Are you thinking of downsizing? There are many benefits to having a smaller home. But there are also many things to consider when looking for a more compact place to live. Here are some of the things to consider when it comes time to reduce your home’s footprint.
Outdoor Access
Having a house with a yard is often taken for granted. If it was gone entirely, would you miss it? If the answer is no, then condo or apartment units are worth considering.
If, however, you enjoy walking out your front door to the great outdoors, instead of into a hallway, then houses or townhouses are a better option.
A smaller house doesn’t have to mean a smaller yard, though. If you love gardening or landscaping, or just enjoy spending time relaxing in a large yard, you’ll definitely want to look for a home with a sizable lot. If you’re downsizing as part of your retirement plan, though, consider the effort required to maintain that yard. In your later years, you may need to hire some gardening help.
Neighbours
If you’ve spent decades living in a larger house with a fair-sized yard, or in a rural area, chances are you’ve gotten used to your space. If you’ve decided to move to a condominium in the city, pause for a moment. You’re about to move from sharing a fence line to sharing a wall with neighbours. Are you ready for that? If you like your space, apartment living may not be the right option.
If, however, you want to be within walking distance of everything you need, it’s an ideal choice. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about property maintenance, or mowing the lawn.
Moving to a neighbourhood like Unionville will give you a mix of a detached house in an urban area.
Necessary Space
When downsizing, you’ll need to take a good look at which rooms or spaces you’re willing to give up, and which you absolutely need. Start with the bedrooms. You’ll need one for yourself and your partner, of course. And one for guests. Do you need a dedicated office space? Or a room for your hobbies?
What about vehicles? If you have a classic car, you’ll want indoor parking, whether that’s a garage or a car park.
Do your hobbies require their own space? Woodworking, metalwork, and many other hobbies are best suited to a garage or basement, rather than a spare bedroom.
How many bathrooms do you need? Are you fine with sharing a bathroom, or does each person in the home require their own bathroom?
Make a list of the minimum requirements – number of bedrooms, bathrooms, hobby/office space – and use that to guide your home search. This will filter out a lot of homes that don’t fit your needs.
Furniture
Part of downsizing is deciding what furniture to keep. If you keep all of it, your new, smaller home will feel cramped. When deciding what to keep, consider the size of the piece. Will your king-size bed fit your new bedroom? Will that sectional couch be too large? Depending on the furniture you own, you may need to budget for new furniture when you move.
Whether it’s a small home or a condo, Martin can help you find a new home you’ll love. Get in touch today.
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