a great first step when thinking about downsizing. Organizations looking for donations abound online, with many offering free pickup and removal. Living in tighter space forces you to really take stock of each item you allow through the door. Though it seems counter-intuitive, having a smaller home may force you to really stay organized and not let clutter dominate your dwelling.
Search for your new place!
Here’s the link to search for a new place in any of the towns in the Triangle area. If you need anything, please call us at (919) 481-4914. We’re always happy to help!
If you are interested in looking for a new home, and you’re interested in any of the Active Adult, 55 Plus communities, you can see what homes are for sale in these neighborhoods by searching on the links below.
Active Adult 55 Plus Homes for Sale in the Greater Triangle Area
Click here to find out the true market value of your current home!
Click here to search for all homes that are currently on the market!