With the kids grown-up and out of the house (finally), and retirement looming (or already here) it may be time to consider downsizing. Here you are, living in a family-sized home with a yard to maintain, stairs to climb and a lot of space that you may not need as you embark on your next chapter in life. Below are a few tips on how to begin your process of downsizing that empty nest.
Start Early
Most people anticipate downsizing a few years before they begin the process of moving. During this phase, create a plan to start sorting through your belongings. It is amazing how much stuff accumulates throughout the years. Downsizing and organizing go hand in hand.
Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Sort through holiday decorations as they are put away throughout the year. Separate out the decorations that are no longer needed, like the Hawaiian Shirt Santa (with a tropical drink!) ornament that your aunt sent from Florida. Downsizing has even more benefits than you had imagined.
- Each month pick a room in your home and sort out what can be sold, given away, or thrown away. You don’t need that People Magazine from 2006, but you should probably flip through it just in case before it goes into the recycle pile.
- Go through your closet seasonally and donate the clothing and shoes you no longer need. And the ones you hate. Or that don’t quite fit. When you’re back into your favorite size, reward yourself with new jeans that aren’t older than your children.
- Create a necessary vs. unnecessary assessment of your electronics, kitchen gadgets, books, etc. This is a great time to throw out all the extra cords under the bed. And your husband’s singing bass trophy.
- Give your children their childhood mementos. You do not need to haul their favorite doll or blanket with you in the cedar chest when you move. You seem like a great parent. You’ve taught them to be responsible. Now let them prove it by guarding their own treasures.
Maybe You’re Ready Now
No need to wait. Daybreak has a variety of home choices that are ready for you right now. Check out our Move-In Ready inventory. And then stop by the grocery store to pick up their extra boxes for packing.
Determine Your Lifestyle
Downsizing into a smaller home doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort, functionality, and lifestyle. Whether you are wanting to live closer to the grandkids, move to an active-adult community or simply purchase a smaller home—Daybreak has a variety of options for you.
Active Adult Community (55+)
Over the last few years, active-adult communities have become increasingly popular among retirees because they provide an opportunity to reside near people in the same stage of life and offer a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Springhouse Village is our newest 55+ village and is all about freshness. With a fresh notion of the good life. And a bouquet of fresh home designs by OakwoodLife. Choose from three home collections, and enjoy a private clubhouse and pool, just for Springhouse residents. That means you get to pick the music. It is like a dream come true.
Townhome/Condo
If citified living is more your speed, then a townhome near the train, the new Watercourse, or the shops & eateries of SoDa Row may be just the right fit. The lock-and-leave convenience of knowing that the exterior maintenance of your home is taken care of is optimal whether you travel frequently, or would just prefer to have someone else take care of it while you walk around the lake or watch golf. Daybreak offers a variety of attached home options throughout the community.
The North Station District is home to the Axis townhome collection. The district is in its early stages, is close to light rail, and has an urban vibe. The beautiful and innovative Ewok Park, with its hammock garden, is nearby to enjoy. Lay back and read the New Yorker while you relax from the hustle and bustle of every day.
With the Urban Series by Sego and the Tempo Collection from Holmes Homes being built in South Station features a variety of condos and townhome floor plan options to fit your needs and your wants. And there is even an option for a rooftop deck. Grab a Diet Coke and get ready. The sunsets over the Oquirrh Mountains are even more spectacular from South Station.
Ivory Homes has outdone itself with the Marina View townhomes in Lake Village. You’ll be steps from SoDa Row, Oquirrh Lake trails, and the beach club. Add in the exclusive Waterside Club for Lake Village residents will wow you with its beach access and private boathouse, and don’t forget your flip-flops. Living on the lake has never been easier or more beautiful.
Single-Family Home
If you’re still looking for something larger that affords you more space for entertaining or house guests, then a single-family home in one of Daybreak’s more traditional neighborhoods is your best bet. If you want to be in the center of it all, Daybreak has a variety of “just right” sized single-family homes for people looking to downsize. We suggest you begin your home search in Cascade Village with some of our newest designs. Close to parks and trails. Open floorplans. Space to entertain. And a guest room for the grandbabies (and maybe their parents). Cascade Village is a perfect way to downsize without giving up any of the things you love.
Whether it’s a smaller single-family home close to the trails, or a townhome by the Trax line, Daybreak has a variety of options to meet all your needs. And your wants. Check us out.
Interested in reading more related content? Say no more, we’ve got you covered with the following: Is Salt Lake City a Good Place to Retire? and Top 25 Places to Retire in US in 2022.
