Downsizing with kids - is it possible?

In a lot of ways, downsizing with kids is completely different than moving. Moving entails the physical relocation of your belongings while downsizing means that your kids will get a lot less space than they are used to, on top of going through the relocation process. So whether you have a four-year-old or a twelve-year-old, you can expect a lot of emotions and a rather lengthy adjustment process. So if downsizing will put such a strain on the entire family, is it even worth it? After all, will you be able to keep your baby's room stylish after you have to cram your nursery in a room that's the size of a closet? Well, let's find out!

When is downsizing with kids the right move for your family?

You might have pondered the idea for quite some time but you never had the courage to actually grab the bull by the horns and move out of your huge home. So how can you tell that the time has finally come for you to make this difficult yet liberating decision? There are a couple of ways.

Are you working overtime just to be able to make the next downpayment for a house? Then you are overworking yourself for a house in which you probably spend no more than 8 hours a day. Not only are you wasting money you could be putting away for a different purpose, like a college fund, but you are also risking your health. Not to mention how much quality time with your child you are losing by focusing solely on work.

If you have just realized you could tick off all of the above-mentioned items, then you will probably be able to tick off one more - your inability to maintain such a big house. The day has only 24 hours and, in order to pay for the house, maintain it, and spend some quality family time, you would need at least 30.

Now that you realized that you should have bought a house on a budget the first time around, we are pretty sure you will be more careful the second time. And that brings us to the main question at hand - will downsizing with kids be a feasible option? As it turns out, it will!

Good preparation will get half the job done

Even though downsizing with a family is a possible option, it doesn't mean it's an easy one! Unless your kids are babies or one-year-olds who are still unaware of the world around them, in which situation you are the one who's in for a world of trouble, you can rest assured your little ones will have a hard time adjusting to the circumstances. That's why when we say good preparation, we refer to a couple of things.

First and foremost, you will need to get some much-needed help in the form of a good moving team. While they might not be able to help you deal with your kid's emotions, they will be able to affect the moving process. Luckily, your options are almost limitless when it comes to this one. Reliable moving companies like Spyder Moving Services have become available at every corner and you can recruit their help with a simple phone call.

The other aspect of preparation, however, won't be so easy to solve, because this part deals with the emotions of your kids, and that should be your primary focus. Not only will you have to be extremely patient and not react negatively to their tantrums (and you can rest assured they will come), but you should also sit them down and explain the entire process. As a parent, it will be your job to prepare them and make moving less stressful. You can even make downsizing a fun endeavor by helping them list and sell their toys online. Because when you are downsizing, with kids or without them, you can rest assured that some de-cluttering will be a mandatory part of the process.

What to pay attention to when downsizing with kids

You can never lose sight of what's really important! Just because you are downsizing doesn't mean that the house you are going to live in has to ooze with shabbiness. Quite the contrary. This is your chance to choose something cute and homey. Most importantly, you need to ensure the new home is healthy and safe for your kids. To do that, keep your eyes on the following criteria.

The crime rates

Don't mistake downsizing for buying cheap property in an unsafe neighborhood. Low crime rates should be the number one factor by which you judge whether or not to buy the property. Before selling the existing house and buying a new one, it's mandatory for you to check the crime statistics for the neighborhood.

The school district

Another thing that is of crucial importance for parents is the school district. Check how the schools in the neighborhood are ranked. A school doesn't have to get an A-plus to be considered worthy, but you certainly should not settle for average - or anything below that. When it comes to your kids and their education, feel free to shoot for the stars.

The closest neighbors

Have you ever heard the famous saying 'you can change a house, but you can't change a neighborhood?' This is as real as it gets. Your next-door neighbors don't have to be your best friends - but they certainly have to be people who won't disturb your or your child's peace. So make sure you get to know the closest neighbors before sealing the deal.

The bottom line

No one can lie to you and tell you that downsizing with kids will be an easy process. It will be the opposite of easy for both your kids and yourself. However, it is a completely feasible process - one that will save you time and money down the line. So stop thinking about it and find the courage to move into a smaller house! Unless you decide to have three more kids, you won't regret it!