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."

Look for features that can help 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 also make a small room feel more expansive by helping to draw the eye upward. The same goes for highly placed window treatments and striped or mural-style wallpaper, says interior designer, Kati Greene Curtis. “You’ll feel like you’re walking into the scene,” said Curtis to the Washington Post.3
Efficient layouts with flexible, multi-purpose rooms and few, if any, hallways work especially well for small-scale living. You can also limit dead space in a home by steering clear of layouts with awkward corners, unusable nooks, and other space-eating design elements.

In addition, 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 molding.
Don’t write off a home too soon, though, if it feels narrow or congested because of outdated design or poor staging. Cosmetic issues that visually shrink a space are often easy to fix.
For example, you can instantly make a room feel bigger just by painting it a lighter shade. Adding mirrors and swapping out heavy curtains for sheer ones can also be effective. Plus, utilizing multipurpose furniture with hidden storage is a great way to maximize space.

Action item: Make a note of your must-keep furniture and other items. Then pull out a measuring tape and write down the dimensions. Once it's time to visit homes, we'll have a more accurate sense of what will fit and how much space you’ll need.To get your creative juices flowing, you may also want to flip through some design magazines that specialize in compact living or catalogs that feature space-saving furniture and accessories. If you give us a list of your favorite features, we can use it to pinpoint homes that are a good match.
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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 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), homeowners who age in place instead of in an institutional environment not only save money over time, they also enjoy greater health and emotional benefits.4
Aging in place is also popular. According to survey findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the vast majority of adults between the ages of 50 and 80 would prefer to age in their own homes.5
But even though many adults want to age in place, only 34% of surveyed adults currently live in a home with the features to make it possible.5
If you're already in the second half of your 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. Plus, you never know when you might need an accessible light switch, handrails in the bathroom, or a seat in the shower, says Sheri Koones. “Yes, older people with disabilities need them, but even younger people break a leg skiing, or have situations where they want a barrier-free shower.”1
As you consider your options, try to imagine what your needs might be as you get older and be proactive in identifying potential obstacles, recommends the National Council on Aging (NCOA).6
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.
Consider your needs outside the home, as well: If you frequently visit the doctor, grocery store, or community center, for example, then you may benefit from choosing a property nearby.
Action item: Review the checklist below, adapted from the National Institute on Aging’s home safety worksheet, or download the full version from the agency’s website.7 Highlight the items that are most important to you. We can reference these guidelines as we consider potential homes and suggest ways to adapt a property to meet your current or future requirements.
HOME SAFETY CHECKLIST 7
? 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 any tripping hazards at exterior entrances or inside the house? ? Are the hallways and doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair 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? ? 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? ? Are outdoor steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather? ? 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? ? Is the water heater set at 120° F to avoid scalding tap water? ? Are there safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch on the stove? ? Have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms been installed near the kitchen and in all bedrooms? ? Are there secure locks on all outside doors and windows?
BOTTOMLINE
You don't have to compromise on comfort to downsize successfully. We 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. We take pride in offering a full-service real estate experience and assisting our clients through all stages of the real estate journey. And we’ll go the extra mile to maximize your current home's sales price so that you’re set up for financial security.
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:
Associated Press (AP) - https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-f094372b46bae82020c174907eb953c0
Healthcare (Basel) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10671417/
Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/02/07/make-small-room-appear-larger/
HUD User - https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/fall13/highlight2.html
National Poll on Healthy Aging - https://www.healthyagingpoll.org/reports-more/report/older-adults-preparedness-age-place
National Council on Aging (NCOA) - https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/medical-alert-systems/downsizing-for-aging-in-place/
National Institute of Health (NIH) - https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2023-04/worksheet-home-safety-checklist_1.pdf