Top 5 Benefits of Downsizing Your Home After the Kids Move Out

As your kids grow up and start their own lives, you might find yourself at a crossroads. If you’re a Canadian Baby Boomer, born between 1946 and 1964, now could be the perfect time to think about whether to stay in your current home or move to a smaller place that’s easier to manage. The equity you’ve built up in your home over the years can give you a real financial boost, allowing you to reshape your lifestyle without having to tap into your savings or rack up new debt. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of downsizing in your retirement years.

Less Debt and Lower Expenses

Many Canadian retirees find themselves financially unprepared for retirement. A recent study by the National Institute on Ageing (NIA)* highlights significant financial pressures affecting Canadians, such as higher borrowing costs, inflation, and stock market volatility. Only 35 per cent of working Canadians aged 50 and older feel financially prepared to retire, while nearly 40 per cent report that they cannot afford to retire at all.

Moving to a smaller home can be a strategic way to lower living costs and tap into home equity. It typically reduces bills related to heating, cooling, and electricity. It also often results in cheaper property taxes and insurance costs because of the reduced valuation of the property. Selling a bigger property can free up significant home equity—this is the difference between the value of the home and any outstanding mortgage. In a strong real estate market, it’s an excellent opportunity to capitalize on market conditions and purchase a smaller property outright without the need for financing.

Unlock Funds for Savings and Investment

One of the benefits of downsizing is tapping into the equity that’s been building up in your property over the years, available to you to create a safety net to cover financial emergencies. A good rule of thumb is to save enough to cover three to six months of living expenses. This gives you enough cushion to handle most unforeseen financial shocks without going into debt. Your emergency fund should be easily accessible but not so easy that you’ll be tempted to dip into it for everyday spending. Use a high-yield savings account, which offers better interest rates than regular savings accounts yet provides the flexibility to withdraw money when needed. In terms of investment, consider placing some of your funds into financial vehicles like Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP). These accounts offer tax advantages that can boost your income potential, helping your savings grow faster while providing tax benefits.

Simplified Living

One of the benefits of downsizing to a smaller home is simplified maintenance and reduced physical effort required to manage a large property. With less space to clean, tasks like vacuuming and mopping become quicker, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy your home. Opting for modern condos or townhouses can offer the added benefit of included maintenance services, taking even more chores off your hands.

Downsizing can also mean adopting a minimalist lifestyle. It’s an opportunity to declutter, focusing only on what truly adds value and happiness. Psychologists suggest that messy spaces can increase anxiety and contribute to what’s known as “mental clutter,” where the mind feels overwhelmed by its surroundings. When there’s a lot of space, the temptation is to fill it. By eliminating unnecessary items, you free up both physical space and mental energy. You can invest more time in your hobbies, relationships, and personal growth. With fewer distractions, you can focus more on what truly matters to you.

Improved Accessibility and Health Monitoring

Downsizing allows you to move into a home that is more accessible. Homes with single-floor designs, wider doorways, and no-step entries make everyday activities more manageable. Look for bathrooms with safety features, kitchens with ergonomic design, and overall layouts that support mobility aids.

Proximity to quality healthcare facilities and public transportation can also be a significant factor, especially for those who no longer drive. You can visit your doctor regularly for health check-ups, which are key to maintaining good health and catching potential illnesses early. It also ensures that you can continue to attend medical appointments and treatments without undue stress or dependency on others for travel.

Living a Vibrant, Exciting Urban Lifestyle

Downsizing in your retirement opens up new possibilities for where to live. Moving to an urban centre can be an exciting change, particularly for those attracted to the hustle and bustle of city life. Urban living places you in the heart of the city, close to cultural venues, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment—all just steps from your door. Convenience often extends to travel, with easy access to airports and train stations, enriching your lifestyle with more opportunities for adventure. Although urban living might be pricier than suburban life, the trade-offs include significant savings on transportation and reduced household maintenance, making it a worthwhile consideration for a dynamic retirement.

Ready to enjoy the benefits of downsizing your home and simplifying your life? Let RE/MAX help you sell your current home and find the perfect smaller space. Contact RE/MAX to start your seamless transition today.