Downsizing a home means something different for everyone.
Whether you’re moving locations to better suit your empty nest, seeking a more accessible home, or looking to build a home that has dedicated spaces for hobbies and interests -- the process of downsizing marks an exciting new chapter.
We’ve put together this guide to help answer questions we hear from people building their downsized dream home and aid in making the process go smoothly.
Should I Downsize My Home?
This is usually the first question that homeowners ask when they begin thinking about the journey of downsizing.
Of course, the question of whether or not to downsize is an extremely personal one, but there are some indicators that those who have downsized point to as reasons they made the choice.
These include:
- Cost considerations. For many homeowners, the price that they pay to keep their larger home warm in winter and cool in the summer (as well as other utility expenses) no longer is feasible, especially since many who downsize are paying to heat empty rooms that are no longer in use.
- General upkeep. This is something that many homeowners looking to downsize gripe about -- how much physical strain and time it takes to clean their large home. Again, many are spending time cleaning empty rooms that are no longer in use.
- Style and interest change. As time and style evolve, so do your interests. When you moved into your current home, maybe you loved entertaining in your large living room. Now, you find joy in cooking and wish the kitchen was larger. Many homeowners go through situations like this, and yearn to build a house that reflects their current interest and style.
Another important consideration when considering building a future dream home is that downsizing can also be resizing.
Some homeowners have no desire to live in a smaller home, but rather resize and reorient a home that makes more sense for them in their later stages of life. Whether this means designing a home that is more intuitive for their needs as they age, or keeping the same amount of square footage but opting for a one story house.
It’s important when asking yourself “Should I downsize my home?” not to get too caught up in the word downsize, but rather look at it as a resize and refit for your new chapter in life.
When is the Right Time to Downsize Your Home?
The truth is, there is no “right” or “wrong” time to begin the downsizing journey.
A lot of downsizers spend time worrying about / ensuring that they’re going to make money on their old home, and save money on their new one. For a lot of homeowners, this unfortunately is something that is unattainable, or unnecessarily limits them from building a home they love.
We’ve noticed that the happiest downsizers are the ones that go into it with the mindset that they deserve to spend money on the home of their dreams to spend the rest of their lives in. While it’s important to consider budget, having a beautifully designed home and their future comfort at the focal point of their thoughts leads to feeling more content about downsizing -- rather than focusing on money.
If you’re looking for information on what time of year is best to build your downsized home, check out our guide here.
How to Downsize Your Home:
One of the most important things to focus on when downsizing, or resizing, is customization. This is the home that you will spend the rest of your life in, so why settle for anything less than a perfect reflection of your interests, style, and needs?
It’s important to think about the future while building, and incorporate elements of accessible design where possible in your home. You want your new home to accommodate you, and your family and friends, at every upcoming stage of life.
Although universal design forces you to think about some morbid things, considering those things now will bring you peace of mind for the entire length of time you’re in the home.
Installing accessible options now avoids costly renovations down the line, and enables you to stay in your dream home as long as possible.
Have More Questions About Your Personal Downsizing Journey?
We’ve just scratched the surface in the realm of downsizing in this guide. If you have any questions about your personal downsizing project, please feel free to reach out to the Barden team.
We’re always happy to help you customize a home plan to fit your needs, and get your project started off right.
Dive into what it takes to build your custom Barden home with our Ultimate Homeowner Toolkit!
