feelings. It’s part of the process. But as you walk down memory lane, remember that a house is just that — a house. You can take the memories with you, and then create new ones in your new home with family and friends.
3. “But this is where my kids grew up.”
While some empty nesters actually prefer to downsize soon after their kids leave home in order to have a fresh start, many others are reluctant to do so. They might not yet be willing to part with a family home where their children were born and/or grew up. Sometimes, homeowners are not yet ready to accept the fact that they have become empty nesters; they might need some time to get used to the idea. Does this sound like you? If so, consider this: Eventually, all that unused extra space is going to end up being a pain. Plain and simple, you don’t need all of that space now. You can pack up the most valuable (and functional) items and take those memories with you. They don’t belong to the house. So while you can still find a new place to meet your needs and beyond, you don’t need to stay in a large house forever. All that space is a pain to clean, and maintenance and repairs can be costly. For example, if you’re working on paying off your mortgage, then keep in mind that you’re spending more money than you should on space that you don’t need. This includes extra costs for heating, cooling, water, electricity, and gas, and basic home maintenance, upkeep, and cleaning. Maintenance of a larger home alone is often reason enough for empty nesters and new retirees to consider downsizing. When you factor in cleaning, yard work, and upkeep, think about how exhausting and time-consuming it can be. But life in a smaller house can mean more time for relaxation, leisure, and family time.
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