Quick Summary: The pros and cons of multigenerational living come down to trade-offs between support and privacy. On the plus side, families share costs, chores, and caregiving, and build closer bonds. On the downside, busier households, added caregiving stress, and potential disagreements are real challenges to plan for. With 17% of homebuyers purchasing a multigenerational home in 2025, it's a trend worth understanding before you decide if it's right for your family.
In today's world, many families are considering living arrangements that offer greater flexibility and support. Factors like economic uncertainty, remote learning at colleges, and past pandemic-related complications have made multigenerational living more appealing than ever.
But what are the real pros and cons of multigenerational living, and is it the right move for your family?
Is Downsizing a Good Idea?
The answer looks a little different for everyone, but there are a few things that tend to hold true across the board.
Downsizing can open the door to a neighborhood you have always loved but never had the chance to live in. It can also mean less square footage to clean, less yard to maintain, and more time to actually enjoy your days. And financially, a smaller home almost always means lower expenses, which frees up room in your budget for what matters most to you: travel, investing, helping family, or simply breathing easier each month.
That said, it is worth being clear-eyed about the tradeoffs. Guest bedrooms, entertaining space, and storage are real considerations. The goal is not to talk yourself into or out of the move. It is to make sure the decision is grounded in what your life actually needs right now.
When Should You Consider Downsizing?
Your Housing Costs Are Eating Too Much of Your Income
A general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your income on housing. If your mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance are pushing past that, your home may be working against your financial goals rather than supporting them.
You Have More Space Than You Use
Unused rooms still cost money. They collect property taxes, require heat and cooling, and demand regular cleaning and upkeep. If you find yourself closing doors to rooms you rarely enter, that space is not adding value to your daily life.
Maintenance Is Becoming a Burden
Landscaping, roof repairs, aging systems, and general upkeep add up in both time and cost. If staying on top of it all is starting to feel like a part-time job, a more manageable home may be a wise move to make before it becomes a necessity.
You Are Heading Into Retirement
Retirement is one of the most common and practical reasons to downsize. Reducing your fixed expenses, simplifying your space, and freeing up equity can make your retirement years significantly more comfortable and flexible.
What Should You Look for in a Smaller Home?
A Layout That Works for How You Actually Live
Square footage matters less than how a home functions. Look for open, efficient layouts where the space you do have feels intentional. Single-story homes are especially popular for buyers thinking ahead, since they eliminate stairs and reduce long-term accessibility concerns.
Lower Maintenance Inside and Out
Look for updated systems (HVAC, roof, plumbing) so you are not inheriting a list of repairs. Smaller yards or low-maintenance landscaping can give you the outdoor space you want without the weekend commitment.
The Right Location for This Season of Life
Proximity to family, healthcare, walkable amenities, and the neighborhoods you have always loved are worth weighing carefully. Location often becomes more important in a smaller home, not less, because your community becomes a larger part of your daily life.
Room for What Comes With You
Before you start touring homes, make a list of the pieces that matter most: furniture, collections, a dedicated workspace, a room for grandkids. Knowing what you need to accommodate helps you evaluate floor plans with a clear eye instead of falling for a home that does not actually fit your life.
How Do You Prepare for Downsizing?
Start by sitting down with everyone in your household and making two lists: what comes with you, and what does not. For items that no longer fit but are hard to part with, a storage unit can be a practical middle ground.
A yard sale or donation run can also offset some of your moving costs and make the transition feel lighter, practically and emotionally.
The most important thing is to have a shared plan. When everyone in the household understands the purpose behind the move, the process becomes a lot less overwhelming and a lot more motivating.
According to the National Association of Realtors, downsizing is one of the top reasons buyers in the 55+ age range make a move, and those who plan ahead report significantly higher satisfaction with their transition. [Source: NAR Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report ]
Ready to Find Out What to Look for When Downsizing in the Sacramento Area?
If you are thinking about downsizing in Fair Oaks, Carmichael, or anywhere in the Sacramento region, Team Lund would love to help you figure out what the right next step looks like for you. We have spent over 20 years helping families in this community make moves that actually fit their lives, and we bring that same care to every conversation.
Downsizing at a Glance
The quick version for everything covered above:
Downsizing can free up your budget, your time, and your energy
Common reasons to downsize: high housing costs, unused space, rising maintenance, retirement planning
Look for efficient layouts, updated systems, low-maintenance yards, and the right location for your next season
Make a “comes with me” list before you start touring homes
A shared household plan makes the transition smoother for everyone
Team Lund has helped Sacramento-area families downsize for over 20 years
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