When we think about people who downsize, the conventional images are seniors or empty nesters moving from a large home to a small apartment. However, there are other types of downsizers.
The Fun-Seeking Family
The big house in the suburbs with the double-car garage and lush green lawn is the stereotypical family home. But, the family might be tired of commuting long hours to jobs in the city. Then, they spend the entire weekend mowing lawns and housecleaning. These downsizers choose to live in a smaller home in the city to spend more time doing fun things together as a family.
Trendy Travellers
People looking to travel full-time are often extreme downsizers. They will let go of everything that isn’t necessary for travelling, taking in their RV, or worth putting into storage. Part-time travellers are also downsizers. They will often live in smaller, easy-to-maintain homes so they can pick up and go whenever they choose, no to mention, the dollar savings living small & lean means more money for travels.
Environmental Enthusiasts
Smaller homes use less water, electricity, and heating fuel, which is better for the environment. It’s an attractive option for people who want to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle. One study has shown that people who live in small homes are more conscious about the environment in their eating habits and modes of transportation. With little storage space, they buy less too.
Kindred Kinsfolk
People who want to move closer to their family members are downsizers. We often think about grandparents who move closer to grandchildren, but sometimes siblings move closer to help each other out with childcare responsibilities. They may downsize into a smaller home near their family members or share a home with them.
There are many perks to downsizing, but even so, it can be a challenge. To get started on your journey, check out our five basic steps to downsizing and other articles in our archives. If you need some hands-on downsizing help, contact the Out of Chaos team through our website, by email at info@outofchaos.ca, or by phone at 604-813-8189.
