You’ve spent years building a life in the suburbs, and now it’s time to downsize. You might be looking to move into an apartment, maybe a condo, but you find out that there are just as many things to consider with those choices too. Here are some tips for downsizing from a house to any home, even if it’s just across town.
Determine Your Lifestyle Needs
Knowing what kind of lifestyle you want is essential for successful downsizing. It’s not just about space. Do you need a yard, a dog park, and restaurants with outdoor seating? These are the kinds of questions you should be asking yourself – they’ll help determine where you’re going to live and how much space you need. For example, if you love to go hiking or love tennis, a condo with a yard may work better. Townhome moving can help you get a sense of what it would be like to live in an apartment or condo.
Consider What’s Important for You
Do you want to live in a town or city? Close to transit for work or travel? There may be a specific location you’re attracted to, but if it doesn’t have everything else you need, you may need to change your plan. For instance, if you love to walk, but there’s no grocery store nearby, you’ll need to make a few compromises in another part of your life. You may have to change the hours you work or the number of days a week you travel for work altogether. Likewise, a great park nearby that lets your dog run around and play may be more important than a single-family home with a more oversized yard.
Consider Your Finances
You don’t want to buy into a new place when you’re not sure you’ll be able to afford whatever it is you want. You don’t always need ample space – even if your space is a small apartment or condo, you can decorate it and make it look beautiful, too, because its purpose is for your daily living. It’s all about having a place to do the job for you.
Play With Your Floor Plan
Seating is always important, so plan for that. Once you have that figured out, look at the floor plan’s layout. Can you bring some furniture that can tip the scales and make it feel more spacious? You can even incorporate slick space-saving ideas into your floor plan – such as putting in a bookshelf below your windows to make them seem larger than they are.
Downsizing from a house to something smaller can be challenging, but with a little planning and thought, it can be quite easy. These tips get you started on the right track and help you find the perfect life for you!
About the author:
Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2