With your kids grown and flown, it’s time to build a smaller nest. Moving from a larger home to a smaller one requires some thought. You’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years, and you can’t move it all into your new home. So what do you do? We have some ideas.
Assess Your Future Lifestyle
Before house hunting, think about your future. Do you want to travel, start that business you’ve always dreamed of or indulge in your favorite hobby? Thinking about this now will help you determine the type of home that will suit your needs and preferences.
Choose a Location
Your future plans will be a key factor in deciding where you want to live. Many empty nesters want to stay in the same neighborhood, while others want a fresh start. You might want to move closer to your children. If amenities are important, look into master-planned communities like Balmoral.
Choose the Right Floor Plan
The right floor plan should enhance your new lifestyle. If you know you will be taking care of grandchildren, you may need an extra bedroom. Starting a home business? A study should be on your list. A single-story home will allow you to age in place.
Get an Early Start
You can begin preparations for the move long before you find a new home. Give yourself plenty of time to downsize. The process can be emotional, so starting early allows you to take it step by step without feeling rushed.
Configure Your New Space
If you purchase a new home in Balmoral, you will get a floor plan from your builder. Use this to figure out what furniture to bring and what to leave behind. Consider downsizing to smaller, more versatile pieces that fit your new space. Multi-functional furniture can help you maximize the utility of your limited square footage.
Sort It Out
Downsizing involves getting rid of clutter. Sort items into categories such as keep, donate, sell and discard. Focus on what truly adds value to your life and consider the practicality of each item in your new space.
Don’t Get Too Sentimental
As you begin to pare down, you are likely to come across a garage full of old toys, baby clothes, photos and other items of sentimental value. Moving it all into a smaller space might not be feasible. Think about why you kept them. If you can’t remember, it’s time to say goodbye.
Give the Kids a Heads Up
If your grown children still have items stored in your home, involve them in the decision-making process. Discuss what items they’d like to keep and establish a timeframe for them to retrieve their belongings. Ask them if they would like any of the things you are planning to give away.
Digital Media and Documents
Digitize CDs, DVDs and important documents. This not only saves space but also reduces clutter. Cloud storage and digital media libraries are great options for accessing your content without the physical discs.
Seek Professional Help
If you find downsizing too overwhelming, bring in a professional. They can help you let go of things and set up an organizational system for your new home.
Move to Balmoral
Build your new nest in Balmoral! Our builders offer smaller floor plans sure to meet your changing needs. Our amenities can help you make new friends, keep grandchildren occupied and enhance your lifestyle. Visit us today.
