Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters
Becoming an empty nester is a major transitional moment in life. As your children move out of the home, you’ll find yourself with more freedom, fewer responsibilities, and a whole lot of empty space. While these changes can certainly be emotionally taxing, they can also lead to positive changes that will help you get the most out of your mature years.
Whether you’ve reached retirement age or are still working, downsizing your home allows you to embrace your new lifestyle as an empty nester. Between the benefits of living in a more efficient space and the financial incentives that come with this change, the experts at Apple Self Storage are here to explain why downsizing may be the right decision for you.
Embracing Life as an Empty Nester
One of the most important downsizing tips for empty nesters to remember is that while it may feel sad or emotional at first, it’s part of a transformative process that will lead to a more enjoyable and comfortable living situation. You may miss the sound of your children’s voices echoing throughout the house at first, but over time, you’ll begin to feel liberated by the newfound freedom, silence, and space that surrounds you in your new environment.
Benefits of Downsizing Your Home
Downsizing is about more than just moving into a smaller home—it’s about changing your overall lifestyle to embrace independence. Instead of fretting over things you’ll miss, which is natural, it can help to consider the positives you can expect to experience.
Less Maintenance and Upkeep
The last thing you want to spend your golden years doing is stressing over maintaining a large property. A smaller home means less time spent on cleaning and repairs, as you won’t have to worry about mowing the lawn or vacuuming extra bedrooms you hardly use anyway. Instead, you can spend your free time traveling, enjoying your favourite activities, or simply relaxing.
Move Somewhere More Enjoyable
One of the top downsizing tips for empty nesters to consider is the exciting potential that comes with moving somewhere new. Whether it’s a condo, a cottage by the lake, or a cozy town house near your relatives, downsizing gives you the flexibility to find a home that truly suits you. You no longer have to worry about school district lines or proximity to the local soccer fields. Instead, you can look to live near your favourite park, mall, or theatre!
Economic Benefits of Downsizing
The process of moving into a new home may seem expensive at first, but by selling your house and downsizing into a smaller space, you can actually experience a financial windfall. You may receive an influx of cash you can use to bolster your retirement savings, take a vacation, or make a thrilling purchase like a new car or home entertainment setup. Downsizing also means having a smaller mortgage, reduced property taxes, and lower bills for things like utilities and insurance.
What To Look for in a Downsized Home
Another important downsizing tip for empty nesters to keep in mind is that it’s all about finding a home that’s right for you. Do you want an urban space with convenient amenities, or are you looking for a quiet retreat in the country? What accessibility features do you need? Do you need ramped entryways or showers with chairs? Are there any local businesses, doctor’s offices, or other landmarks you need to be close to?
Generally speaking, it’s about making sure your new home will continue to meet your needs as you age. Comfort, low maintenance, and community are all factors that can significantly impact your quality of life in a downsized home, so make sure to take your time looking around.
How To Declutter When Kids Move Out
Decluttering can be one of the most challenging aspects of downsizing, especially when your home is filled with memories and sentimental items. Nobody wants to throw out cherished photos or old keepsakes, but realistically, you won’t have enough space to keep everything. Here are some decluttering tips to consider when downsizing:
- Go one room at a time. Sort through the things in each room of your home, deciding what will make the journey to your new place and what will not. It can help to sort things into piles to visualize how much space they’ll take up.
- Get your kids involved. Invite your children over or host a video call if they’ve moved away and go through each room. While they may not have taken certain things when they moved out, there will certainly be some things they don’t want you to get rid of.
- Take photos of everything. Before you decide to get rid of anything, take photos of your cherished items so you can look back on them later. You can put these photos into a scrapbook or digital album to keep the memories alive.
- Consider repurposing old items. You don’t have to use your sentimental items in the way they were intended, as most people keep old possessions as decorations. For example, you could sew old T-shirts into a quilt or upcycle an old crate into a nice end table.
Renting a Storage Unit as an Empty Nester
One of the best downsizing tips for empty nesters we can provide is to rent a self storage unit. By investing in an additional storage space with Apple Self Storage, you can securely stow away anything you don’t have room for within a short drive of your home. This will help you declutter when your kids move out without the emotional burden of donating or throwing things away.
When searching for a storage facility, look for a location that is easily accessible and offers valuable amenities like temperature-controlled storage. Renting a temperature-controlled storage unit provides the best protection against outdoor elements, which can be especially important if you’re storing fragile collectibles or old items. Use our unit size guide to figure out how much space you need to rent.
Store Your Belongings With Apple Self Storage
As you make your way through your empty nester journey, it’s important to embrace the lifestyle changes that come with this new chapter of your life. While downsizing your home may be emotional, you’ll end up appreciating the peace and tranquility that comes with living in a fresh space.
Apple Self Storage is your trusted provider for self storage when downsizing. We offer a wide variety of options for self storage units that can accommodate your extra furniture, sentimental items, and other excess things. Ready to get started? Find the closest Apple Self Storage facility to you today! You can also check out our FAQ and packing tips page for more helpful information.