As parents, becoming an empty-nester tends to sneak up on us without warning. We spend years of our lives raising our children, nurturing them, living with them, and watching them grow. Then, when the kids all move out, the pace of our lives changes dramatically!
Maybe you stop for a moment and notice how quiet your house has become. You start to miss the constant movement and the number of people that filled up your home for years. But along with the difficult emotions you may feel, there is also an opportunity for you as a homeowner to “right-size” your house. Right-sizing as an empty-nester makes sense for a few reasons.
Adapting to a new purpose for your home.
Do you want to entertain more? Many empty-nesters look for a space to welcome their adult children home for visits. The small bedrooms that they grew up in are probably not the best choice for an overnight stay, but a new house with larger guest bedrooms can accommodate them. Or, you can right-size for entertaining by focusing on an open-concept downstairs. You may not need a big yard anymore, but space for a beautiful patio and deck where you can build community with friends or neighbors is great for hosting.
After years of living with children, maybe you want to refocus on time with your spouse. In that case, right-sizing your home may necessitate downsizing. Take away all of that space that will not be used and choose a house that fits the two of you.
Making better use of space.
Having four bedrooms, two stories, and a basement is perfect for raising your family. But that is a lot of extra space when the kids are gone and it is just you or you and your spouse. Maintaining cleanliness in all of that extra square footage can become quite a chore, (or maybe you close those doors so it is out of sight and out of mind). Right-sizing your home allows you to find a new layout that helps you adjust to a changed lifestyle.
Preparing for the future.
When you become an empty-nester, that is an excellent time to decide what it is you want for the next 15-20 years and beyond. As you grow older, a one-story house with a main floor master may be the right choice. However, you also could consider a few feature upgrades. After all, this may become your forever home. It could be time for a walk-in shower, or heated floors for those cold Central New York winters. What used to be impractical can be a welcome addition for your new home.
It’s all about what is right for you.
Right-sizing your home is not just about the amount of space; it’s about fit. What will fit your needs in this new stage of life? Moving into a new home creates so much potential, and you would be doing yourself a disservice by not dreaming about what could be. Parents can get wrapped up in the difficulties that come with the last child moving out, but I want you to see that this time in your life can be exciting as well!
I would love to help you find a home that fits with your new lifestyle. Whether it is about entertaining others, refocusing on yourself and/or your spouse, or using the space well, let’s talk about what right-sizing may look like for you.