Six Signs You’re Ready to Downsize Your Home For Retirement
It can be hard to think about leaving a house that’s full of memories and things you spent a lifetime collecting. However, when your house no longer fits your lifestyle or goals, it might be time to downsize. While deciding when to move will be different for everyone, or even if your initial plan is to age in place, here are some signs you may be ready to downsize to something that’s a better fit.
Six Signs It’s Time to Downsize
Increasing monthly housing expenses
Retirement typically means living on a fixed income. That’s why it’s important to calculate how much house you can afford in retirement. By downsizing five to 10 years before you retire, you can save thousands of dollars each year. Even if you don’t plan that far in advance, moving to a smaller space can reduce your mortgage payment, utilities, property taxes and maintenance. There are costs with moving that you should keep in mind including repairs to your current home before you sell it, moving expenses, closing costs and you may need to buy new furniture to fit your smaller space.
Overwhelming home maintenance
One of the biggest reasons to downsize is to let go of the burden of maintenance like minor repairs, painting, cleaning gutters, washing windows, mowing and more. Plus, hiring someone to handle your chores for you can add up quickly. So, if you find you can’t care for your home as you once did, downsizing is a wise choice.
Finding your home no longer fits your needs
Are you only using your living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom? Then your home may be bigger than you need. Especially if you’re tired of cleaning, heating and cooling the rooms you don’t use. If you have a multi-story home that requires you to regularly go up and down stairs, it’s also a good idea to downsize to a residence that’s all on one level.
Being able to live wherever you want
Retirement means you’re no longer tied to a career in a specific location. Plus, when your children are grown and you no longer need to live in preferred school districts, you can choose a new home in a less expensive neighborhood.
Family ties are calling
The addition of grandkids can be a very compelling reason to set your life on a different course. Especially, if your grandchildren live out of town or out of state. You can move to be closer to them or downsize to a maintenance-free condo or senior living community that will give you the freedom to visit family.
Dreaming of something different
Whether you want to downsize your belongings to focus on what truly matters or are ready to travel and see new horizons, moving to a smaller place gives you the chance to find an option that better fits your goals.
Downsize to Galleria Woods and Expand Your World
If you’re considering moving to a senior living community for the numerous benefits it can offer you, Galleria Woods has gorgeous garden homes and spacious floor plans that are the perfect size for your next home. Schedule a personal visit and envision your new rightsized, maintenance-free life. For your personal visit of our beautiful community, use our Community Assistant chat feature or contact us here.
