Downsizing, Moving in with your kids or aging in place - the ultimate senior showdown
So, you’ve reached that stage in life where the big house feels a little too big, the stairs a little too steep, and the idea of maintaining a five-bedroom home sounds about as appealing as running a marathon in flip-flops. It’s time to make a decision:
- Downsize to a smaller, easier-to-maintain home
- Move in with your kids (because they owe you after everything you put up with) 🤨
- Stay put and “age in place” (aka make the house work for you instead of against you)
Each option has its pros and cons, so let’s break it down with a little humor—because if we can’t laugh about this, we might just cry into our ever-growing collection of Tupperware lids.
Option 1: Downsizing – Less House, Less Stress, More Freedom!
Downsizing means saying goodbye to the house that once held your kids, their science fair disasters, and approximately 3,000 holiday decorations stored in the attic. But let’s be honest—do you really need four sets of china and a garage filled with tools you haven’t touched since the ‘90s?
✔ Pros:
- Less cleaning, yard work, and maintenance (goodbye, mowing an acre of grass in the summer heat).
- You can move closer to family, friends, or that warm beach you’ve been dreaming about.
- More money in your pocket after selling the big house—hello, cruise vacations!
❌ Cons:
- Sorting through decades of “stuff” is exhausting. (Why do you still have your kids’ middle school art projects?)
- Moving is a pain. (But at least this time, you can hire movers instead of bribing friends with pizza.)
- You might have to deal with a smaller kitchen. (Where will you store all the gadgets you swore you’d use but never did?)
Verdict: If you’re ready to trade space for convenience, downsizing is a great way to simplify life and gain some extra cash for fun adventures.
Option 2: Moving in With Your Kids – A Bold & Brave Choice
Once upon a time, your kids lived under your roof, ate your food, and turned your living room into a disaster zone. Now, tables have turned, and they might be offering you a spot in their home. Sounds great, right? Well… maybe.
✔ Pros:
- Built-in grandkid time (if applicable—otherwise, enjoy free pet cuddles).
- You’ll always have company—no more eating dinner alone!
- If they have a basement or in-law suite, you can maintain some independence.
❌ Cons:
- Privacy? What privacy? You may never get a moment alone again.
- You’ll have to adapt to their household rules, which means no judging their parenting, décor choices, or their insistence on eating avocado toast for every meal.
- There’s a high chance you’ll become the family’s unpaid babysitter, chef, and therapist.
Verdict: This option can work—if everyone sets boundaries. But if the idea of living under someone else’s roof makes you shudder, maybe keep looking.
Option 3: Aging in Place – Staying Put, But Making Life Easier
So, you love your home and aren’t ready to part ways just yet. That’s totally fine—as long as your home is ready to grow old with you.
✔ Pros:
- No moving, no packing, no dealing with real estate listings.
- You keep all your favorite neighbors and routines.
- You can modify your home to work better for your needs (think grab bars, stair lifts, and a walk-in shower instead of that dangerous tub).
❌ Cons:
- Home maintenance doesn’t stop—someone still has to shovel snow or fix the leaky roof.
- It may require costly renovations to make your home truly accessible.
- Eventually, you might still need outside help (which could mean hiring caregivers or convincing your kids to stop by more often).
Verdict: If your home is already one-story, easy to maintain, and in good shape, aging in place can be a fantastic option. Just make sure you plan ahead—because waiting until you need renovations is never fun.
Final Thoughts: Which One is Right for You?
- Want less hassle and more fun? Downsize.
- Love your kids and their families (enough to see them daily)? Move in with them—but set some ground rules.
- Can’t bear to part with your beloved home? Stay put, but make smart updates.
Ready to Discuss Your next step?
No matter which route you choose, the goal is to enjoy life without feeling burdened by your living situation. If you need help navigating your options, let’s chat—I’d love to help you find the perfect next chapter in your housing journey!
