Guest Blogger #320, Entry #886, January 8, 2012
People have an obsession with size. Bigger is thought to be better. Everyone seems to want more. Sometimes, however, more is less, and bigger is a gigantic waste of money and space. Sometimes it is better to be smaller, tidier, sometimes it is better to be brief. Nowhere is this more evident than in the size of your home.
Most people associate downsizing with financial reasons. They attach the term to individuals who overextended themselves on a large domicile and can no longer afford to pay the hefty mortgage and exorbitant property tax bill. While downsizing will save you money in this regard, it can also enhance your overall quality of life. The following are 5 such advantages of downsizing your home:
There are advantages to downsizing your home
Image via: Pinterest
1. Cleaning and Maintenance
A large home means a large space to care for. Dust and dirt compile all over the house, which can be bothersome from a cosmetic standpoint as well as bad for your health. Entire days must be devoted to cleaning a big home, only to watch as the inexorable march of dirt envelopes your space once more. A smaller house makes cleaning a more manageable chore, and forces you to dispose of excess clutter. Whereas in a large home there is always some place to stash your junk, a smaller space provides the motivation to rid yourself of the stuff you don’t need.
Less home means less cleaning!
Image via: Coastal Living
2. Family Time
Families who live in cavernous homes spend little time together, as each person can retreat to his own space. Like an underground warren, these homes also tend to have numerous exits which allow residents to slip in and out without even saying hello. A more compact home with a single entryway means foot traffic often intersects. The cozy living room area makes it the perfect centerpiece for family entertainment. Overall there is more interaction and a warmer, cozier ambiance.
3. More Neighborly Atmosphere
A big house is typically built on a huge lot. Simply waving to your neighbor requires a set of binoculars and a giant foam hand. A smaller house means you are more likely to get to know your neighbors, especially if the two of you have children of similar age. Although much of it depends on the neighbor, the more intimate atmosphere is usually more agreeable than being stuck on an isolated concrete island, and certainly is less awkward when the kids swing by for Halloween.
Less maintenance can be a huge asset.
Image via: Picasa Web
4. Filling Space
Just as a smaller home will help you dump your clutter, it will also prevent you from making unnecessary purchases. Part of the burden of owning a large home is having to fill it. Every space must be designed, decorated, and upgraded when the stuff you just bought becomes fashionably and technology out of date. A smaller home means a more concise decor.
5. Good for the Environment
Small homes require less building materials and consume less energy. Purchasing one therefore reduces your carbon footprint. These homes are generally built in more compact communities, which means you will be able to walk to areas rather than driving every time you need to purchase a carton of eggs.
All of these benefits come in addition to the monetary advantages that come from buying a smaller home. You will have lower property taxes, mortgage payments, and a smaller debt obligation to the bank. This extra purchasing power can be spent on trips, activities, and good food. With the extra financial flexibility, you can make the world your home, and your house merely the place you sleep.
Mike Edwards writes for EquityRelease.net covering a wide range of retirement finance topics.
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I am so into downsizing and trying to make my clients understand they don’t need bigger spaces, they just need less ‘stuff’! Great article – thanks for sharing!