When older adults reach retirement age, they begin to consider a few life changes, including the possibility of downsizing their homes. If this sounds like you, you may be wondering about the right time to downsize. The answer to this question depends entirely on your personal circumstances.
Life can change quickly, and it can be difficult to perceive what our needs will be like in the future. Your perfect home may suddenly feel too large, difficult to maintain, and excessive. If you’re considering downsizing your home, it’s always best to be proactive and realistic.
There are several factors to consider, like:
- Related costs
- Budget
- Health
- Future planning
- Senior-friendly accommodation options
At The Villages of Farragut, we recommend weighing these factors carefully before making a decision.
Is it Time For a Change?
Most people won’t wake up one morning and decide it’s time to downsize their homes. Instead, they’ll gradually notice a few signs or factors that indicate a need for change.
Struggling With Home Maintenance
Your home should be a pleasant and comfortable place, not a constant source of stress and exhaustion.
Every home requires occasional maintenance, but some chores become challenging to manage physically or financially. If you’re struggling to maintain your home and becoming frustrated with its upkeep, it may be time to consider downsizing.
Empty Spaces
Are you surrounded by dust-filled empty rooms? A large yard with an unused play structure? Empty spaces in and around your home can be a financial and mental burden. If you’re wasting time and money to keep empty spaces clean and heated, you may want to consider downsizing.
A smaller space may result in lower monthly bills, additional spare time, and more room for joy in your daily life.
Budget Constraints
Living in a larger home can be expensive and difficult to manage on a fixed income. Smaller living spaces may equal smaller monthly expenses, lower rent or mortgage, lower maintenance costs, and reduced utility payments.
Downsizing your home can result in lower monthly costs, leaving room for additional savings or spending money.
Itching To Explore
How do you envision your retirement years? Would you like to travel, take some classes, and pursue your passions? If your current monthly budget leaves little room for savings, hobbies, or fun, it may be the right time to downsize your home.
If you’re spending all your monthly budget on housing costs, you may have difficulties funding your retirement dreams. Downsizing your home can improve your financial situation, and help make your retirement years enriching and exciting.
Reduced Mobility
When you first moved into your home, you may not have considered the physical limitations of an aging adult. As we grow older, we must take special consideration of our living space to encourage safety and aging in place. Do our homes have:
- Grab bars in the bathrooms and showers?
- Areas that can only be accessed by stairs?
- Doorways large enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs?
- Storage spaces that are difficult to reach?
If you’re concerned about reduced mobility and its impact on your life at home, downsizing to an independent or assisted living community may be the best option.
Memories
Your current home may be filled with sad memories and reminders of lost loved ones. In these instances, it may be prudent to downsize and continue with their lives. If your home brings heartache, it may be time to scale down and start fresh.
And yes, some memories are precious, and make us want to linger in our current living space. It’s essential to weigh health and finances, and make sure we’re choosing to stay for the right reasons.
A Need For Simplicity
Small space living is a worldwide movement that encourages people to design and organize more intimate living spaces, and there’s truly no better time for it!
The cost of living consistently increases every year, and the savings from living in a smaller space can’t be ignored. Lower monthly expenses, and little-to-no home maintenance encourage more free time to travel, pursue beloved hobbies, and enjoy our lives.
Downsizing to a smaller space may lead to fewer complications and more focus on things that matter most.
Life Events
Significant life events like divorce, retirement, or the loss of a loved one can signify that it’s time to downsize and simplify. If your life is changing or being upended, take some time to consider if your current home is a good match for your new situation.
A Personal Decision
Older adults who love their current homes may not need to consider downsizing until later in their retirement years. It’s a personal choice that should not be made lightly.
If you’re considering downsizing your home, don’t rush into your decision; take a close look at your monthly costs, your daily life, and your happiness to determine the ideal timeframe.
Contact our team at The Villages of Farragut if you’re an older adult with questions about downsizing your home or are interested in learning about independent living accommodations in Tennessee. We’re genuinely committed to the health and happiness of seniors, and it shows!
