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Top 10 Benefits of Downsizing into a Smaller Home
By Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Magazine on Jul 16, 2013
Is it time to downsize your home?
Have you noticed the new push for downsizing the way we live? Homeowners are realizing that “living large” doesn’t always mean bigger is better. In fact, there are many benefits to downsizing to a smaller home. Whether the decision is voluntarily or you are forced to move for job relocation or other life event, rest assured there’s a benefit to decreasing your home size, like saving money, energy, resources, and enjoy saving time on upkeep. These are just a few benefits, here are 10 benefits of living a “cozy life”.
1. Save money on frivolous living:
Let’s face it, the more space you have, the more area you feel like you need to fill! One of the pros of downsizing your home is the ability to stop wasting money on furniture, electronics, appliances, and home items that are used to fill space rather than to fulfill a function. Downsizing into a smaller home will you help you prioritize your life and bring only what is necessary in your home.
2. Enjoy the benefits of smaller living:
Many homeowners agree that living in a larger home leads to greater stress and upkeep. From cleaning, maintenance, furnishing, outdoor home upkeep and the cost to run all of these factors can lead to a stressful home. Downsizing your home can be the first step to a minimal and stream-lined life. You will be surprised how reducing your daily chores and maintenance will free up your time for leisure activities, spending time with your family, getting more rest, and maybe loving your home more than loathing it.
3. A smaller home often leads to a happier home
While your home lifestyle varies from your neighbors, many homeowners agree that smaller homes enable the family to bond and work together as opposed to large and spread out floor plan homes. Smaller homes create an environment where family members and roommates get organized and can compromise over living arrangements, sharing closets, and making a small home feel cozy instead of cramped. Instead of looking at a smaller home as a down-grade, look at it as a way to a happier domicile.
4. Save energy when downsizing to a smaller abode:
If you have ever lived in a large home, you know one of the downsides is energy costs. From heating and cooling to water in your bathrooms and kitchens, it costs a lot to run a large home. Smaller homes will give you the added benefit of reducing you and your family’s carbon footprint while you enjoy a lower energy bill in the warmer and cooler months. If you are curious to find out how a smaller home and energy efficient appliances and systems could work in your home, contact your local home energy provider. They often can give you an audit of your current usage and estimate how you can save.
5. Down-sizing can free up your lifestyle for traveling
You may not of considered it before, but your house requires a lot of work when you leave town. From ensuring security systems and doors and windows are properly monitored to monitoring exterior lighting and keeping your grounds up, traveling can often be a burden when you have a large home. If you decide to downsize traveling can be less of hassle when you need to leave your home for extended amounts of time, especially if you downsize to an apartment or condominium unit from a stand-alone house.
6. Downsizing to a new home can help you open a new chapter
For many homeowners, downsizing a home can be a new chapter in life. Whether you are an empty-nester to those who have suffered from a death of a spouse or close roommate, downsizing can represent a way to start a new life in a new home. Consider opting for a smaller home that has less upkeep and the possibility of a homeowners association that can maintain the grounds and other amenities, so you can your home without the maintenance.
7. Small home living is enhanced in an urban city
Have you ever noticed a one room loft in a bustling urban city feels more cosmopolitan than a one room apartment that has 5 times the amount of space in the suburbs? There is something to be said about being amongst other city dwellers, where everyone is living in smaller homes than they would prefer. Make the most of your urban abode with color, creative multi-function furniture and bring in plenty of light into your space. While you may not have the penthouse of your dreams, you can play up your small home living with urban wall art, colorful home decor and lighting.
8. Splurge on a few key furniture pieces in a smaller home
While many people consider a downsize to mean they can't make their home look fabulous, think again! Some of the greatest dwellings are ones that have style and creative uses of space and proportions. Look to your favorite home designers who specialize in bringing color and life to small spaces. Splurge on a few key pieces like a dynamic colored couch that draws attention to your decor and not the size of your room. Beautiful design is about how to functionally use a space, while still being inspired to enjoy the room. Size shouldn’t be a hindrance!
9. Creative organization is key to small home living
Wake up your interiors with creative organization. Bookshelves that are built-in to what normally would be a bare wall can make any space into an instant library. Vertical organization in a small closet can be enhanced with split areas for folded, hung, and drawer wardrobe storage. Downsizing your home will you get rid of the clutter and will help you organize only what is essential.
10. A pared down lifestyle will help keep you out of debt
While this won’t be true for every homeowner, paring down your small living lifestyle can help you from overspending, over-charging, and over-buying for your large home. A smaller home will help keep you on a budget and cut down on your number of shopping sprees -- there isn’t enough space to house new stuff! If you are trying to save money and keep your credit from going into the red, consider downsizing your home – your future will thank you for it.
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