Empty nesters: to downsize, or not to downsize?
Maybe the children have gone off to university, married, or moved to the big city to pursue their career, and the family home feels a little empty without them.
If this sounds familiar, it may be time to think about downsizing.
By getting rid of the space you no longer need or use in favour of a more compact property, you’ll lose the empty nest feeling and unlock many more benefits, including:
1) Maintenance
Firstly, less space= less maintenance. Fewer rooms to clean, smaller household bills and less garden to look after. This means more time to pursue other, more fulfilling things, such as hobbies and visiting friends and family.
2) De-clutter
Downsizing to a smaller property means you are inevitably going to need less of the things you have accumulated over the years, and is a great excuse for a clear out! A good rule of thumb to follow is only keeping the things that you love, and getting rid of all the rest. If you need to get rid of a lot of items, you could think about
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Asking an auction house or house clearance company for a quote
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Selling some things on eBay or similar sites
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Giving things away to family friends, particularly ones who may have just bought their first house
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Taking things to charity shops
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Having a car boot sale
3) New environment
Maybe you always dreamed of living in the countryside, but jobs and schools and commitments held you back in the past. Well, now its time to think of yourself! Change can be good, so look into properties outside of your comfort zone if you are in need of a change.
Deciding whether to move or not when the kids leave can be a big decision, but very rewarding when you see the benefits. Just make sure you save enough space for the grandchildren to visit!