Downsizing for Seniors: When Is the Right Time?
One important aspect of planning your next chapter of life is evaluating your current living situation. Should you stay where you are, or should you move? Should you downsize – and when is the right time for seniors to downsize?
Downsizing for seniors can be beneficial in several ways, including lower living costs and for more freedom to do more enjoyable things in life. Here are some signs that may mean it’s time for you to consider downsizing.
Signs It’s Time to Downsize
Unused Spaces
Take a few minutes and mentally go through your home. Honestly evaluate how often each room is used. Many seniors find they have guest rooms that family members only use once or twice a year, or formal dining rooms that never get used. You’re paying utilities to heat and cool those rooms, and they still need cleaning sometimes. Don’t forget about outdoor spaces, too. Do you use the yard, pool or shed? If not, it might be time to let them go.
Maintenance Burdens
A home needs regular maintenance and repairs to remain comfortable and safe. What fixes and chores are regularly on your to-do list? How much house do you want to keep cleaning? Are there bigger-ticket repairs that need to be done, such as a leaky roof, HVAC replacements, plumbing problems? What kind of yardwork do you have to do? It’s important to evaluate whether or not you want to keep doing all the work that comes with homeownership – or if you’ll be able to keep doing the work a few years from now.
Finances
Where are you spending your money – and where do you want to spend it? Do you want to keep paying for the upkeep of a larger residence, or would you rather put that money toward something more rewarding? If so, a smaller home can help you do that.
Isolation
Perhaps the kids and grandkids have moved to another city. Your social circle may be shrinking. It may be harder to drive to the places you used to go to. Maybe you’ve lost a spouse, or one of you is ill. These can lead to social isolation, which can make you feel anxious, depressed and lonely. And it can impact your health in negative ways. Downsizing to a smaller residence closer to friends and family, or to a senior living community where you can make new friends can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Health Complications
As you age, it’s natural to encounter some new physical challenges. It might become more difficult for you to move around your home, especially if you have a multilevel home with stairs. Activities like walking up and down stairs may become a difficult and even dangerous task. Downsizing to a smaller, single-level home can help you maintain your independence longer and avoid unnecessary falls or other injuries.
Desire to Simplify
If you find yourself ready to get rid of clutter in your home and in your life, downsizing to a senior living community such as The Buckingham could be a good fit for you. Interior and exterior maintenance is taken care of. So is weekly housekeeping. You don’t have to hassle with meal planning and preparation, because outstanding dining is available. On-site amenities make it convenient for you to do the things you love. We take care of the details so you can focus on what matters. And you can choose an independent living floor plan that’s just the right size for the way you want to live.
Downsizing for seniors doesn’t have to be a negative thing. In fact, it could be the thing that frees you up to write a truly great next chapter of life.