Tips for Downsizing | Empty Nesters

Have you suddenly found yourself with too many empty rooms? Are you dreading those stairs more and more every day? Is keeping up with yard work wearing you down?

If so, it may be time to consider downsizing your home. We've pulled together a few tips to help you get started and make the process as easy as possible.

Determine your new space requirements.
As you move forward with your decision downsize, consider the lifestyle you want to embrace in this new chapter. Think about what aspects of a new home are most important to you. Do you enjoy cooking and want a larger kitchen? Are you tired of climbing stairs and want a one story home or a home with a master bedroom on the first floor? Take inventory of your furniture and decide what you need to take, what you can do without, or what you want to replace. Knowing these things ahead of time can help you in your new home search and in deciding what floor plans and square footage will be best for you.
Location
Are your children farther away than you'd like? Are there certain places you would like to be closer to? Answering questions like these will help you determine what area(s) you should begin looking for your new home in. Think about what amenities are most important to you. If you enjoy walking or biking, communities with trails will be good options. Affordability should also be taken into consideration. If you are retired or retiring in the near future, you may rather spend money on traveling or other hobbies.
Ask for Help!
When it comes to decluttering or moving, it always goes smoother when you have help. Ask friends or family to help you decide what to keep or give away. Get your children to come over and go through any belongings they may have left behind. It can actually be enjoyable to go through old memories together.
Downsizing comes with many benefits including less time spent on cleaning and yard work and more time spent doing what you love. The hardest part is getting started but once you're done you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

Get information about first floor master bedroom homes in Chicagoland here CELEBRATION

View one story homes in Austin here CREEKSIDE

By Bigelow Homes 6-4-2018