1. Save Money
The bigger
the space we have, the more things we buy to fill every square inch of it! One of the great things about downsizing your
home is the ability to stop wasting money on furniture, decor, and home items
that are used to fill space rather than to fulfill your life. Downsizing into a smaller home will you help you prioritize your
life, with only space for the things you need, you will spend less on random
purchases and only bring what is necessary in your life.
As you
prepare for the downsize, you will find many things you have and don’t
need. As you find these items, sell them
on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Depending on how much stuff you have
collected to fill all the spaces, you may make thousands of dollars just
selling things you don’t need anymore.
There is also a good chance your old “large home” will sell for more
than your new “smaller home” will cost.
3. Lower Stress
Most
homeowners can agree that having a larger home leads to greater stress and
upkeep. Time slips away with all the cleaning, home maintenance, yard upkeep
and can lead to a home that is stressful and costly. Downsizing your home can
be the first step to minimalizing and lowering the stress of your day-to-day
life. You will be surprised how reducing your daily to-do list and maintenance
will free up your time for leisure activities, spending time with your family,
getting more rest, and you just might end up loving your home more than
loathing it.
4. Save Energy
If you have ever lived in a large home you know one of the big
downsides are the high energy costs. From heating and cooling a smaller space, to
fewer electronics and the water savings, you will enjoy lower utility bills
year round. A smaller home will also give you the added benefit of reducing your
carbon footprint.
5. More Traveling
You might
not have thought of it before, but when you leave town it requires a lot of
work and planning. With the high cost
associated with a larger home there are less funds for travel. Living smaller
provides more free time and allows you to save more. If you decide to travel
with these newly saved funds, it can be less of a hassle when you need to leave
your home for extended amounts of time, especially if you downsize to a
townhome or condo. Consider opting for a smaller home that has less upkeep and
look for a homeowners association that
will maintain the grounds and amenities. This allows you to enjoy the time
you’re home and requires less planning, that way there's less to worry about
while traveling.
6. New Adventures
For many,
downsizing their home can lead to a new chapter in life. Whether you are an
empty nester, newly widowed or just looking to change things up, downsizing can
start a new beginning. With all this new free time and saved money you might
just pick up a new hobby or restart and old one. From the things you could
learn, to the places you can see and the people you may meet, a whole new part
of life can begin.
7. You Can Splurge
With less space to fill, you
can afford to spend a little more on the things you do need. Some people might
think of a downsize to mean they are going to live a less fabulous life—think
again! Splurge on a few things and/or hire a designer to get the most out of
your new space. Your new home may be smaller, but it can be fancier.
8. Debt Reduction
If you’re
not just downsizing to enhance your life, you might consider downsizing to get
back on track. While it won’t be true
for all homeowners, changing to a smaller living lifestyle can help keep you
from overspending, overcharging, and the overspending that you may be doing for
your large home. A smaller home will help reduce your monthly bills and curb
shopping because there isn’t enough space for unnecessary things! If you’re
trying to save money, repair your credit and change your ways, consider
downsizing your home. Your future self will thank you for it.
9. Earlier Retirement
If you
make the right moves, you might find your fiscal independence a lot sooner in
life. If you have reduced bills, a higher saving rate and reduced your spending
habits, you may find that you can bring an early demise to the ole’ 9 to 5
routine. For more information on this
subject, visit the Mr. Money Mustache blog.