Big benefits to scaling down
There are big benefits to downsizing your home. Use these tips and tricks to prepare for your move into a smaller home.
Consider the reasons to downsize.
Whether your kids are grown and moved out, or your home is just too big for your needs, it may be time to downsize. It’s time to find a home that is designed to fit this new version of your life. As you prepare to simplify your life, let this guide help you make the move.
There are big benefits to downsizing.
Downsizing your home doesn’t have to mean downgrading. In fact, it can be quite the opposite, from selecting the features you’ve always wanted, to creating spaces that reflect your lifestyle. It all depends on what you need and want in your home.
Have less space for less hassle: If you’re always on the go or travel for a living, a smaller house may actually be better suited to your lifestyle. Less house can mean less work and lower utility bills overall, but you can still feel right at home in your space.
Make an empty nest feel a little fuller: Your house may suddenly feel just a bit too big now that the kids are grown up and have moved out. A smaller home can still provide plenty of space for making new family memories together, and you won’t be cleaning, furnishing or heating and cooling rooms that would otherwise go unused.
Enjoy retirement living: You’ve spent your life working; now it’s time to spend it living. Downsizing to a smaller home can often mean less housework, yard work, maintenance and upkeep and smaller utility bills, so you have time to enjoy your retirement the way you’ve always wanted.
Choosing a smaller home affords you more.
Just because you’re scaling down doesn’t mean you can’t find a home that affords you more of the moments that matter in life like gourmet kitchens for cooking restaurant-inspired meals, serene outdoor spaces that are perfect for relaxing and primary suites fit for a king and queen.
You can have it all, with less square footage and without sacrificing your quality of life. Here’s how:
Look at the community as a whole, not just the homes within it: Is it close to where you want to be? Does the area offer amenities that excite you? Your new community should factor into your choice just as heavily as the home you select.
Enjoy less maintenance for less worry: With older homes, upkeep can become an issue and an unwanted expense. Many new homes, like Meritage Homes, offer a warranty, cleanliness, energy efficiency, and overall peace of mind so you can make more time for the things that matter.
Factor in monthly savings: Moving to a smaller home comes with natural savings, but don’t let your expectations stop there. Add energy efficiency to your must-haves list and put your new home to work, every day. More energy savings means more budget for the things that are important to you.
How to scale down the right way.
Unsurprisingly, things have a tendency to accumulate over time. Clothing, equipment, supplies, memorabilia...you name it. Here’s how to scale down without feeling like you’re sacrificing.
Step 1: Take inventory and make decisions - The first step is to take a step back and assess everything you own. Gather your inventory room-by-room, and document each item, making four columns: keep, sell, pass along (anything you want to give to family or friends) and donate. While it may sound like a thorough, time-consuming process, it will make the next steps much easier. Once you have a sense of what you have and where it’s meant to go, you’ll be able to take action with more certainty and speed.
Step 2: Clean what you plan to keep - One of the most exciting aspects of moving into a new home is starting with a fresh, clean slate. New fixtures. New surfaces. New everything. That makes this the perfect time to clean anything you plan to take with you. Dust and polish your furniture. Clean all of your dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items. You get the idea. It will make settling into your new home even easier.
Step 3: Make memories last longer - Packing, storing and saving memorabilia may be the hardest part about moving. Take a trip down memory lane by organizing memorabilia or keepsakes into categories (like photos, cards, or letters) or by major milestones (like graduations or marriage). Purchase special storage boxes for each, ensuring they are labeled appropriately. In some cases, you may even want to place the memorabilia into plastic bags to protect them before placing them in their boxes.
Step 4: Pack by room and label everything - Resist the temptation to pack up as quickly as possible. That’s because the more organized you are before you move out, the easier it will be to move in. Be methodical as you pack—go room by room, and get comfortable with your label maker. The time and care you take at this critical step will make all the difference on move-in day! For more packing and moving tips, check out our moving guide and checklist.
Step 5: Make the most of your new space - Now that you’ve decluttered, there are a few tricks to make smaller spaces in your new home look even bigger than they are. Place mirrors across the room from a window and use lighter paint colors to make rooms appear bigger and brighter. Draw the eye up by placing shelves or paintings higher on the wall. Use furniture with exposed legs to create a more spacious, airy feeling.