Downsizing may seem like a daunting task, but there really are some major benefits of a smaller home. From having less to clean, to less utilities to pay for, to more family time, moving to a smaller home can add value to your life.
Benefits of a Smaller Home
Lower mortgage
The number one reason most people downsize to a smaller home is because they have kids that have left to college and they are left with a 5 bedroom home for just 2 people. Why pay for a home with 5 bedrooms when you only use 1 maybe 2? Moving to a smaller home can help you pay a higher down payment on the new home, and can help you save hundreds of dollars a month in a mortgage.
Less to clean
The amount of space you have to clean is one of the biggest benefits of a smaller home. Gone are the days of setting aside an entire weekend just to clean your home. Have you ever wished you had more house to clean? I didn’t think so. When you reduce the number of rooms in your home, you also reduce the number of surfaces that need to be cleaned. Less room in your home also means less clutter. So it’s really a win win situation.
Less focused on stuff
In a larger home, a big part of your focus is what you’re going to buy to cover all the walls. While furniture is necessary in smaller homes, you’ll have less wall space to cover and likely smaller décor to purchase. You’ll save a bunch of money on décor when you need less stuff!
More family time
When you live in a bigger home, it’s easy for everyone to retreat to their own rooms for time after school to evening. When everyone is thrown together in a smaller living space, it allows for more family time. You’ll spend hours and hours or more time with your family playing games and talking that you wouldn’t necessarily get if you spend all the time alone in your room.
More likely to know neighbors
With big houses comes big lots. And when you have a lot of land, it takes a little more time to spend quality time with your neighbors. Smaller homes often sit closer together. If you sit on your front porch, you’re likely to see your neighbors walking past with their kids and dogs. It’s easy to be a good neighbor when you’re closer in proximity! You’ll find that you become closer with the entire community when you live in a smaller home as well. Attending block parties and neighborhood functions can introduce you to neighbors all around!
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