Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ll notice there is a growing trend everywhere to downsize in just about everything. One of the biggest trends of this movement is downsizing the way that you live. In other words, people are realizing that living in a huge home doesn’t always mean they are living better or that they are happier. It’s important to note that there are many benefits of downsizing your house to a smaller home instead.
Whether you’re doing it because you want to or you’re relocating for a new job, there are benefits of downsizing a house. Even though you have downsized your home, you can still live in a good neighbourhood and buy a decent piece of real estate property. If you haven’t made up your mind whether to go big or small with your next home, here are the seven benefits of downsizing to a smaller home:
1. You can declutter and make money at the same time.
The financial benefits of downsizing a house are apparent. Downsizing to a smaller house is much less expensive in the long run, but it can also make you money in the here and now. If you’re downsizing from a huge house to a much smaller home, then you’re going to have to declutter in order to fit everything into your new life. Why not make some money off of the things you no longer have use for?
Keep only the items that are necessary to every day living, throw away the stuff that is no good, and sell the rest. Whether it’s a yard sale or a consignment shop, you make a little extra money and declutter as well.
2. You can reduce those utility bills.
This downsizing benefit is probably a no-brainer, but it bears talking about. When you live in a large home, it takes more energy to cool and heat that home. If you downsize to a house with less square footage, then you can be sure your utility bills will be cut in half, in most cases. Another plus is you’ll have fewer rooms to light and fewer appliances to plug in and take up electricity.
3. You need less money for home maintenance.
Having to spend money to maintain your home is inevitable, whether you live in a small house or a large one. The difference is with less square footage, you have less to maintain. For example, it’s going to be a lot simpler to have a roof put on a small house, than a huge one, and it will be cheaper as well.
Also, if you’re thinking of leaving your large family home, consider moving into a townhouse, condominium, or apartment, as the yards are littler and nine times out of ten, maintenance is done by someone else, instead of you.
4. You can enjoy life more in a downsized home.
For many people being all work and no play is the way they live, but if you want something more out of life, then downsizing could be right for you. You’ll be able to get out and play more, travel more, and even enjoy life more if you don’t have a huge mortgage hanging over your head. Whether it’s a cruise around the world or just eating out more often, it’s possible if all your money isn’t being sunk into the large home you’re buying.
5. There is less physical work for you in a downsized house.
Think about it for a second, if you live in a smaller house, then it’s going to be much easier to clean it. You can leave your vacuum cleaner in the closet for longer, and no longer have to break your back cleaning the house and mowing the lawns. Yes, it’s true, you will have to become more organized, but there’s nothing wrong with that, now is there.
6. You’ll spend less money on buying furniture.
The bigger your house is, the more furniture you have to purchase to fill it up. So, if you’re selling your current home and moving into another with all new furniture, why not downsize. You’ll save money not only on a smaller home, but on the amount of furniture you have to buy to furnish it as well. It is estimated that it costs around $2,000 a room to furnish a house. If you only have four rooms instead of six, you’re saving yourself around $4,000.
7. You have a smaller mortgage payment to make.
When you have less bills and a less hefty mortgage payment every month, it allows you to breathe and work less hours. While your huge house might be your pride and joy, if you’re working 60 or 70 hours a week just to cover the payment, are you really enjoying it?
These are just a few of the top benefits of downsizing your home. Not only will you save on your bills, it will help you get out and enjoy life more as well. Plus, less worry equals less stress, and that will be amazing for your future health. After all, you can’t enjoy your home if you’re too sick to enjoy it, right?