What is the difference or downsizing and rightsizing?
Downsizing or Rightsizing? What comes to mind when you think of downsizing? For most of us we think about loss. We are losing square footage in our home or some of our possessions. It is a difficult task with negative connotations. But what if we changed our perspective and considered it rightsizing? What if the thought process became determining the life we want at the stage of life we are in currently. Do we really want everything that is in the garage, closets, cupboards, etc? Think of all the expectations and responsibilities that come with the current lifestyle. Instead of downsizing being like “being fired” rightsizing now is like receiving a promotion!
Rightsizing – questions to ask yourself
To understand rightsizing as a value and not as a loss consider the following questions:
- What would you do starting tomorrow if you could do anything you wanted?
- What things have you always wanted to do but never quite got around to?
- If you could start with a clean slate and explore any way of life you want what would that be?
Let your mind dwell on these things for a little while. You may know the answers right away and maybe it will take you a couple of days to think about it, but start the process. Rightsizing is breaking free of responsibilities that you no longer wish to have – things that cause you stress, anxiety and worry.
Housing changes in rightsizing
Perhaps you plan to stay in your current home throughout the remainder of your life. If the home is large consider disposing of things that really no longer have meaning or value to you. I have so many photographs in albums and boxes. I don’t want to get rid of them all but I could consider giving some of them to kids and grandkids and disposing of some that aren’t as meaningful. If you have childhood artwork you are keeping consider giving it to your kids or grandkids and let them enjoy it. Remember, this isn’t about loss it’s about taking control of what matters most to you and getting rid of responsibilities that you do not enjoy any longer.
Maybe you are thinking of moving into a smaller place. Consider a villa or town home in an active adult community. Villas in Sun Lakes Arizona have one common wall and are virtually maintenance free. HOA fees cover the cost of landscaping, exterior maintenance, roof and more. Or, consider a CCRC (continuing care retirement center). In that situation you buy into a program where you live in a smaller apartment with amenities such as dining room, exercise area, gardens and walking paths. You move from there into assisted living and then into a nursing home area when that need arises.
If you are considering the task of downsizing and it has a negative impact, call The KOLB Team and let us help you rightsize! As Senior Real Estate Specialist we can help you plan the next phase of your life and help you see the number of options available to you. Call us at 480-809-5759 and let’s start rightsizing!