As you move into your retirement, you may be looking for a simpler and slower pace for your life. You are finally able to take the time for the things that are really important to you and live a lifestyle that is completely of your own choosing. One of the major steps you can take after retiring is downsizing your home.
In years past, your home may have been a great fit for you and and your family. As you move into retirement you are likely finding that you have way too much space, as your children have all moved out in their own adult lives. Building or buying a more manageable home is a great way to simplifying your life with a house that’s more comfortable.
Take the opportunity to have your home designed and built by the experts like the contractors at Schertz New Construction. You can create the perfect house in a comfortable neighborhood that will serve you well into your future. Downsizing can help you live a more relaxed, active and financially stable life in retirement.
Save Money
When you downsize your home you may eliminate your mortgage all together. At the very least, you will be able to reduce your monthly payments. With a smaller, more manageable home you will be thrilled to see how low your annual property tax bill will be. Even your utility bills will drop significantly. You will no longer have to spend a fortune heating, lighting and cooling a bunch of rooms that you no longer use in a larger home.
Reduce Clutter
It can be surprising how much “stuff” can accumulate after being in your home for many years: your children’s old possessions, old furniture that has been moved to your basement or garage, and boxes and bins full of things that you don’t really need.
When you downsize to a smaller home, it’s a great opportunity to start clearing things out and purging the clutter that you have. If you aren’t using it or have an active use for it in your new home, then it’s time to let it go.
Sort through everything and then have a big garage sale to help you get rid of the rest. Enlist your children and grandchildren to take items that they need or want for sentimental value. Whatever is left over can be easily donated to a charitable organization, and don’t forget to keep your receipt for your tax deductible refund.
Customize Your Design
When you build with a trusted contractor you can design your home to suit your specific needs and wants. For seniors, the most popular design is a one level ranch style that eliminates the hassle of stairs in your home. Work with your designers to come up with a floorplan that flows easily and takes your age, mobility and needs into account.
Take advantage of some of the innovative smart home features to help keep you safe. You can integrate your thermostat, your lighting and security systems to be programmed on their own.
When you are designing your new home you will be in charge of creating a beautiful and low maintenance landscaping design. As the years pile up on us all, outdoor maintenance chores can get harder and harder. Keep simplicity in mind when you are designing your yard and gardens.
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