5 signs you’re ready to downsize in 2022

At Discover Downsizing, we’re firm believers that the ‘right’ time to downsize, is whenever you decide to make it right! If you’re considering downsizing before or during retirement, but you’re unsure about your readiness, we’re here to help.

If any of these 5 signs resonate with you, it could be the perfect time to start your downsizing journey.

1. You can’t keep up with your home’s maintenance

The harsh reality of ageing is that you’re not as nimble and agile as you used to be. As a result, mowing the lawns, fixing or replacing broken appliances and patching up signs of your home’s age all become increasingly difficult tasks – and they often cost money, too!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of maintenance or repair your home requires, this could be a good indicator that it’s time to downsize to a smaller, low-maintenance home. Doing so could help you save time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

• Your monthly expenses leave little room for savings (or fun!)

Larger, older homes generally come with bigger bills because they require more energy to heat and cool. Plus, if you’re home’s appliances are old or outdated, it’s likely they’re not very energy efficient and potentially costing you more.

Land Lease Communities feature brand new homes (and pre-loved ones too), that require very little maintenance and upkeep. Most homes come with ready-to-move in inclusions like luxury kitchen appliances, heating and cooling, floor coverings, window furnishings, landscaping and more.

Living in a smaller, newer and more efficient home within a safe community also comes with a huge range of financial benefits. You’ll experience lower power bills because you won’t have to use as much energy to heat and cool your home, as well as lower household insurance costs because you live in a secure environment.

Discover more financial benefits of downsizing in our blog.

• Your home no longer fits your lifestyle

When the kids were living at home, there may have been a time when your house didn’t feel big enough. But now that they’ve all left the nest, it’s likely that you’re only using a handful of rooms, and there’s a lot of space going to waste.

If you’re feeling like your current home is too big (and costly) for your needs, it could be time to start looking at some smaller, newer and low-maintenance homes within Downsizing Communities.

• You love to travel but can’t find the time or money

Ready to start ticking things off the bucket list, but don’t have the money to do it? Or perhaps the idea of returning from a holiday, only to spend hours taming your garden, makes a holiday seem less enjoyable? Or maybe you’re worried about the safety of your home while you’re away?

If you’ve got the travel itch but simply can’t scratch it, it might be time to consider downsizing. Here’s why:

• You’ll free up money from your existing home and reduce your living costs, which can help to fund new adventures
• You’ll enjoy increased home safety and security, so you’ll have peace of mind while you’re away
• You won’t have to tame your unruly garden upon your return home, as many communities take care of your front garden for you

Discover more ways downsizing can help you unlock bigger adventures in our blog.

• You don’t feel tied to your location

Back when you bought your family home, you may have chosen the location because it was close to your workplace, schools or family. Now that you’re already retired (or approaching retirement), the kids have grown up, and family and friends have moved around a bit, your current location might not seem so desirable. You may also want to spend your retirement years living in a location you’ve always desired, like by the beach or in the countryside.

If you’re ready to make a tree-change or sea-change and fall in love with your new home’s location, you’ll be well catered for within a Downsizing Community. There are a wide range of perfectly placed communities that make for beautiful living experiences, offering effortless access to local shops, facilities, attractions and transport.

If any or all these points resonated with you, it might be the prime time to start exploring your downsizing options. You can discover our affiliated communities here.

Photo by Moritz Knöringer on Unsplash