When our residents move into an Overture Apartment community, they’ve often gone through the downsizing process and right-sized their belongings to fit our senior living apartments. If you’re just starting to downsize, you may find spring gives you the motivation to get started. There are emotional and practical reasons why spring motivates many 55+ adults to begin downsizing, and we’ll explore them here.
Understanding Right-Sizing
What is downsizing anyway? Down-sizing refers to reducing the size of your home in anticipation of changing life circumstances. At Overture, our residents have varied reasons for downsizing, including:
- Simpler lifestyles
- Reducing housing costs
- Easier home maintenance
- Increased accessibility to health and safety features
- Moving into a community of adults with similar life experiences
- Better amenities
- More convenience
Retirement, “empty nest” syndrome, health conditions, and the urge to start a new chapter in life often drive down-sizing.
Why Spring is the Season for Downsizing
Spring has traditionally been a time for new beginnings, so, unsurprisingly, warmer weather and longer days act as a catalyst for many adults considering downsizing. An annual spring cleaning and decluttering is part of many adults’ lives, and downsizing naturally progresses from this habit.
There are practical reasons why people choose to downsize in the spring. Moving in spring avoids winter's cold and ice or summer's heat and humidity. The housing market sees a bump in activity in the spring, with an increase in prospective buyers. Ideally, this allows you to get a higher price on your property before moving into a smaller home or apartments.
Spring Downsizing Tips
Define Your Goals
Your downsizing will go smoother if you understand your goals. Do you want to live simply or more affordably? Do you want to relocate to a new state or stay where you are? Take the time to imagine where you’ll live after downsizing, how the move will impact your finances, and how a new home and less stuff will improve your life. Think of downsizing as a beginning, not an ending.
Give Yourself Time
Downsizing takes time. You have a lifetime of stuff to go through. Before selling your home, go through your belongings and choose what to keep, sell, donate, or give away. If you have children or relatives, ask them if they want or need anything you're getting rid of. That old clock hung in the kitchen for decades may not mean much to you, but it could conjure visions of home for your child.
Make an Inventory of Your Belongings
Cataloging your possessions makes deciding what to keep and what needs to go easier. You may have duplicates of possessions you don't need, or be surprised by the memories and treasures hiding in your attic or basement boxes. A list of what you own helps ensure you get rid of what you want without accidentally throwing out cherished items.
Stay Organized
Downsizing is more efficient and less stressful if you sort your belongings into categories and deal with one category at a time. Ask if you've used or thought about an item in the last year, and would you miss it if it were gone? Dividing possessions into Yes, No, and Maybe boxes helps you stay on track.
Work with Your New Living Space
Measure your new living space and its storage capacity. Pay attention to closets, room dimensions, and any storage options. How big is the kitchen? Will you have room for your old living furniture, or will you treat yourself to an upgrade?
When Should You Downsize?
Ah, there’s no easy answer to this question. Some people do so when they retire, while others prefer to wait. Sometimes health or financial issues force the issue, while other times downsizing is driven by a need for a change of scene or a desire for community. Whatever drives your decision to rightsize, Overture Senior Apartments are here when you’re ready to start an exciting new chapter of your life!