Is it time to start thinking about downsizing?

There are many questions involved in making a decision to downsize from the family home of many years. Whether you’re entering a new stage of life because the kids have left to pursue their own lives or if home maintenance doesn’t seem appealing any longer, it may be time to consider a move.

Well, for the semi-empty nester such as yourself who is contemplating the possibility of starting a new lifestyle, one thing comes to mind most frequently. “How do I even start to incorporate years of memories in a new home?”

We understand that this is a major life transition so we have come up with six basic questions (and answers) to start you thinking about the possibility of a new home in your future. Whenever you reach that decision, an active adult lifestyle can bring you a wealth of benefits including efficiencies, entertainment, services, time and much more.

1. Why downsizing?
You now live in a home meant for children and pets and are now left with lots of space and leftover belongings. Also, yards, whether large or small, have required your time and money to maintain over the years.  Downsizing means that you can move into a home well-suited for you and your spouse free of yard and snow maintenance and even exterior home maintenance.  Downsizing gives you more time to do the things you enjoy best.

2.  When’s the right time?
Ok, so you think you’re ready to downsize. When’s the best time to do so? Many couples have a child in college who lives at home only part-time. Do you wait until he or she finishes school?  If this is an issue, ask your child how he or she feels about the move. You may want to consider relocating somewhere where your child feels comfortable staying and saving money.

3. Where will you go?
Now you’re ready to downsize and have decided on a good time.  Where should you go? Do you enjoy the location and state where you currently reside?  Do you want to remain close to family and friends?  Are you looking to move somewhere warm?  These are all factors you must consider when selecting a new community.

4. What type of home do you prefer?
There are many flexible housing options available.  What type of “downsized” home is suitable for you? Do you prefer a townhome or detached single family home?  Would you like to live in an active adult community, a condo with no yard or a rental option?  Do you plan on entertaining often? Is mobility an issue that could benefit from a first-floor master suite? The great thing about lifestyle communities, like the popular ones at Del Webb, is that there is something for everyone.  You can enjoy clubs, activities, walks around beautiful lakes, traveling, or even quiet time with your spouse.

5.  How will you pay for it?
You’ve found the perfect home. However, you don’t want to pay more money for a new home. Yes, some communities, condos, and townhomes come with a hefty price tag.  At Del Webb, you can purchase a detached single family home in a fantastic neighborhood for a very competitive price. Extra luxuries and amenities are even included with your home.

6.  What will you do with all of your things?
Over the years, you have accumulated a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a ton of stuff!  It’s very overwhelming to think about how you can fit all of these memories into a smaller home.  Many active adult communities offer flexible storage options that help lessen the anxiety of downsizing.  Homes at Del Webb’s Edgewater in Elgin offer 2-3 car garages and large walk-in closets. Free seminars are even hosted at the community center on topics relating to decorating, packing and moving for residents and the public.

Have you downsized recently? How was your experience? If you have other ideas or tips that helped you, please share them with us by commenting on this post.  We’ll collect all of them and then follow up with another article featuring your inspired ideas and advice.