When is it time to downsize?

What are the signs?

Now I am in the prime of my life, these words ring in my ears, “Don’t leave it too late to downsize”. So, when is the right time to downsize? Sometimes it is the memories that have been made while living in your present home that is the stumbling block for some people. We must remember that we continue making memories wherever we live.

When to downsize

I always think I will know when the time is right to downsize, but I am starting to wonder if I will get the timing right!

Feeling overwhelmed by with home maintenance is usually a good indication. If finding mowing the lawns is making your back ache and your hip hurt, this should be taken seriously. Your health is a good indicator when you need to start thinking about the move.

The time does come when you do outgrow your home. Do you really need to clean three bathrooms, a huge oven and spend a day dusting? Are some of the rooms in your home just not being used?

Look who is moving into your street, are you the oldest resident in your neighbourhood?

Maybe you would like to be closer to your family and feel the time is right for a lifestyle change.

The time will come when your career will not tie you to your location or you can reduce your hours and work from your home, wherever that may end up being.

With retirement, you can often experience a significant drop in income, this can be a sign that it’s time to move to a smaller place with a more affordable mortgage and have a little more cash for those extra luxuries.

What do I keep? What do I give away or sell?

I have a ten-seater dining room table and large furniture, and I often wonder what I will take with me when I eventually downsize.

I have already given a few things to my children, but there are a few things I am happy to enjoy for a few years yet. My large cookbook collection is a bit of a concern though, do I hang onto Gordon and give Jamie the flick? Or vice versa!

Depending on the house you downsize to, you should look at this as new experience. You’re in a different time in your life and moving on to something different. So, it could be fun to replace and change a few pieces of furniture when you move in your new house.