What to Consider When You Downsize as an “Empty Nester”

One of life’s main transitions that affect a family’s decisions on housing is when kids leave the nest.  But, there’s more to give consideration to in downsizing than number of bedrooms and square footage. Below are three considerations for the ones starting the process.Give Consideration to downsizing sooner, rather than laterAll of us expect our houses to be the hub of all family gatherings. But, kids will leave to live their own lives, with hectic schedules and choices other than being home for the holidays. Oftentimes, visits are fewer than we imagine, and that is okay!Consider what life will be like when your house isn’t teen-centeredConsider the routine of your family and how your home is used. You might be shocked how much time was dictated by your kid’s activities. What is going to change as your kids are no longer inside your home? What do you “wish” you had?Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

• Do I actually desire the upkeep of a pool or large yard? What outside space features are more important for my new life?
• Do I have to have a big recreation room or will keeping a smaller extra room upstairs be enough? Where are the grandchildren going to play one day?
• Do I have to have a two-story house, or is it time that you keep the majority of living space upon the ground floor?
• How often are spare bedrooms going to be utilized, and are there creative methods of accommodating guests?

Think about long-term needs If you’re searching for a house which is going to see you into retirement, you’ll want to think about how your house is going to accommodate your priorities and lifestyle as you get older. Long-range considerations involve budget and finances, mobility and health changes, proximity to family, accessibility to transportation, and house amenities you’ll enjoy as grow older.