When looking for a home, we often focus on getting the most square feet possible. At first, that might have been a good idea as many people searching for a home also plan to start a family. Even if that’s not necessarily the case, having more living space often looks like a great idea until we realize that a larger home also means larger bills. Over time, this responsibility becomes a substantial financial burden, and we must accept that we must downsize. That’s precisely what many of our fellow Michigenians have decided to do recently, and moving to smaller houses has become a popular way to decrease the cost of living. However, how do we know it’s time to go for a smaller house? In this article, we at Ed Constable would like to share our knowledge on how to know it’s time to downsize your Michigan home, so if you find the reasons we list relatable, consider moving to a smaller house.
You have too much-unused space
If you live in a home that is too large for your current needs and lifestyle, consider downsizing your Michigan home. Having extra rooms that are never used can be a waste of space and money. It may be hard to give all that space because we worry we will need it one day, but if we cannot find a use for it for a long time, there are high chances we never will. So, it is our advice to look for a smaller home if you currently have a lot of unused space.
If you want to downsize your home, you will be keen on other ways to save money. Finding a place outside big cities like Detroit will make your living cost noticeably smaller, so moving there, even if it’s a long-distance relocation, can be beneficial. In this case, it would be best to leave the big city behind and look at the other parts of the Great Lakes State you can call home.
Downsizing your Michigan home means lower maintenance
The maintenance of a house often is dependent on its size. Larger homes often have higher maintenance costs like cleaning, repairs, and utility bills. So, if you have a lot of unused living space, you pay extra for something you don’t need. Maintenance costs can be a significant financial burden, and you might put too much money into it when it could be used for something more substantial. Also, maintenance costs can get great over time; as the house you are occupying is getting older, it will require more and more repairs. Energy bills will be considerably higher in larger homes because of the bigger space you need to heat up. If these costs become too much of a burden, downsizing may be wise.
Your age might also be a factor
If you or a family member are experiencing mobility issues, downsizing to a smaller home or one with fewer stairs can make daily life easier and safer. A smaller home can be easier to maintain and keep organized, reducing stress and anxiety, which is essential for senior citizens. A smaller house with fewer stairs or steps can make it easier to move around, which can be especially beneficial if you have mobility issues or are getting older. It also can be easier to secure and keep safe, providing peace of mind and reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
Suppose you plan to move from a big city, as we advised you to do when trying to downsize your Michigan home. In that case, smaller places often provide a quieter, more peaceful environment for sleeping, which can improve sleep quality and overall health. That’s why experts at Verified Movers recommend moving to the smaller towns of the Great Lakes State, as the moving process won’t be complicated, which is vital for older adults.
Consider your financial situation
Downsizing can help you save money on mortgage payments, property taxes, and other housing expenses. If you’re struggling to keep up with your current housing expenses, plan to downsize your Michigan home to improve your financial situation. Generally, if you spend more than 30% of your income on housing, it might be time to put less strain on your budget. Downsizing will help you with this not only by reducing your maintenance cost. In addition, property taxes are often based on the value of your home, so downsizing to a less expensive property can result in lower property taxes. Also, Insurance premiums are often based on the value of your home and its contents, so downsizing to a smaller home can result in lower insurance premiums. Finally, a smaller home requires less furniture and décor, resulting in lower costs for furnishings and decorating.
Your home just doesn’t suit your needs
Your old home might, over time, become something that isn’t for you. For example, when buying a house, many people consider extra rooms they will need for the children they plan to create. However, If your children have grown up and moved out, you may find that your home is no longer needed. Downsizing can help you find a more suitable living space better suited to your current needs. You might also purchase your existing home because you need a lot of storage capacity that you no longer need. Unfortunately, this will burden you financially even when it offers no benefits.
Alt: A woman and a man holding boxes
Capt: Turn to professionals when moving to make the process easier
Overall, downsizing can offer several benefits, such as reduced expenses, less maintenance, and a simpler lifestyle. Consider downsizing your home if any of these factors apply to your situation. In this article, we wanted to share our knowledge on recognizing its time to downsize your Michigan home. This might just be what you need to live a more relaxed and better life, so if you recognize these signs, don’t be afraid to begin moving to a more suitable place.
Kw: downsize your Michigan home
Meta: Larger homes sound ideal when we first acquire them. However, there are downsides to it. In this article, we would like to share how to know it’s time to downsize your Michigan home.
Pics:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/house-lights-turned-on-106399/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-carrying-cardboard-boxes-in-living-room-4506270/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-carrying-carton-boxes-while-moving-out-of-old-home-4246267/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-on-wheelchair-going-to-the-kitchen-4064548/
Ed Constable works hard to provide the best experience he can for buyers and sellers, simply because his goal is to be reliable, persistent, and passionate in all areas of life.
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