Downsizing: what is the right fit for you and for your family?
Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi
Deciding to downsize can be a freeing decision. You don’t have to clean so much space and you may save a significant amount of money on heating, rent, or taxes.
However, downsizing isn’t a decision you should take lightly. If you’re a big family with big personalities, you may find that downsizing makes life more difficult. So, before you sell and move into a smaller abode, here are a few considerations to help you find the right fit for you and your family.
Personal space
Most families usually look to purchase bigger houses to give every child their own room. This makes sense, as growing children are always struggling to be independent and arguments are bound to ensue when your kids don’t have a space of their own.
However, if you’re downsizing, you can still give your children a sense of personal space by redecorating with your kid in mind. Take each child’s needs into account and give them some options so they can decide how they want their cozy nook or under-stairs hideout to look.
You can even give kids a game room to help them blow off some steam. Equipping a game room with a VR headset may be a particularly good idea for escapism in a small space, as VR headsets give kids the opportunity to explore expansive virtual worlds in the safety and comfort of a single space. Of course, this may not be the solution for every family — parents should learn about VR headsets and games before deciding whether they’re right for the family or the space; for example, you’ll need to be able to set up a clutter-free space for activity, as you don’t want anybody to trip and damage themselves or their surroundings while they explore the metaverse.
Space for pets
Pets don’t understand the reasons for downsizing. They just know that their space has been reduced and that they’re in a strange new home.
You can help pets feel at ease when downsizing by giving them access to their own space. A small climbing frame for a cat or a comfy indoor kennel for your dog ensures that they can retreat to a safe space while your kids run wild throughout the house.
You can create a healthy environment for pets by keeping mess to a minimum. Pets can easily choke on small items that are left out and clutter can cause animals to feel anxiety or stress. Experiment with calming lighting in your pet’s play area, and keep hold of the same bed or blanket to give them a sense of safety and continuity.
If you have a canine companion, look for a home that is close to a dog park or greenspace. Even if you don’t have a garden yourself, a quick walk around a park can be great for your health and the health of your pooch. This can also be a good escape for the rest of the family, who may struggle to adapt to a smaller space at first.
Storage options
Smaller homes have a lovely cozy feel. However, it doesn’t take long before a cozy space starts to feel cluttered. You can keep your space looking great by investing in storage options that keep your stuff out of sight.
Consider renting a storage container when you first move out of your larger home. Put any items you don’t have room for in the container and keep your living space as clutter-less as possible. Slowly reintroduce items you love into your home, but don’t be afraid to put things back into storage if they don’t fit just yet.
Once you’ve moved in, you may want to renovate to increase your storage options. Embarking on a home improvement project is a great way to put your stamp on your new home and will free up space for storage. Consider easier projects first, like clearing out the attic or installing shelving in the basement.
Outdoor space
Downsizing your home doesn’t mean you have to downsize on outdoor space. Oftentimes, small homes have large parcels of land connected to them. Finding a small home with a large garden might be the perfect solution for you and your family.
When looking for a home with outdoor space, consider your own skills and interests first. If you have no interest in gardening, then buying a small home with a large garden isn’t for you. However, if you’re a keen green thumb, then a large garden may be the refuge you need when family life becomes overwhelming.
You should also consider the needs and interests of your children. If they’re sporty and active, a wide open outdoor space will give them all the room they need to play, explore, and learn about the natural world.
Conclusion
Downsizing is a great option for families who are looking to save some money and reduce the time they spend cleaning. Make the big move a success by giving each child their personal space and accounting for their interests. Consider renting a storage container while you move and slowly reintroduce items to maintain a clutter-free home environment.