Working Caregiver- Should you consider downsizing?
This motivation is often preceded by the "tired of" affliction. What are you tired of? Maintaining the yard and pool? Home repairs? Heating and cooling costs for unused rooms? You may be on the road to making a downsizing decision.
Downsize Your Home?
Wanting to downsize your physical living space is often the result of life event changes, such as divorce, an empty nest, health issues, or a job change. It can also be the result of a desire to simplify life without sacrificing your lifestyle. This motivation is often preceded by the "tired of" affliction. What are you tired of? Maintaining the yard and pool? Home repairs? Heating and cooling costs for unused rooms? You may be on the road to making a downsizing decision.
Once the decision to downsize is made, the fun begins. First you will need to decide what type of home you want to move into. If maintenance of yard and home are at the top of your list to eliminate, then you could consider a condominium or townhome if living in close proximity to other people does not bother you. If so, then smaller homes and garden homes might be more attractive to you. In
Next you will need to decide what to get rid of and what to keep. Keep options open for furniture pieces that will serve double or triple duty. Can the sideboard double as a bill pay or computer station? Keep a few large pieces instead of several small pieces. Large pieces add to the warmth and comfort of a living space while several small pieces will seem like clutter. Are you still housing your children's things? Call them and give them a date to pick them up after which all will be trashed or donated. Now is the time to make special gifts of prized collections to the people you want to have them. Sort the rest by donation, garage sale, or auction. This activity can be very emotional. You do not have to rush through it. If you are in the "tired of" mode, start now to de-clutter and gift possessions. By the time you have made the decision to downsize, you will be well on the road to a new living space.
Sandra McElvaney is a Realtor living in Onion Creek. To contract Sandra, call (512) 751-6352 or send an email to smcelvaney@sbcglobal.netto receive her monthly real estate newsletter. Sandra's website is www.KeysToAustin.com.
