The Very Good Reason Why Nobody Should Be “Downsizing”
When my husband and I started searching for a home last year, we both assumed we’d upgrade to a space with more square footage. But when we found a home we loved — one we could envision our family in — there was a catch. The new house was 400 square feet smaller than the house we were selling (and a lot more expensive).
We ended up downsizing, and with no regrets. We love the flow and layout of the space so much that it almost seems bigger — and it’s definitely more functional. But that’s not to say our decision is the right direction for everyone.
If you’re considering a move into a smaller house, Bruce Cram, a sales representative at Re/Max, wants to make the case against the term downsizing, which might have a negative connotation. Instead, he argues home buyers should be “right-sizing,” or finding the right-sized space for their needs.
While growing families or people who work remotely might need more space, empty nesters and super-practical folks might be looking for the opposite. Many people, Cram says, owe these realizations to the pandemic. Spending more time in personal spaces prompted more critical thinking about what you actually need. “The new normal has opened up the way we think about our homes, and rethinking your home may also mean right-sizing,” he says.
There’s no precise formula for figuring out how much space is “right” for you. But Cram says answering a few questions can help you make an informed decision about your next home — one that, hopefully, helps you enjoy your space and your life more.
What’s your motivation?
What would you change about your current home if you could? Answering this question is key to understanding the life you want to live in your new house. For example, if you’re going to be working from home for the long haul, more space (ideally, a home with an office) might make sense for you. But if you find yourself with space you don’t use and you want less clutter, then a home with a smaller footprint might make more sense.
What stage of life are you in?
Another factor to consider: What stage of life are you in, and how is your life going to change in the next few years? Do you want to get a pet or have a kid? Do you plan to look for roommates or potentially move in with a partner? Then more space might be a good move. But if your kids are older or you’re ending a relationship, then you may consider a smaller home.
What’s your lifestyle like?
You don’t just sleep in your house — your space should also accommodate living, or the things you like to do. If entertaining or hosting overnight guests are top priorities for you, that’ll affect how much space you opt for. If you love to cook, then a bigger kitchen (which adds more square footage), would be appealing. And if you love to travel? Well, think about fewer square feet so you can dish out more for cool Airbnbs!
How many bedrooms do you need?
They don’t always add up to tons of square footage, but how many bedrooms you need should also drive your decision. You may be a family of four, in which case, a minimum of two bedrooms would do. If sharing a bedroom is not ideal, then you might look for a three-bedroom home, and so on.
Where do you want to live?
When we moved, we specifically targeted a walkable area near Lake Michigan. Because those houses are in demand, they also cost more — which meant we could afford less square footage. If you have a specific location in mind, you may not get to be as picky about size. Cram suggests making a look of your top wants and needs, and understanding that the more you want, the more your house will cost — and the more you may have to settle on fewer square feet.
Remember: Your home should be a place you can relax in. Rather than fixating on square feet, focus on finding a perfect match for your own individual needs. The right framework (and some right-sizing) can help you decide.
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