Downsizing is challenging for most people. I had a conversation with a client who recently downsized. It occurred to me as we were talking that her smaller house is actually larger than my house.
Larger houses make it easier to accumulate more stuff without really noticing it. Smaller houses have the same drawback but on a smaller scale.
We tend to fill our spaces and sometimes it starts shortly after an offer is made on a house. Plans are made to fill each room with furniture.
For some home buyers needing a certain amount of space is assumed. Special rooms are needed for special activities and houses with a family room and a living room are common. The space usually doesn’t all get used at the same time but it is always there when it is needed.
I am often surprised by the answer when I ask first-time homebuyers how much space they need. Homes built today are on average 150% larger than those built in 1980.
Space is expensive. There are taxes and maintenance, heating and cooling. Having less space can mean having more free time and more money. Before buying a house think about how much space you actually use on a regular basis. By use I mean occupy with people rather than just furnishings.
Think about creating spaces that are flexible and can be used for more than one activity. We all have stuff that takes up space but that gives us little in return.
Homeownership is a long-term commitment. Choose wisely.
