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Should I Downsize?
Most seniors reach a turning point when they have to choose whether to stay in the home they’ve spent most of their adult lives in or move to something smaller and often more manageable. More than half of people choose to downsize after retirement, and while it’s a decision not to take lightly, it can help improve quality of life.
What Does It Mean To Downsize?
Downsizing simply means moving to a smaller space. For some individuals, downsizing can mean finding a similarly sized but cheaper place. For others, it means significantly reducing the size of their home. Downsizing also includes removing unwanted or unneeded items and can be a great opportunity to purge their homes of things that no longer serve them.
Benefits Of Downsizing
People downsize for all kinds of reasons. A few of the most common include:
- Save money: One of the main reasons people choose to downsize is to save money on mortgages, taxes, utilities, or rent. Not only does the initial cost of a smaller home cost less, but it’s also typically cheaper to maintain.
- Less maintenance: Bigger homes need more maintenance, and the maintenance cost is often higher. Downsizing gives you less space to maintain, but it also means you can invest in the space you have.
- Opportunity to try a new town or city: Downsizing is a great excuse to try a different town or city, especially if you live somewhere with a high cost of living. You may even rent and try out new locations every few years.
- Opportunity to move closer to loved ones: You can use downsizing as a chance to move closer to loved ones or friends.
- Declutter: Downsizing is not only about moving but also getting rid of material goods you no longer use. Think of it as a time to declutter and give yourself a fresh start.
- Safety: Seniors often downsize because their large homes are no longer safe or accessible to navigate. Downsizing means you can have a home that’s easier and safer to walk around.
Is It Time To Downsize?
It’s never too early or too late to consider downsizing. It’s a personal decision. However, you may want to consider downsizing if:
- You’re having trouble paying your mortgage or rent
- You don’t use the majority of the rooms in your home
- You can’t access some of the rooms in your home because of stairs or other safety concerns
- You can’t keep up with maintenance on your home
- You’re having trouble keeping your home clean
- Loved ones have expressed concerns about you living in your home
At-Home Safety With Visiting Angels
Downsizing can significantly improve seniors' safety and quality of life, but it’s not a guarantee you’ll no longer need help at home. To ensure your continued safety as you age, Visiting Angels Coastal Alabama provides at-home assistance to keep seniors living safely and independently in whichever size home they choose.
Caregivers with Visiting Angels help with nonmedical tasks like housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation, personal grooming, and medication reminders. We also offer specialized care services, such as Dementia Care, Palliative Care, and Transportation Care.
Contact our Daphne office to learn more about at-home care services with Visiting Angels Coastal Alabama or to schedule a complimentary consultation.