Why Downsizing Is Actually a Terrible Idea

Written by Posted On Thursday, 24 May 2018 03:03

Once you reach a certain age people try to convince you it’s a good idea to downsize your home. They’ll come up with a list of reasons why you should say goodbye to the large house you live in at the moment. I don’t think anyone stops to consider they might be wrong.

Maybe you shouldn’t move into a smaller home. In fact, it might be worth moving into an even bigger one if you can afford it. Do you want to know why you shouldn’t buy into the hype? Here are a few reasons why downsizing will hurt your life.

1. Living in a Small Home Isn’t Satisfying

How would you feel if you were contacting an online mortgage broker because you wanted a bigger home? I bet it’s all you dreamed about when you were younger. Moving into a home with multiple bathrooms means you’ve made it.

It doesn’t feel as satisfying moving into a smaller home. Living there for the rest of your life is even worse. You’ll feel like a hamster stuck in a cage. If you live in a large home you’ll love life a little more.

2. You Can Reduce Your Bills Without Moving

If you move into a smaller home it will reduce your energy bills. That is one of the big arguments for downsizing, but in reality it’s not really true. Unless you move into a garden shed you won’t save thousands.

Half the energy you spend at home goes towards heating and cooling it. I guarantee you would save more if you spent a week doing basic things like resealing your windows and closing up other leaky areas.

3. Younger People Won’t Benefit from It

Some of the older generation feel like it’s their duty to help younger families out. If you move into a smaller home it will free up your large one. A young family will be able to move in and live happily ever after.

Do you have any idea how much your home is valued at? There is no way you’ll be helping vulnerable families who are hurting the most by downsizing, because they wouldn’t be able to buy your home in a million years.

4. Don’t Think You’ll Make Lots of Money

Everybody seems to be downsizing right now, which is probably why so many people are talking about it. Can you guess what will happen to house prices when demand goes up? The prices will obviously start to shoot up.

Even though smaller houses are becoming more expensive it doesn’t mean large ones are moving at the same speed. You might be able to sell your home for a decent amount of cash, but buying a small one will eat most of it up.

5. You’ll Lose the Chance to Have Company

You should have a few spare bedrooms at home after your kids have flown the nest, but I’m sure they’ll be back on a regular basis. If your kids are older they will have children of their own visiting you.

If you downsize to a smaller home there won’t be anywhere for them to stay. What is going to happen when you’re sick? Even if your children and grandchildren visit they won’t stay long if there are no extra beds.

6. It’s Nice Spending More Time at Home

There will come a time where you won’t be able to drive your car any more. Unless you’re really fit you won’t be able to walk long distances too. It will feel like you’re a prisoner in your own home.

If you don’t have lots of space you won’t be able to set up a hobby room. No garden means you won’t be able to grow fruits and vegetables. Why would you want a small home if you’ll be spending more time there?

Downsizing Does Sometimes Make Sense

Now you have two sides of the story, so hopefully you’ll be able to make a more informed decision. Sometimes it does make sense to downsize your home. You’ll just have to figure out if it’s right for you.

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