2. “This has always been my home.”
Many homeowners who have lived in their homes for a long time have a difficult time with the concept of letting it go and moving on. A home that’s been lived in for years comes with memories inextricably linked to that home. Maybe this is you. Maybe you cringe at the idea of letting go of your longtime family home. Maybe you can’t picture a different family living there. Maybe you can’t picture yourself living anywhere but that house. Downsizing can be emotional, even if it’s the right thing to do and you know it’s time. It’s completely normal to go through the different emotions that can crop up. Allow yourself to feel these 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
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