It may not be the right time for a move, and that’s okay
Moving from the family home you’ve lived in for decades is a huge milestone in anyone’s life.
It’s important to think twice before making such a major lifestyle change. Be sure you’re ready—really ready.
“I find that sometimes I get invited into houses, especially people who’ve lived in their homes a long time, and they think that downsizing or moving from their family home is a great idea,” says Andra Arnold, a top real estate agent in Guelph. “Sometimes, though, it’s not the best.”
As long as you are safe in your home and you’re able to continue to take care of it—and it’s not an issue of affordability or lifestyle—you may want to consider staying.
Families sometimes pressure their loved ones to move from their family home when that’s not actually what the homeowners themselves want or need. When clients have been in their homes for 30 or 40 years, they may not actually want to move into a more restricted space or an environment they’re not used to, a change that can be jarring. “Sometimes it’s more detrimental than staying,” says Arnold.
People don’t always take into account the full costs of moving. “There are health and emotional costs that go with moving from a home that you love,” the real estate agent warns.
Of course, there are financial costs too, as most properties people move into at this stage of life may require monthly maintenance fees.
She isn’t suggesting people should never move from their family home, only that they make sure the timing is right. “Getting ready to sell the house and making things more liveable and easier to manage is very important,” she says.
If you are looking for a lifestyle change and truly want to downsize, she would absolutely recommend making a move. But if it’s just a matter of feeling a little overwhelmed with upkeep, you might be better off simply seeking out resources that can help you take care of your home and property. You can bring in outside services that can help, allowing you to stay in a home that you love. You can also make modifications to your home that will allow you to stay in it longer.
“You can never go back—that’s the thing, it’s so hard,” says Arnold. “You can never turn around and go back, so it’s better to stay and only go when you really want to leave and are fully ready. There’s nothing worse than leaving and then wishing you could go back.”
Arnold speaks from experience. She attends at least three appointments a month where this exact scenario unfolds. She often surprises homeowners by advising them to stay put.
