When people retire, most people think about downsizing things because they believe smaller homes mean less stuff. And while that’s true for some things, there are others that you’ll probably end up regretting. Here are 25 things you probably shouldn’t downsize unless you really have to.
Big Homes
You might feel like trading in your old house for something a little cozier and more low-maintenance. But the thing is, you might miss having that extra room when the grandkids come over or when you start that hobby you’ve always wanted to do. Space is room, yes, but it’s also potential, and you don’t want to stop that.
Quality Furniture
You should think twice before swapping that big and fluffy couch for something more sensitive. For starters, those plush seats are the best seats in the house for movie nights and long reads. During retirement, you’ll spend more time chilling at home, and a little extra comfort can go a long way to make things feel good.
Sentimental Belongings
When you downsize, you might end up parting with your personal treasures, although you should probably keep those keepsakes. Those old concert tickets and handmade gifts might seem silly, but they could bring you a smile when you need it the most. These items are part of your history, and they’re filled with memories that you’ll want to revisit.
Good Health Plans
Cutting back on your health plan seems like a smart move for your budget until you’re dealing with all those health hiccups. Stick to a plan that covers more than the basics because peace of mind is priceless. Plus, being prepared means you can focus more on enjoying retirement and less on worrying about what-ifs.
Reliable Vehicles
A car gives you a sense of freedom like no other vehicle, so think before you decide to trade it in for something smaller or older. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a road trip or grocery run because a dependable and comfortable car can make all your wheels. You’ll need something you can trust for every part of your retirement.
Cooking Supplies
Getting rid of your kitchen clutter sounds like a good idea until you fall in love with cooking again. For example, slow cookers make stews a lot easier, while blenders simplify the smoothie process. Keep those tools that make cooking fun and easy because you’ll never know when you want to create something delicious.
Gardening Tools
Don’t give up on gardening just because you’re downsizing your yard, as you might regret not having the means to dig in the dirt. Gardening is fun, yes, but it also has plenty of psychological benefits like reducing stress. Keep those shears and gloves so you can turn even the smallest space into a lush retreat.
Good Insurance
It’s true that scaling back on your insurance packages could save you a few dollars now, but you should think about the future. Having good coverage can be really useful if something unexpected happens, and you’ll be grateful you’ve got that safety net. It’s better to have insurance and not need it than need it and not have it.
Entertainment
Nobody wants to be bored in retirement, so think about how you’ll spend your leisure time before you decide to cut down on streaming services or club memberships. Having a variety of entertainment choices means you’ll always have something to do. And better yet, these activities will keep you engaged with the world.
Big Wardrobe
Have you ever stood in front of your closet and felt like you’ve got nothing to wear? If you donate too much of your clothing now, that feeling could be every day. Keeping a wardrobe with lots of different types of clothes means you’ll be dressed right for every occasion and season. Why wouldn’t you want that?
Too Much Tech
Even if you think you’ll enjoy having fewer gadgets, staying connected means you’ll need the right tools. Before you clear out your old electronics, think carefully about which ones you can use to stay in touch and entertained. A lot of modern technology can simplify your life and keep you connected to what and who you love.
Guest Facilities
Don’t skimp on making your friends and family comfortable. Of course, if you live in the sticks and never get any visitors, then you might want to give some things up. But if that’s not you, then you should keep a well-equipped guest room or at least a few extra fluffy towels for any family or friends who visit.
Art and Decor
Your home should feel like your personal space, and it should have the things that make you happy. Before you downsize too much, remember that art can play a big role in creating the mood of your space. Those paintings or quirky knick-knacks add some personality to your home, and they’re the only way to make it truly yours.
Fitness Equipment
It’s always important to stay fit, especially when you’ve got more free time, so don’t give up your home gym just yet. If you keep your treadmill and weights, you’ll stay active and maintain your health. Regular exercise is good for your body and mind, so you’ll be full of energy for all those retirement adventures.
Outdoor Furniture
You should probably think twice before throwing out that patio furniture because having a comfy outdoor setup is perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or an evening cocktail in the fresh air. It’ll give you more space to enjoy yourself instead of just being stuck in the house. And best of all? It’s great for hosting barbecues or just soaking up some sun.
Tools
Even if you’re not keen on the whole DIY stuff, having a set of tools can save you a lot of time and effort. After all, do you really want to have to call a handyman just to tighten a loose screw? Keeping those tools means you’ll always be prepared for those unexpected repairs or home projects, no matter how big or small.
Holiday Decorations
Most of us love decorating our homes for the holidays, and you should remember that before you think about throwing out those Christmas lights. Having a collection of your favorite seasonal decor helps you make each holiday special. Plus, there’s no better way to keep the festive spirit alive in your home than with your decorations.
Photo Albums
There’s no denying that digital photos are great, but the feeling of flipping through an actual album is like no other. They’re books of memories that you can use to share stories with your family or even just to remember some good times over a cup of coffee. You don’t want to throw out your personal history.
Craft Supplies
Hobbies like knitting and scrapbooking are way more than something to pass the time because they’re a chance for you to flex your creative muscles. They’re perfect for those rainy afternoons when you don’t know what to do or when you want to bond with your grandchildren. You should keep those craft supplies handy for whenever you get that stroke of inspiration.
Musical Instruments
Similarly, playing music is a great way to make yourself happy and keep your brain active. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of making music, so why deprive yourself of that pleasure? If you keep your musical instruments close, you’ll always be able to entertain your guests with a musical performance.
Pet Supplies
Anyone with pets will know they’re part of the family. That means you’ve got to hold onto any pet supplies to keep them happy and healthy. Research shows that taking care of a pet helps you maintain a routine and keeps you active, which is even more important during retirement. There’s no reason good enough to throw their things away.
Luxury Items
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a nice watch or a designer bag because you shouldn’t let go of those luxury items just yet. They’re a way to remember your achievements, and holding onto these luxuries can make your everyday moments feel a bit more special. Retirement’s the perfect time to enjoy the rewards of your hard work, so indulge in those finger things.
Bookshelves
Before you downsize your bookshelves, you might want to think about how each of those books adds value to your life. Those novels? They’re a way to unwind from the stress of the world. Those reference books? They’ll keep you learning, even during your golden years. If you hold onto that well-rounded book collection, there’s nothing you can’t do.
Large Dining Sets
Some people think having a large dining set just means having a big table, but it’s so much that. Having a big dinner set means that you’ll always have space for everyone to come together, whether it’s for a family dinner or game night. You don’t want to lose the ability to have those moments at your home.
Travel Supplies
During retirement, you’ll have a lot more time on your hands, and you might find yourself wanting to see new places. How will you do that if you’ve thrown away your suitcases and travel adapters? Even if it’s just for a weekend getaway, having your travel essentials ready to go makes it a lot easier to pack up and jet off whenever the mood strikes.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
