Down Sizing Done Right

Moving from a house to a condo

Purchasing a condo is not only a perfect fit for many first time home buyers, but we are also seeing a major increase in purchases made by recent empty-nesters, who want a home that is easy to care for and that can be locked up and safely left for months on end. Sometimes downsizing from a home to a condo can be the right choice for pre-existing home owners and many recent retirees are considering downsizing their house to a condo.

Often times once children leave home, couples find that they have too many bedrooms and too much empty space in the house that is simply going unused. This unused space often results in unwanted and unnecessary cleaning. Large 2-level homes may no longer be a viable option as home owners age, especially if lawn care and snow removal becomes difficult.

A condo can offer a kind of freedom that a house just cannot. Often smaller spaces, condos have less area to maintain in the unit, and no outside work to be preformed. Newer condos also offer on-site amenities such as swimming pools, gyms and bowling alleys that are only an elevator ride away, and are maintained for you to enjoy. The maintenance fees in condos often include your utilities which proivde you with a constant monthly fee that can be calculated for unlike sudden problems that can arise in a home (furnace needs fixing or the central air needs repairing). 

The biggest concern that we hear from those looking to downsize, is where all their belongings will fit. Most condo units will have a locker included with them which can store quite a bit of furniture and items, but for the most part, you will not be able to bring everything from your home to your new condo unit. There are storage units that can be rented, or it may be time to part with a few belongings. 

Chances are if you have children who have left home, you have lots of old toys and clothing laying around that are no longer of use to you. Things that are no longer being used (aside from treasured keepsakes of course!) can be dropped off to various charities and donation boxes spread throughout the city. You can also hold a garage sale or try to sell some bigger things you no longer have use for on sites like Kijiji. Take a look at the floor plan of your new condo, take measurements of your furniture and try to place your favourite items where you can ahead of time.

Once you are settled in your new condo, it will be worthwhile. You will no longer need to clean unused rooms and you will have more time for family, scapbooking, or another new found hobby! Talk your realtor today and find out if downsizing into a condo is an option that works for you!

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