Three reasons why you should consider downsizing…now

Relaxing on the porch

Why downsize now?

There are many reasons to downsize. Much more will be written on this topic, but let’s look at three critical factors to begin the discussion.

Planning for the future

If you are an older adult or baby boomer like me, you realize the years ahead can offer flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to start working on that bucket list! However, we also recognize that we face new challenges. 

Some things are not as easy as they used to be. We may have less or limited income. We may develop health or physical conditions that complicate household tasks or require home changes and accommodations. Many of us will need to move out of our existing homes at some point as we age due to injury or illness and may have fewer options and control of decisions down the road.  

Understanding this and planning for the years ahead, my husband and I recently decided to downsize. These were our top three reasons why we chose to do so now.

Reason #1- Saving time and money for the things that matter most

We wanted to reduce our home maintenance “to-do” list and budget, giving us time and money (and energy) for the things we enjoy.  We spend time traveling, camping, and volunteering in our community. Preserving time and money is an important factor to consider.

Reason #2- A safe, more accessible home for today and tomorrow

We loved our home, but we also realized that our two-story floorplan would not be safe for us long term. It was just a matter of time before we would need to move. We wanted to reduce the opportunity for an accident and downsize while we had more options and control of our future. We now hope to “age in place,” staying in our downsized home for as long as possible.   

Reason #3- We wanted to control decision-making and save our family from this burden 

Our kids also benefited from this decision! We did the work of selling our house and our “stuff” and bought a smaller home. Families are often burdened with guilt when selling the family home and heirlooms. Decisions can be complicated. We took that off their plate by downsizing ourselves. We also maintained control over all decisions, which may not have been the case down the road. 

Having an estate sale allowed us to start fresh in our new home.

Also, our kids were relived of the burden of dealing with all of our stuff, down the road.

It seems overwhelming, right? How can we make the process manageable?

Planning is the key. It also helps to keep an eye on the prize! We broke the project into steps and worked on each, one at a time. Having done this, I know it can be emotional and seem overwhelming. As a licensed associate real estate broker and former practicing attorney, I am here to help. I am also certified as an Aging-in-Place Specialist by the National Association of Home Builders and have a NAPO Move Management and Staging certification. 

How can I help?

The first step is to schedule a conversation to discuss your needs. We will then develop a step-by-step plan together. I will research and provide available options and resources, be your advocate and support you as we execute the project together.

You can have peace of mind, knowing that you have support every step of the way.

No Regrets!

We are pleased with our decision to downsize; we now have more time and money to spend on the things we enjoy, like family and friends, travel, and volunteering in our community.  

All the best,

Susan Palmer MS, JD

Associate Real Estate Broker, The Olear Team, MJ Peterson Real Estate

Aging in Place Specialist, NAHB

Move Management and Staging Certificate, NAPO