Home size is not as important as it once was. In the 1990s square footage was a way to show off your successes. For homeowners today, concerns center around being eco-friendly and household budgets.
According to a report from Trulia, 60% of Americans who lived in a home 2,000 square feet or larger said they would want a smaller space next time around. 36% of Baby Boomers want to downsize for retirement or because they are empty nesters now. However, 46% of millennials aged 18 to 34 wouldn’t mind some more space.
If you are looking to downsize, here are some tips:
- Start from the beginning
Ask yourself which rooms you are using the most in your current space. Which rooms do you never use at all? Most people tend to gravitate towards one room. When you realize which room is the most important to you, you can begin your search around that space. If a nice kitchen is where you want to be, but you don’t need two living rooms, you can work through downsizing changes.
2. Be proportionate
Just because you are looking for a smaller home doesn’t mean you have to lose out on the proportions of a larger one. With a downsized home, you do not need a surplus of bedrooms and living space. You need what is right for you. A proportionate amount of living space to bedroom space will give you the sense of a large home without the actual square feet.
3. Open layout
The best way to enjoy a smaller space without feeling it, is an open floor plan. There is probably not much need for a formal dining room, so don’t waste an entire room on that. You can have an open layout combining your kitchen, living room and eating space. Not having so many walls will make the space feel larger.
4. Renovation consideration
When trying to downsize, most buyers plan to spend a lengthy amount of time in their new home. Because of this it is best to avoid fixer uppers. Think about what the home is going to look like years from now. It is going to be your responsibility to fix that. If you think the home will need work down the road, think about your decision.
5. Closet space
Make sure that you do not downsize too much. Moving into a smaller home is a great opportunity to go through everything in your house and only keep what is important to you. However, you need to make sure that your new home will still have enough room for all those items. You need to take the time to find the right space that will allow you to comfortably live.
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