Oftentimes, homeowners opt for large square footage and multiple bedrooms at a time in their lives when they are raising kids, hosting get-togethers, and growing as a family. However, many find that, in retirement, their family home hinders the life they want to live.
Our homes should work for us, and not the other way around. Downsizing can bring you freedom and ease that you’ve never experienced before.
If this interests you, keep reading. This guide will help you understand the benefits of apartment living and begin the process of downsizing.
5 Advantages That Await You
The idea of a small living space may initially intimidate you, and it may indeed take a bit of shifting of priorities and paring down of possessions. But what is on the other side of this transition will usher in a new, less burdensome future. Here are a few things to look forward to.
1. You get to choose a home perfect for you and this phase of life.
Perhaps when you were last on the market for a house, you had to consider a school district, a commute to work, a dedicated office space, and the garage space for equipment you need for home upkeep. Your needs have, no doubt, changed, and you have the opportunity now to search for the perfect living space for you and the activities you are most inclined toward in your retirement.
2. You can save money.
There are monetary costs associated with a large home. It takes more money to heat, mortgage payments could be higher, and it is possible you are paying for maintenance services that are draining your savings. With a move into a one-bedroom apartment, you could lower your monthly payments and decrease the upkeep costs.
3. You do a favor to your loved ones – and yourself.
Purging and passing down possessions while you are still able to do so can be a sort of gift to your family members. Time spent together sorting through items can create sentimental moments and help you determine which cherished items you want to give to loved ones. Additionally, completing these tasks now will ensure that it is done in the way that you want them to be and give you the chance to pass along not only items but also the stories they hold for you.
4. Your quality of life could improve exponentially.
Downsizing can mean much more than eliminating difficult-to-navigate stairs and reducing the space you have to keep tidy. A move into an independent living community apartment offers services and amenities designed to improve your life. You can connect with community members, explore new hobbies and interests, and take advantage of health and wellness support to keep yourself agile, active and healthy.
5. You can live a maintenance-free lifestyle.
A small space is easier to keep clean, of course, but when you enter retirement living, you can also benefit from services like concierge services, trash removal, weekly cleaning, laundry services and transportation. And because your home doesn’t sit on a large piece of real estate, you won’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or landscaping. Your time and energy can be reallocated and spent in exactly the ways you want.
How To Pare Down and Declutter
Psychologists assert that physical clutter is mental clutter, so while it can be daunting to face the accumulated stuff that fills your home, minimizing it truly can quiet and calm the mind. Here are some steps you can take to tackle this task:
1. Start with what you absolutely want and need.
Prioritize the task of choosing items you want to keep and be selective. Then you can sort through the rest with two options: donate or discard.
2. Begin in a small room or space.
While it may feel good to complete your paring down in a living room or bedroom, you can more quickly achieve a sense of accomplishment by starting in a smaller room and moving out into the bigger spaces later.
3. Keep the space you are moving to in mind.
It is wise to have your new space chosen and in your mind as you sort through your belongings. Some people even measure out the new square footage in an open space like a basement so they can see how their furniture might fit.
4. Sell the stuff you aren’t keeping or giving away.
There are several ways to make a little money selling items that did not make your cut. Use sites like craigslist or Facebook Marketplace – or even host your own garage sale.
Life on Your Terms at The Contemporary
Seniors looking for an independent lifestyle need look no further than the all-inclusive apartments at The Contemporary in Miami, Florida. They boast a convenient location, attractive living options, and comprehensive services – all available to you to curate the lifestyle you want. Email us today at Marketing@TheContemporaryMiami.com to schedule a visit!