What size is the right size when it comes to moving into a new home? If you’re looking to buy in 2014, one of the first considerations that you will face is how much home you are looking to buy.
The old adage states that bigger is not always better, and increasingly, homebuyers are opting against vast amounts of square footage in favor of smaller homes laden with upgrades, details, and charm. Fortunately, Cape Cod is filled with smaller homes surrounded by the beauty of the ocean, bay, and beaches, so buyers looking to find such a home on the Cape are in luck.
What factors determine the size of the home you are looking for? One main consideration is the size of your family. If you’re an empty nester or retiree looking to relocate, a smaller home may be right for you. Another consideration is lifestyle. Is upkeep a concern for you? A smaller home or low-maintenance condo might be the right solution. Do you enjoy outdoor pursuits? If you prefer spending your spare time outside hiking, biking, swimming, or sailing, you might value location over a large living space.
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If you’ve determined that a smaller house is the right answer for you, it’s time to find a property and make that move. So, where do you start? Here are a few tips for moving into a smaller, more manageable living space.
Keep the Treasures. Start by sorting the items you truly use every day from all the rest of your belongings, and then divide them into two categories: things you won’t need in a smaller home, and things that you will need. An extra coffee pot? Maybe not. Linens for two more bedrooms than you’ll have in a new spot? Probably not. But kitchen appliances you routinely use, clothing you wear regularly, and certainly any special keepsakes are things that you’ll want to hang onto. If you are a “saver” whose attic or basement is full of mementos that you can’t bear to part with, consider renting a small storage space for items that you don’t use regularly but want to keep for the sake of nostalgia.
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Sell or Donate the Extras. With the prevalence of Internet sales sites like Craigslist and eBay, you could make a little extra money off of furniture, appliances, and even clothing and bedding that you no longer need. Some vendors will even buy old cell phones, tablets, and other slightly obsolete technology. Just make certain that you know what you’re getting into; take care to protect yourself if selling items on Craigslist, in particular. If you would prefer to donate items you no longer need, there’s no end of outlets to do so, from the local library to the Salvation Army to churches and other charities. Some organizations will even pick up your donated items right at your curb.
Toss the Rest. Anything that no longer functions or has outlived its usefulness can be thrown away. Recycle whatever you can; most towns offer periodic recycling days for larger electronics as well as hazardous materials like batteries and old paint that shouldn’t be sent to a landfill. If you have a lot to get rid of, you might want to consider renting a Dumpster and filling it right on your own driveway.
If you’re thinking about downsizing to a smaller home, remember that what you’re giving up in terms of space might be a very attractive tradeoff for what you are gaining in the way of charm, reduced upkeep, and increased functionality. Talk to your real estate agent about the features that you want in a new home. He or she will listen to your needs and can point you in the right direction.
