Page 78 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2026 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES

Don't Just Rightsize the House—Rightsize the Life

How to Choose a Property That Supports the Way

You Actually Want to Live By Sheila Jordan, REALTOR®, Sheila Jordan Realty Group

n my previous articles, we talked • Is the shower easy to step into? them. Before choosing your next
about two important questions: property, think beyond features and
IFirst, should you stay, or should • Will I enjoy hosting family here? ask:
you go? Second, if a move is on
the horizon, how do you rightsize • Is there enough space for the • What parts of my current home
without overwhelm? things that matter most to me? reflect who I am?
• Can I comfortably care for this •
Now let's talk about what comes What activities do I still want
next. Once you've decided a move property or get help affordably if room for?
makes sense, the next challenge is needed? •
not simply finding a smaller house. • Does this location make my What kind of gathering space do
The real question is this: everyday life easier? I need?

What kind of home will support the The answers to these questions • What possessions are tied to
life you want to live now? matter more than square-footage. meaning, not just obligation?

That is where many people get stuck. Something else to consider is: • What do I want my next chapter
They may know they want less Identity. to feel like?
maintenance. They may know they Sometimes the right home is not the
want fewer stairs, less upkeep, or to A move is not just a housing smallest one. Sometimes it is the one
be closer to family, friends, church, decision. It is an identity decision. that still has room for your favorite
or medical care. Those are all wise chair, your treasured table, your
considerations. But the best right- Senior specialists and real estate hobbies, your overnight guests, or
sized property is not just about what professionals do not talk enough Sunday lunch with people you love.
you are leaving behind. It is also about the concept of identity. For
about what you are moving toward. most people, home is tied to purpose. Do a real-life audit before you shop.
Maybe you were the holiday host.
A smaller house is not automatically Maybe your kitchen was where Before you begin touring homes, try
a better fit. everyone gathered. Maybe your this simple exercise: For one week,
garage held every tool you needed. notice how you actually live. Write
One of the biggest mistakes people Maybe your yard was your pride down:
make is assuming that smaller and joy. Maybe your dining room
always means better. Sometimes it table was where grandchildren did • Which rooms you use every day
does. Sometimes it absolutely does homework, played games, and made
not. A home can be smaller and still memories. So, when people begin • Which spaces you rarely enter
be inconvenient. It can be newer talking about rightsizing, what they
and still not function well. It can be often feel is not just stress about • Where you sit, read, pray, visit,
beautiful and still make daily life packing. They feel the quiet question rest, or watch TV
harder. The goal is not to simply underneath it all: • How often you cook
reduce square footage. The goal is
to improve daily living. That means Who will I be when this house is no • How often family visits
asking questions like: longer mine?
• Whether you need space for
• Can I move through this home That question deserves respect. A hobbies, guests, pets, or projects
safely and comfortably? good move should not strip away
the parts of your life that still matter • How much outdoor upkeep you
• Is there a bedroom and full bath deeply to you. It should protect enjoy
on the main level?

78 Lubbock Senior Link