What to Look for in a Downsized Home

The internet contains a plethora of articles about downsizing. They mainly concern emotional guidance for leaving behind a family home, “signs” that it’s time to take the plunge, checklists for moving, etc. In other words, they deal with leaving your old home. Only a few, if any, tackle the burdensome task of actually finding a suitable new home.

If you plan on downsizing, you might naturally wonder what a new home looks like. Ideally, it should signal a welcoming, exciting and secure new chapter in your life. In this post, let’s detail four things to look for in a new home when downsizing. Contact a trustworthy selling agent to apply these criteria to your home hunt.

Future Liveability

While anyone can downsize, the vast majority of downsizers are older adults. Tired of the upkeep and unjustifiable costs of a large family home, they seek a new, more manageable arrangement. If you are an older adult looking for a smaller home, it’s wise to consider not just present liveability, but future liveability too.

You want somewhere to “age in place,” a space that will adapt and accommodate your changing physical needs in the coming decades. Talk to your realtor about homes suitable for aging in place–with low cabinetry, mobility mechanisms (like lever knobs), indirect lighting (to minimize trip hazards), soft flooring, a single-level design, etc.

Space Considerations

Depending on a) the number of possessions you own and b) the extent of your decluttering efforts, you may need to consider space. In any case, as you move from a large home to a smaller one, you will need to shed some excess items. Not everything will fit in your new space.

Working with a professional realtor, evaluate prospective homes according to usable living space and storage space. Likewise, look into the downsizing services from NEATSPACES to facilitate the move. NEATSPACES’ compassionate, experienced professionals will work with you to edit your belongings, allocate unwanted items, execute the move and establish an organized new home on the other side.

Community

This is a brilliant new chapter of your life, one hopefully filled with morning strolls and evening dinner parties. As such, consider the demographics of your new location.

Several housing complexes and communities set minimum age restrictions for residents to ensure a “mature living environment.” These communities are ideal for older adults who wish to meet friends and like-minded adults. On the other hand, some downsizers want the opposite – they like the lively atmosphere of a mixed-generation community with kids running around. It all boils down to personal preference.

Proximity to Amenities and More

As you weigh your options, emphasize proximity. While you might be car-dependent now, that might not always be the case. Look for homes relatively close to amenities like grocery stores, clinics, drugstores, restaurants etc.

Further, you may wish to move to be closer to other things you value – like family, friends, nature, etc. Make a list of personal imperatives and criteria that ranks your needs and wants. Do you want to be closer to kids and grandkids? Are you interested in meeting new people? Do you want to be in a vibrant urban environment or surrounded by natural beauty? There are no universally correct answers here.

If you plan on downsizing in the near future, submit these criteria to your selling agent before you start searching. With a trustworthy realtor and professional downsizing services in your corner, the move should be effortless and exciting.