To think downsizing is the right thing to do?

[Countrysidegirl]

DH and I are debating downsizing and relocating...I think its for the best but he thinks we will regret it longer term. Give us your opinions...

We currently live in a 2,500sq/ft detached house with double garage, workshop and 1/3 acre. We stretched ourselves to the max to buy it and it needed a lot of work. We've borrowed to do the essential work and have done heating, electrics, roof and majority of decorating. It still needs a new kitchen, bathroom and windows. We don't have any money to do these. Are mortgage is big and whilst we can pay all the bills we have nothing left to go out/on holiday/do family days etc. Birthdays are tricky etc.

We've managed for 2 years but my DH has been unwell and it's nearly torn us apart having the burden of the house. He also commutes 1.5 hours each way to work.

So I feel relocating to a village nearer his work, buying a 1,200 sq/ft house which needs no work and halving our mortgage is the way to go. I've seen a property that ticks all the boxes but he thinks the lack of space/storage will be a sore point and the small garden.

Personally I think we can make it work and quite frankly I don't want to be worrying about money all the time!

It does mean moving DC to new schools but they are 5y & 3y so I think adaptable.

Thoughts??

I can see your logic but is going to a house half the size of your existing one really going to meet your needs in terms of space and storage? Lack of space/storage is one of the most common reasons people move and as your children get older you will need more space I would have thought. It looks as though you are going from one extreme to another, surely there is a third option where you find a property a bit smaller without all the land which will still mean a lower mortgage.

Could you sell any of your land or rent out any workspace to bring in extra funds? If you do decide to move I’d do as PP suggests and go smaller but not as small as you plan, you will feel cramped.

I think your plan sounds a good one. A big house and garden is just work and expense, it sounds like you would be happier with less of both of those!!

Plenty on people live in 1200sqft sized house with 2 children so definitely doable. You will need to do a big declutter and decide what you really need. Do you actually use all the workshop/garage space? Is there a possibility of renting a garage in the new house? Does it at least have a garden shed or space for one?

I would rather be able to have some breathing room and a smaller than always be struggling to do anything nice and have a big house.

Whilst staying here and finding ways to boost income is an option is doesn't fix the long commuting for my DH which is impacting his health.

There is a garage with new house and I think potential for a shed/mini workshop. DH is a bit of a hoarder so I don't think we need a lot of what we have but of course he sees it as 'essentials' .

I had no idea how big 2500 or 1200 square foot houses are, but having looked up similar houses to mine for sale on rightmove, I see that it's nearly twice as big as my smallish 2 bed semi, so 1200 sq feet sounds plenty for a family of four and there would be a massive improvement in your finances and DHs work life balance.

Big houses and big gardens are just work and expense and your current house needs money and energy that it sounds like you just don't have.

Can't your DH see that his life would be so much easier with a normal sized house close to his work. That commute is a killer, poor health or not for a start.