When you’ve lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. 

Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although “living small” might require some adjustments, it can be liberating, especially if you’re in a stage of life where past responsibilities have given way to new possibilities and adventures. In fact, many downsizers report feeling invigorated by the change, according to journalist and real estate writer Sheri Koones. “It scares people to think of moving into a smaller space,” said Koones to the Associated Press. “But every single person I interviewed who has made the transition says they are so happy they did.”¹

The key is to find somewhere you can live well and move around comfortably, without feeling overly restricted. If you like the idea of aging in place or are already in your golden years, you may also want to look for signs that a new home can conveniently age with you. With that in mind, your search should be focused on three key factors: a) desired lifestyle b) optimal design and c) long-term accessibility.

Do you have a loved one whose housing needs have changed?
Share this information to help start a conversation about the benefits of downsizing.

A. DESIRED LIFESTYLE 

The best part of downsizing is the lifestyle you unlock when you trade square footage for convenience. With fewer chores and home maintenance tasks to worry about, you can instead channel your energy into other pursuits. For example, instead of spending your afternoons house cleaning or working in the yard, you can catch up on the news, read a bestseller, start a new craft project, or pursue other hobbies. You may even travel or spend more time with friends and family. 

Studies show that Canadians over the age of 65 have higher life satisfaction when they have more time available for the things they “like doing.”² But engaging in favourite hobbies and activities can be hard to do when you’ve got a home that needs constant attention or you live far from your community.

As you compare potential homes, keep in mind the type of lifestyle you envision:

• Do you plan to travel? A home with extra security, such as a condominium or gated community, may give you some welcome peace of mind.
• Do you plan to have friends and family stay overnight? Look for a floor plan with flex space or a property that has access to separate guest suites. 
• Do you need extra support? A senior community that offers catered meals and housekeeping may be a better choice.

Action items:

1. Take the time to thoughtfully envision what your ideal future might look like.
2. Write down the activities and hobbies you hope to add to your life or continue with going forward, as well as the chores and responsibilities you’d love to drop. We’ll use those answers to help shape your house hunt.

B. OPTIMAL DESIGN

Even though your new home will be smaller, that doesn’t mean it has to feel cramped. As Koones explains, “The key is to have a home that is efficiently designed, both in terms of energy use and in terms of space.”¹ 

• Look for features that make a space feel bigger, like high ceilings, large windows, and an open layout. 
• Built-in shelving that extends all the way to the ceiling can make a small room feel more expansive, by drawing the eye upward. The same goes for highly placed window treatments and striped or mural-style wallpaper.³  
• Efficient layouts with flexible, multi-purpose rooms and minimal hallways work especially well for small-scale living. Steer clear of layouts with dead space, awkward corners, unusable nooks and other space-eating design elements. 
• Look for features that support a simpler, lower-maintenance lifestyle, such as easy-care floors, durable countertops and bare walls with little, if any, crown moulding. 
• Don’t write off a home too soon, if it feels narrow or congested because of outdated design or poor staging. Cosmetic issues that visually shrink a space can be easy to fix. 
  • Instantly make a room feel bigger just by painting it a lighter shade.
  • Adding mirrors and swapping out heavy curtains for sheer ones can be effective.
  • Utilizing multipurpose furniture with hidden storage is a great way to maximize space. 

Action items:

1. Make a note of your must-keep furniture and other items.
2. Use a measuring tape and write down the dimensions. Once it’s time to visit homes, we’ll have an accurate sense of what will fit and how much space you’ll need.
3. For inspiration, flip through design magazines that specialize in compact living or catalogues that feature space-saving furniture and accessories.

C. LONG-TERM ACCESSIBILITY

Buying a home that you can age well in can be a great way to boost your health prospects and happiness. According to the National Institute on Ageing, research shows that homeowners who age in place (instead of in an institutional environment) not only save money over time, they enjoy greater health and emotional benefits.^4,5  Aging in place is popular. An Ipsos survey found the vast majority of Canadians over the age of 45 would prefer to age in their own homes.⁶ 

Although many adults want to age in place, few currently live in a home with the features to make it possible. According to Statistics Canada, only half of adults over the age of 55 say their current home is accessible to someone with a physical limitation.⁷  If you’re already in mid-life, then it’s smart to prioritize accessibility now, even if you’re highly mobile. Choosing an accessible home will improve your odds of staying put for longer. As you consider your options, imagine what your needs might be as you get older and be proactive in identifying potential obstacles, recommends the Government of Canada.⁸ 

• For example, a single-level home or one with wide enough stairs for a stair lift or access to an elevator may be a more practical choice than a home with lots of narrow stairs.
• Alternatively, a home with at least one ground-level bedroom and bathroom may also work well for you. 
• As well, consider your needs outside the home: if you frequently visit the doctor, grocery store, or community centre, you’ll benefit from choosing a property nearby. 

Action items:

1. Review the checklist below, adapted from the accessibility standards by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Accessibility Standards Canada.⁹
2. Highlight the items that are most important to you. We’ll reference these guidelines as we consider potential homes and suggest ways to adapt a property to meet your current or future requirements.

HOME ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST ⁹

• If a walker or wheelchair is needed, can the entrances to the house be modified — perhaps by putting in a ramp to the front door?
• Are there tripping hazards at exterior entrances or inside the house?
• Are outdoor areas level and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather?
• Are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, cane or walker if needed?
• Does the home have at least one ground-floor bedroom and bathroom?
• Are there any staircases, and if so, could they accommodate a stair lift?
• Is the house well-lit, inside and out, particularly at the top and bottom of stairs?
• Does the home’s interior make use of colour contrasting to help prevent falls?
• Do the stairs have uniformly sized, gap-free risers and level treads?
• Could handrails be installed on both sides of the staircase?
• Is there at least one stairway handrail that extends beyond the first and last steps on each flight of stairs?
• Does the washroom have at least 1,500 to 1,800 millimetres of turning space to accommodate an assistive mobility device?
• Are there grab bars near toilets and in the tub or shower?
• Have a shower stool and hand-held shower head been installed to make bathing easier?
• Are operating controls, such as light switches, thermostats, door handles and locks, set no higher than 1,100 millimetres from the floor?

BOTTOMLINE

You don’t have to compromise on comfort to downsize successfully. I can help you strategize your next move and identify the best new home for you, whether that’s a smaller home for rent or another one to call your own. I take pride in offering a full-service real estate experience and assisting clients through all stages of the real estate journey. I will go the extra mile to maximize your current home’s sales price so that you’re set up for financial security.

The postings on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

Sources:

1. Associated Press (AP) – https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-f094372b46bae82020c174907eb953c0
2. Statistics Canada – https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2018001/article/54977-eng.htm 
3. Washington Post – https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/02/07/make-small-room-appear-larger/ 
4. National Institute on Ageing – https://www.niageing.ca/airp 
5. CTV – https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/what-do-senior-citizens-need-to-do-to-age-in-place-1.6141831 
6. IPSOS – https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/Nearly-All-Canadians-45-Want-Age-Home-But-Only-1-in-10-Afford-Cost-PSW
7. Statistics Canada – https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2023001/article/00010-eng.htm 
8. Government of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/aging-checklist.html
9. CSA Group – https://www.csagroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2430606.pdf