December 16, 2022
Are you tired of home upkeep? Not only can homeownership be a drain on your finances, but it takes hours of time and attention that you could be spending on the things you love with the people you love. If you’re ready to focus on what matters, it may be time to consider downsizing.
Why Downsize?
Lower Cost
You won’t just be saving on rent or mortgage payments but on upkeep costs as well. Consider the price of home repairs, maintenance issues and insurance. Downsizing allows you to avoid the overhead costs of homeowner’s insurance and removes the burden of home repairs. Plus, you won’t be dealing with constant yard work.
These necessities alone add up quickly and that doesn’t even take into consideration things like
housekeeping, laundry, restaurants, entertainment, unexpected expenses and going on vacation. Even if staying at home sounds like it will be less expensive, it’s worth your time to consider the actual cost.
“The cost to own and maintain the person’s home–as well as the cost of potential 24/7 in-home care–may be a significant financial burden, making a senior residential community or nursing home more affordable,” Susie Keeney, Coryell Health Director of Assisted and Independent Living at The Oaks, explains. “Many of our residents found it to be more advantageous to move into one of our residential communities here at Coryell, where they receive around-the-clock care, engaging activities with friends and chef-prepared meals without the responsibilities of home maintenance.”
Convenience
You may want to move closer to family, and now’s the perfect time to choose a smaller apartment. Choosing to relocate due to the convenience of proximity to family not only saves money but time, as you no longer need to spend hours in transit to see them. If you do have the travel bug, it’s easier to travel more when you live in a smaller apartment. You won’t be bound by upkeep that may keep you home.
If you’re tired of constant cleaning, take heart! Apartments and studios are far more convenient to clean, and if you’re paying money to have your current home cleaned, you’ll save money here, too, as regular cleaning on your own is far more attainable in a studio or apartment.
Coryell’s Independent Living at the Oaks
What does Coryell’s Independent Living at the Oaks have that’s so great? First, our apartments and studios are easier to navigate. You can avoid going up and down stairs, safely traveling from room to room without fear, even as you continue to age. You’ll live in close proximity to those who are also retired, around the same age and often have many similar interests. Constant activities fill the calendar, so when you’re not traveling or visiting family, you’ll have plenty to do. Plus, our apartments share the same roof as our hospital, so immediate medical care is always available if necessary!
Are You Ready to Downsize?
Ask yourself these questions to see if it may be time to relocate.
- Is home upkeep taking time from family and your hobbies?
- Is your yard getting difficult to maintain?
- Is it becoming costly to remain in your home?
- Do you have too many things in your home to manage?
- Do you have unused bedrooms?
If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, it might be time to look into downsizing. What’s most important to you in your life?
“When we ask people what’s important to them, they say their hobbies, family and safety,” Susie Keeney said. “They never say ‘my extra bedrooms.’”
Make Downsizing Work For You
If you’re avoiding downsizing because you have too many things to fit into a smaller home, you can get creative and make an apartment or studio work for you.
- Spend time analyzing the things you have now. If you haven’t used something in the last year, donate it.
- Set things of sentimental value aside to give to loved ones.
- Purchase furniture items that double as storage, like a coffee table that opens to store photo albums and blankets.
- Purchase plastic drawer sets to go in closets or under the bed for even more storage options.
If you’re ready for a life enjoying the things you love most, it’s time to consider downsizing. Independent Living at the Oaks has everything you need, from countless community events and activities to chef-prepared meals, so you can devote your time to what matters to you. Learn more about Independent Living at the Oaks on our website.