Mr. PiN and I live in a lovely house, in a lovely neighborhood. However, we have realized for a while that it is not a house to grow old in: too many stairs, a tiny bathroom that would never accommodate a walker or wheelchair, etc.
And so, I periodically peruse the real estate listings for a condominium for our old age.
A condo seems like the prudent option: no stairs, no working on the roof for Mr. PiN, security if we decide to travel for long periods in retirement.
There are a number of (previously) posh buildings within walking distance of work, and one had a listing last week.
I haven’t seen the condo yet in person, but it looks promising: a good size, and an asking price significantly lower than what our current house is worth.
In fact, the price is low enough that we could, possibly, move there for a year or two while we have work done on our single family home. In case we decide we would rather make our current home more friendly to aging owner rather than selling and moving permanently.
These are all logical reasons to look at the place.
However.
What really had me excited about looking at this condominium was the chance to move out of the house temporarily. Leave all my belongings behind, taking only a few necessary items (with the options to come back for particular items if I decide I need them).
I suspect this is more a sign that I need to get away, rather than that I am ready to buy a new home and move. Or else I need to get serious about decluttering more.
Whatever the case, Mr. PiN and I might be taking a house tour soon.
Do you ever feel like running away from home?
The idea of moving is exciting and scary all at the same time. I often think a condo would be good for us but then I realize most condo buildings charge more in monthly condo fees than we pay for maintenance, taxes and utilities combined. Staying in place is definitely the most economical option. Your idea of moving temporarily is intriguing. I was just reading a piece by one of the “Minimalists” and he said he boxed up everything in his place, and anything he didn’t use after a month or two, he got rid of.
If only I could get my husband to get rid of the boxes that have been unopened in our basement for 30 years. That would be a victory!
The HOA fees are definitely an extra cost, especially if they don’t cover some of the utilities (some buildings provide heat or cable, for example). I am not sure I am excited about them, but am trying to think about all the things we “buy” with them (no raking, lawn mowing, shoveling, cleaning gutters, painting the outside, etc.)
As for the unopened boxes, I hear you. I might have a few of them myself. I keep trying to plug away, but we are getting more boxes as my husband tries to clear out his parents’ house. I keep telling myself I am only responsible for my own clutter.
That is my mantra, too! I take care of my own clutter and leave my husband to do the same. Every once in a while he surprises me and takes a notion to decluttering something.