As you retire, you'll make many decisions that will affect the rest of your life. For many Americans, this includes the question of whether or not to downsize their home. Some retirees think that doing so will be limiting and stifling. But, while it may be challenging, downsizing is a great choice for active retirees. Why? Here are four ways you'll see more freedom when you downsize.

Freedom from Bills. A large home comes with a lot of expenses. Many people today still have a mortgage to pay when they retire, eating up a chunk of their fixed income. In addition, you'll pay larger utilities, property taxes, and insurance bills. You also have to maintain and replace furnishings and appliances as well as doing repairs and maintenance on the property. Downsizing reduces or eliminates nearly all of these costs. Then, you can spend your money on better things. 

Freedom from Responsibility. Want to spend your retirement doing fun things, such as traveling and visiting the grandkids? Then reduce your home responsibilities by downsizing. Opting for an apartment, for instance, means you can leave your place without worry and know that the landlord is watching it. You won't have to pay for expensive upkeep or utilities while you're gone, and you'll be more open to enjoying interests and pleasures outside your own home. 

Freedom from Work. Now that you've retired, do you want to spend your golden years doing tons of housework, yard work, and chores? If not, then change your living situation so you can do other things. Park models, for instance, provides some outdoor space to enjoy without the burden of a large yard to care for. 

Freedom from Geography. Downsizing opens up a world of options when it comes to where you want to live. If you have fewer belongings and a smaller living requirement, you can buy or rent in a more expensive city or state. You could even afford to move to a foreign country to retire. By freeing yourself of the stuff and the big house that you've always carried around, you can try new places more easily.

What appeals to you about the freedom inherent in downsizing for a new chapter in your life? No matter whether it's financial freedom or freedom to pursue new interests, you can make a new life for yourself — one that better aligns with who you really are. For more information on alternative homes like park models, search online at websites like http://www.azresorthomes.com.

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