There is a huge difference between a condo and a house. Both are living spaces, for sure, but when it comes to maintenance, size, and costs, there are substantial differences you might want to consider.
There are ups and downs to owning a condo compared to owning a large house. Houses require high maintenance. A house is way bigger than a condo, so it requires more lighting fixtures, appliances, and other devices for better lighting, tidiness, and ventilation. Having a house also means having more area to clean, which requires more water to consume. In terms of manpower, a house is harder to clean than a smaller living space like a condo.
On the other hand, houses are bigger than condos, which means you have more space to put your things. You have more living space, which would situate you better in any angle of your apartment or house. It is also more convenient when accepting guests and visitors and when hosting a party or any kind of event.
However, with such a lifestyle, high maintenance to keep a house comes with high costs, which is not economical in the long run. This includes the water and electric bills, house services (maids, drivers, or gardeners if it requires any), repairs, renovations, and, of course, the property tax. If you think that a condo is better than a house, then you'd better read through the next part, as it discusses the entire downsizing process and its relevance and importance.
Scroll down for the ultimate checklist: how to downsize from a house to a condo.
Sort through all your things by category.
Downsizing means moving. When you are moving from one place to another, it is important to assess every single thing you own. To make it easier for you, you can categorize them as clothes, furniture, lighting fixtures, and other things.
Eliminate clutter
One of the negative sides of downsizing is having smaller rooms. This leaves you no choice but to declutter. Look through your things again and choose which of them you can live without. Decluttering also gives you peace of mind and relaxation, as it makes your new home more spacious.
Sell or donate things you don't use.
You should go through your things again, but this time, do it by category. Assess each thing you own in each category. Things that can still be used and are in good condition can be sold. This gives you more money to budget when downsizing.
Download apps to sell your stuff.
To help you declutter and sell things, use modern technologies like applications to sell your stuff. This is a great way to reach a wider market range since everyone is indulged in media and the like.
Rid your kitchen of unnecessary appliances.
Not all things in your kitchen are necessary to cook your everyday meals, especially appliances that consume so much space. These appliances can be sold or given away to make you money and give you more space in your kitchen.
How to Maximize Space in a Smaller Home
The greatest disadvantage of downsizing is, of course, having smaller rooms. However, when you are living alone or do not know how to make everything fit in a smaller space, here's a run-through to guide you in your fresh start.
Install wall-mounted storage.
Space-saving techniques are common nowadays since smaller homes have become the cup of tea for many. One of the best techniques is to have more storage in your rooms. Storage boxes and containers will help you organize your things, tidy them up, and prevent clutter.
When thinking of the kind of storage to use, try installing wall-mounted storage. This will maximize the vertical space of your new condo and not take up so much horizontal space. It makes your room neat and organized and gives you easy access to your stuff. Store things that are frequently used in these storage boxes.
Increase storage in your kitchen.
The kitchen is one of the rooms that cannot be left in a household, as this is where food is prepared and served. However, cooking and baking require so many things and take up too much space in our homes. Try having more storage in your kitchen where equipment and utensils can be stored. This will help you organize your things without having to declutter many kitchen items.
Install sliding doors.
One of the best and most modern designs of condos nowadays is the use of sliding doors to replace the old traditional versions of doors usually found in houses. A sliding door will require less space when opening and closing it, which enables you to store more things in your condo.
Downsizing comes with many benefits.
In the beginning, the transition from house to condo might be hard for you. However, as time passes, you will come to realize that downsizing is really a considerable decision.
Downsizing will help you spend less on household costs. This is the primary reason why most people choose to downsize instead of keeping their lifestyle. Downsizing also means less living space. It might seem like a bad idea. However, a smaller home means having a more cozy and comfortable living situation, especially when you are living with your family or pets.
To help you decide better on whether you will downsize or not, there is a good condo living option that most should consider: Vista Residences.
Location
Vista residences are strategically placed near commercial and retail establishments, roads, and institutions, which are necessary facilities where everyone goes on a timely basis. These condos are minutes away from churches, main roads, malls, banks, and educational institutions, which provides convenience since you will not have to travel far to get what you need.
Amenities
When you hear the name "Vista Residences", things that come to mind are pools, gyms, and parks. This is because Vista Residences is well-known for having one of the best amenities among all condos in the Philippines. There are pools, parks, parking lots, fitness centers, and even clubhouses and event centers inside. You do not have to go outside to have access to these things.
Economic
Owning a condo requires less maintenance and saves you money. However, Vista Residences will help you save even more since these condos are not that expensive. It is reasonable for its price and economically viable for people who are considering downsizing due to financial reasons.
There are many reasons why people choose downsizing instead of keeping their lifestyle. Try exploring and searching for more information about downsizing. It is a big decision that requires thorough consideration. Whatever your reason, downsizing is undoubtedly a good decision because of the advantages it offers.
For more information on Vista Residences, email [email protected], follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
