Should you downsize in retirement

By BenOni | November 8, 2022

The question of whether to downsize in retirement is a difficult one. On the one hand, you may feel like you need the extra space to accommodate your children and grandchildren when they come to visit. On the other hand, you may be tired of maintaining a large home and all the associated costs.

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of downsizing and make a decision that is best for you and your family.

Here are a few things to consider if you are debating whether to downsize in retirement:

The Cost of Living

One of the biggest factors to consider when deciding whether to downsize is the cost of living. If you are downsizing from a home that is paid off, you will likely have a significant decrease in your monthly expenses. This can free up more money for travel, hobbies, and other activities that you enjoy.

On the other hand, if you are downsizing from a home that you are still paying a mortgage on, you will need to factor in the cost of selling your home and buying a smaller one. You will also need to consider the impact of downsizing on your taxes and whether you will be able to afford the monthly mortgage payments on a smaller home.

Your Health and Mobility

Another important factor to consider is your health and mobility. If you are in good health and do not have any mobility issues, downsizing may not be necessary. However, if you are starting to experience health problems or you are having difficulty getting around, downsizing to a smaller home may be a good option.

A smaller home will be easier to maintain and will require less cleaning and upkeep. This can free up more time for you to enjoy your retirement. Additionally, a smaller home will be easier to navigate if you are experiencing mobility issues.

Your Family

If you have children and grandchildren, you will need to consider their needs when deciding whether to downsize. If you plan on having them visit often, you will need to make sure that your new home can accommodate them.

On the other hand, if you do not plan on having them visit often, downsizing to a smaller home may make more sense. This will allow you to reduce your living expenses and have more money to spend on activities that you enjoy.

The Bottom Line

The decision of whether to downsize in retirement is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. You will need to weigh the pros and cons of downsizing and make a decision that is best for you and your family.