Oh, the excitement of moving into your first home and moving up to a larger home as your family grew. But now, the kids are gone and what you thought might be your forever home is too big and too difficult to maintain. The two-story design that was perfect 20 years ago isn’t as ideal now — especially if you have creaky knees. Below are five downsizing tips for empty nesters.
Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters
It’s Time to Downsize
But downsizing means more than simply buying a smaller home. You also must pare your belongings — something easier said than done. Here are some downsizing tips for empty nesters:
Measurements Matter
Downsizing starts with decluttering and that brings to mind purging kitchen items, clothing, books, etc. But you’re likely moving from a larger home to a smaller home, so probably have to get rid of furniture — possibly entire rooms of furniture. Measure your new home and your existing furniture to decide what will fit and what won’t. When purchasing a new home, you’ll have the benefit of a floor plan outlining the measurements of each room. Some builders even have interactive tools that allow you to digitally place furniture in a room to help you visualize how your items will fit.
Keep, Trash, Donate
Let the decluttering begin! Devise a schedule that helps you go through categories of items, perhaps only one or two categories a day if your moving timeline allows. Organize your items into “keep” and “don’t keep” piles — no maybes allowed. Easy items to cull from your collections are duplicates and items that you haven’t used/worn in a year. For those items you aren’t keeping, decide if you are going to donate or sell them. If it shows wear, it’s probably better off in the trash. However, before you take your heaps of household goods, furniture, clothing and other items, ask family members if they need or want anything.
Digitize
It’s hard to discard things that hold special memories — take photos of items, including printed photographs (remember those?) that might be fading. You can use a scrapbooking service to create themed photobooks by year, by person or maybe by adventure.
Décor that Lives Large
Your smaller home doesn’t need to feel smaller — there are design tricks that can make a space feel more expansive. High-contrast colors work well in small spaces, with bright whites making a room seem more spacious and dark colors adding the illusion of depth. Natural lighting is also your friend, as are statement light fixtures that draw your eye up. If a room has small windows, use mirrors to reflect light.
Your room will also look larger with less furniture and fewer accessories. Opt for high-quality pieces rather than bunches of items. If you took photos of your favorite furniture and accessory groupings in your old home (another pro tip), see how they work in your new space and consider removing a few items.
The Unexpected Benefits of Downsizing Your Home
Decluttering is like a breath of fresh air and can reduce stress. Being surrounded by the things you love is like a warm hug. And if your new home is in an active adult 55+ community like Regency at Santa Rita Ranch, you will be settled into a supportive community of people with shared interests. With amenities designed to engage and events meant to bring neighbors together, the transition into your new home is easier with social connections that foster a sense of belonging.
At Regency, residents meet up at the clubhouse for card games, yoga, coffee, and planned events. Bocce ball and pickleball keep residents active and invite friendly camaraderie. The resort-style pool — like all of Regency’s amenities — is for Regency residents only, creating a more intimate setting. And when you do want to explore beyond the neighborhood, you’ll have access to all Santa Rita Ranch amenities.
Is Regency Calling Your Name?
Toll Brothers, the exclusive builder in Regency, has a variety of homes available now, ranging from 1,605 to 2,844 square feet. Most of the designs are a single story, and they all feature open living areas, ample storage, wide doorways, and other features empty nesters might welcome. Schedule a tour soon to learn more!
