Among Friends

[katie1859]

I turn 64 in a month and my spirit continually tells me it's time to downsize. Too much house, I'm single, and a caregiver for a son. More and more I am wiped from upkeep inside and out.
Thought about peaking at a condo, and the market here in Illinois is negative. High in cost, low in inventory.
Has anyone gone through a transition or in the same place. I am?

[sabatini]

Hi, @katie1859. Yes, I did that.

I lived in a historic area in a big, old place w/ ornate moldings & fireplace, 2 staircases, etc. Even a few resident ghosts.

But almost 10 years ago, it became too much for me w/ all of the upkeep required, so w/ a heavy heart, I threw in the towel, sold it, & moved away.

I now live in a condo - more of a townhome, really. I'm happy here.

I would say 'Go for it! Now is the time! Don't overstay your welcome in your current home!'

It'll get harder & harder to deal with the exertion & stress of a move with each passing day.

One caution on purchasing a condo: HOA fees will rise. Make sure to allow for that, especially if you'll also be carrying a mortgage.

[patbz]

When I was 63 we relocated and downsized.  We went from 2500sf to 1700sf and from the Mojave desert to the mountains and 4 seasons. At the time we moved our old home the r.e. market was depressed so we were landlords for 13 yrs ( wouldn't do that again ).  We also moved too much stuff and paid to store it, rather than unloading it then and there

( big mistake). Otherwise everything went smoothly and we are very glad we made the move.

[LavernLuvsShoes]

I'm a huge proponent of decluttering and downsizing.

Can't wait until the economy gets better...

(Lower interest rates, housing prices, etc.) so that we (DH and me) can downsize and purchase a cute, little ranch in a safe, quiet neighborhood.

I'm 70 now, and life is too short to be bogged down with a lot of stuff and a lot of financial responsibility, IMHO. 

[AuntG]

You are wise to start thinking of options. Sometimes I pull up floor plans of two bedroom homes that I think would be perfect. It's finding land to build on that's the problem. Most housing developments by me say you must put up a home with a minimum of 1800 square feet and a three car garage. We're at the stage where a 900 square foot cottage and a one car garage would suffice. Realistically, we'll probably stay where we are with 1700 square feet and a two car garage.

[DSD2]

It sounds as though you are physically exhausted. The truth is it is more difficult and tiresome to do heavy duty cleaning the older we get. Your son is your priority and finding the time and summoning up the effort to do everything else is undoubtedly rather challenging. 

Deciding to move is always a difficult decision. I will say a prayer that you receive good counsel and make the decision that it right for you. Wishing you the best...

[gidgetgh]

I don't have any children, but I downsized after my husband passed away.  Best. Decision. Ever.

We had a two story, 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with a full unfinished basement.  3,300 square feet, not including the basement.

I downsized to a 1 story.  2 bedroom, 2 baths and an office. No basement (yeah!!!!!!!!). Yard maintenance is included in my monthly HOA dues. 

I am so thrilled that I made the decision.  

[katie1859]

Thank you ALL for these responses.
I feel better knowing it's an occurring theme for many.
I have started selling things. I'm operating in hope and that slowly this desire will indeed manifest.
Yes, there's so much to think about. I hear in my thoughts, slow and steady

[D Kay]

I am on a waiting list for an apartment in a comunity of seniors. Everything is included in monthly fee. I currently live in a 3 bedroom home with a huge yard and massive trees.

It will be an exhaustive undertaking to downsize, but I am looking forward to not having to deal with it all.   I do not want to own a home anymore.

[LindaSal]

@katie1859 I hear you.  I'm only 62 but DH is now 70.  5 years ago we decided (more me) to downsize from a 3000 sq foot home with 10 acres of land to a 2000 sq foot townhouse.   All the outside care is done by a landscaper including snow shoveling and plowing.  We are in the northeast.   I have ZERO regrets.  It was so liberating to donate all the unused "stuff" we had accumulated over the years.  My adult kids took what they wanted and the rest went!   My hubby did not want to accept the fact that he was already slowing down at the time but honestly I have seen a huge change in him over just a few years and in myself.  We are fortunate to be in fairly good health and even though we keep marching along we are certainly not able to care for such a large home and property at this stage of the game.  I'm so thankful we did it when we did.  Good luck!