With my daughter off to college, people have been asking me lately if I plan to keep my apartment or if I plan to downsize. My 1,100-square-foot duplex is big compared to many apartments in our part of Brooklyn. When my husband and I bought it, we needed room for two home offices and the offspring we planned to have. We liked our togetherness but wanted to each have our own space, too.
Rambling Around The House
Now, I’m hardly Mary Crawley rambling around an empty Downton Abbey, but I’m on my own much of the time these days, and it does feel like I have room to spare.
Still, my daughter still returns to the nest regularly. We’re both attached to our very comfortable and homey home. For the moment, I’m inclined to find ways to fill the space, maybe expanding my office or buying a convertible couch for guests.
But I know the time might come when I’m ready for something that’s newer, designed more efficiently, requires less upkeep and doesn’t have a steep front stoop.
If you’re a Gen-Xer who never had kids, or whose kids have flown the nest for good, your downsizing might accompany a move from the suburbs back to the city, or to a less expensive city where your 401(k) will stretch further.
You might simply be ready to spend less time cleaning, repairing and doing yard work and more time on hobbies, travel and socializing. If you’re thinking longer term, you might be in the market for a one-level home or an elevator apartment building where you can age gracefully.
Take the Ready-To-Downsize Quiz
The decision to sell your long-time home and downsize is a big one. It has financial, logistical and emotional repercussions. If you’re not sure what you want to do, download and take my quiz to help you think through all those details and perhaps come to a decision.
You and your spouse or partner might even take it separately and then compare answers. It’s a low-pressure way to find out if you’re on the same page and talk over what you each want to do and when.
