The Pros And Cons Of Downsizing

Posted on: 17 March 2015

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If you are planning to move from your home, you may be deciding if you should stick with a home of similar size or downsize. Downsizing often involves minimizing the size of your home and the number of bedrooms. Perhaps you don't want to have to move as much furniture, or your kids don't live at home anymore so you don't need four bedrooms. Regardless of the reason, it helps to know the pros and cons before you make this decision. Here are some things to know about downsizing.

Pro: You Reduce Energy Consumption

The smaller your home is, the less energy you're going to consume. This is true whether it comes to turning on lights, or running your heater and air conditioner. Central heating and air will keep operating until the entire home has reached the desired temperature. With a smaller home, it takes less time, thus using less energy. This is better for the environment and your bank account. You also need fewer lights turned on in your home, which also reduces energy consumption.

Con: Decorating Can be Difficult

A disadvantage to downsizing your home to a smaller one is that you might find decorating a little more difficult. You have become accustomed to large rooms or multiple rooms, letting you choose different decorative themes for each room. With a smaller home, it is easy to get cluttered, so organization combined with style gets a little tricky.

Pro: There Are More Options About Where to Live

Also consider that when you are downsizing and willing to live in a smaller home, condo or apartment, you have more options about where to live. If you have always lived in the country or suburban neighborhoods so you could have a big house, you now have the option of living in a downtown city area. This can open up a lot of new opportunities for you and your family, and give you an entirely different lifestyle.

Con: There Is Less Privacy

Another disadvantage for downsizing your home is that there is less privacy. You or your spouse might have enjoyed the opportunity to get away and have some alone time in your office, man cave, or craft room. With a smaller home, you probably don't have many places to get some quiet time. This is something to consider when you think about downsizing.

Pro: Moving Is Easier and Cheaper

The moving process itself will be easier and cheaper if you decide to downsize beforehand. Before you call up a moving company for quotes, start getting rid of belongings, furniture, and unnecessary items. If you have a fully-decorated guest room and won't have one in your new home, you have a lot you can either sell or donate. You are reducing the amount of stuff that needs to be moved, so a moving company quoting you based on the weight of items will give you a big discount. It is also less to pack and unpack, which is always helpful during a move. Contact a company like Bekins Van Lines Inc for more information.