Downsizing. The very sound of the word conjures up fitting your entire life into an old VW Bug. Those who bought that large family home and just finished cleaning it, paying the mortgage

payment on it, and spend a fortune on replacing the air conditioning system, however, might beg to differ when asked about moving into a smaller home.

Memories of family gatherings, where your kids took their first steps and the sight of your huge holiday tree don’t disappear when you downsize. They will be with you forever. As life changes and your nest empties, the idea of a smaller home doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Millions of Americans do it after or even slightly before retirement in seek of a simpler lifestyle, reducing housing costs and eliminating maintenance tasks such as painting, cleaning, and mowing.