What is the right size apartment for a senior who is ready to downsize? Now that you're an empty nester and don't need the extra space, you're ready to make a change. Before you start your search and sign a lease, take a look at the top questions seniors have about downsizing answered.
Should You Choose an Apartment or a Single-Family Home?
There's no universal answer to this question. The decision to rent an apartment or a full home depends on a few factors. These may include:
- Your mobility. Are stairs difficult for you to manage? If you answered yes, you either need to choose an apartment or a single-story (ranch type) home. One floor makes it easier to move from area to area independently and can help you to age in place without the fear of a stair-related trip and fall incident.
- Your overall space needs. Do you have furniture, artwork, knick-knacks, or anything else you want to keep? These items may require more space than a smaller-sized apartment offers. But if you plan to declutter and sell, donate, or recycle everything you don't currently use, an apartment will probably fit your needs.
- Your social needs. Apartment living offers a community, and a way to socialize, without leaving your home. Unlike a single-family home, you won't have to walk outside or drive somewhere else just to spend time with your neighbors.
The decision to downsize from a single-family, multi-floor home to an apartment isn't always easy. If you have concerns about this transition, visit a few of your apartment options. You may feel differently about this change when you see the size, convenience, and community aspects of this type of home.
Should You Choose a One-Bedroom or a Larger Apartment?
You've decided to rent an apartment. But the apartment versus single-family home choice isn't the only decision that you will need to make. As you tour potential future apartments, you will need to select a room size. If you're not sure whether a one, two, or more bedroom arrangement is the right way to go, consider:
- Your mobility, again. Your mobility doesn't just impact the decision to rent an apartment or a full home. It also affects whether you select a one or larger bedroom space. While the smaller size of a one-bedroom apartment may make it easier to get from point A to point B, a cramped apartment could add to your mobility issues.
- Your family. How many people will live in the apartment? If it's just you, a one-bedroom may do. But if you plan to live with your spouse, significant other, or a family member, you may want (or need) the added space of more rooms.
- Your furnishings.
Do you want to keep most or all of your furniture? The more you bring to your new apartment, the more bedrooms you may need. This could include additional bedrooms for mattresses, dressers, and home office items.
Along with the number of bedrooms, think about the total square footage. A one-bedroom with a spacious square footage number may equal the size of a compact two- or three-bedroom apartment.
What Else Do You Need in an Apartment?
Bedrooms aren't the only size factor in your senior living apartment choice. Even though the number of bedrooms may inform your choice, you also need to look at:
- The size of other rooms.
Do you need a larger kitchen area for a wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device? If cramped spaces make it hard for you to move, search for an apartment with extra-large spaces or an open floor plan.
- Dining area options. Will you need a full dining room or is an eat-in kitchen acceptable?
- The bathrooms.
A solo move may not require more than one bathroom per apartment. But if you live with family members or have guests often, you may need a larger apartment that comes with two or more of these facilities.
As you tour apartments you will have a better idea of what you need out of the overall layout, room number, and size. Start your search with an open mind and consider your options. This strategy can help you to find the best match for your needs.
Are you ready to make a change? Contact Robert Cottingham Property Management for more information.
