Wenn Grosseltern Wohnung Zu Gross Wird

Kevin Iori (KI) by Kevin Iori (KI)
01.01.2025
Wenn Grosseltern Wohnung Zu Gross Wird

Why a smaller apartment has advantages

When your apartment has become too large, moving to a smaller apartment can bring many advantages. As grandparents, you have the opportunity to shape your living situation so that you have more time and energy for what really matters: your grandchildren. A smaller apartment means less time for cleaning, less time for maintenance, and more time for the beautiful things in life.

Many grandparents find that they spend a lot of time in their large apartment on tasks that are not really important. Cleaning, tidying up, repairs – all of this costs time and energy that you could instead spend with your grandchildren. When you move to a smaller apartment, you automatically reduce the effort for these tasks and create space for what really counts.

A smaller apartment can also be financially relieving. Lower rents or lower utility costs mean that you have more money for activities with your grandchildren. Perhaps you can then go on more outings, pursue shared hobbies, or simply spend more time together without having to worry about high costs.

More time for grandchildren

The biggest advantage of a smaller apartment is the time you gain. When you have to spend less time cleaning, tidying up, and maintaining, you automatically have more time for your grandchildren. You can use this time to play together, tell stories, go on outings, or simply be together.

Your grandchildren will appreciate it when you have more time for them. Children quickly notice when adults are stressed or have a lot to do. When you have less stress through a smaller apartment, you can be more relaxed and attentive to your grandchildren. This strengthens your relationship with your grandchildren and creates beautiful shared memories.

Think about what you want to do with the time you gain. Perhaps you can go to the park with your grandchildren more often, cook together, do crafts, or simply spend time together. These shared activities are more valuable to your grandchildren than a large apartment that requires a lot of time for maintenance.

Less effort in daily life

A smaller apartment automatically means less effort in daily life. Fewer rooms to clean, fewer surfaces to wipe, fewer corners that need to be cleaned regularly. This saves not only time but also energy that you can use for other things.

Maintenance also becomes easier. In a smaller apartment, there is less that can break, less that needs to be repaired, and less that needs to be maintained regularly. This means less stress and fewer worries, so you can focus on what is really important.

When you have to spend less time on housework, you also have more energy for other activities. Perhaps you can then be out and about with your grandchildren more often, pursue shared hobbies, or simply have more time for relaxation. A smaller apartment can help you lead a more balanced life.

Financial relief

A smaller apartment can also be financially relieving. Lower rents or lower utility costs mean that you have more money for other things. Perhaps you can then go on more outings with your grandchildren, do shared activities, or simply be there more for your grandchildren without having to worry about high costs.

Maintenance costs are also often lower in a smaller apartment. Fewer rooms mean lower heating costs, less electricity consumption, and fewer repairs. The money you save can then be used for activities with your grandchildren that bring joy to all of you.

Think about what you want to do with the money you save. Perhaps you can then go to the movies with your grandchildren more often, go on shared outings, or simply be there more for your grandchildren. These shared experiences are more valuable than a large apartment that costs a lot of money.

When is the right time to move?

The decision to move to a smaller apartment is very personal. There is no "right" time that fits everyone. It is important that you take time to think about whether a move makes sense for you and when the best time would be.

Many grandparents notice certain signs that indicate their apartment has become too large. Perhaps you find it harder to clean all rooms regularly, or you notice that you hardly use certain rooms anymore. Perhaps you also sometimes feel lonely or overwhelmed in your large apartment.

Health aspects can also play a role. When you notice that maintaining your apartment becomes too exhausting or that you can no longer reach certain areas of your apartment as well, moving to a smaller, more accessible apartment can make sense. It is important that you pay attention to your own needs and do not let yourself be pressured.

Recognizing signs

There are various signs that can indicate your apartment has become too large. Perhaps you hardly use certain rooms anymore, or you notice that you spend a lot of time cleaning and tidying up without it really being necessary. Perhaps you also find it harder to maintain all rooms regularly, or you sometimes feel overwhelmed in your large apartment.

Emotional signs can also be important. When you notice that you sometimes feel lonely in your apartment or that the large apartment is more burdensome than enriching, this can be a sign that a move would make sense. It is important that you pay attention to your own feelings and do not hesitate to seek help if you are unsure.

Also think about how much time you spend on housework and whether this time could not be better spent with your grandchildren. When you find that you spend a lot of time on tasks that are not really important, moving to a smaller apartment can help you have more time for what really counts.

Health aspects

Health aspects can also play an important role in the decision to move. When you notice that maintaining your apartment becomes too exhausting or that you can no longer reach certain areas of your apartment as well, moving to a smaller, more accessible apartment can make sense.

Even if you have health limitations that make it more difficult to maintain a large apartment, a smaller apartment can be a good solution. It is important that you pay attention to your own needs and do not overwhelm yourself. A smaller apartment can help you stay independent longer and have more energy for other things.

If you are unsure whether a move makes sense for health reasons, you can also talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your situation and decide whether a move would make sense for you. It is important that you do not hesitate to seek help if you are unsure.

Finding the right apartment

When you have decided to move, the next step is to find the right apartment. It is important that you take time and look at various apartments to find the one that best suits you. Think about what is important to you and what requirements you have for your new apartment.

The size of the apartment should match your needs. You need enough space for yourself, but also for visits from family and grandchildren. Think about how many rooms you really need and which rooms are important to you. Perhaps a guest room for grandchildren visits is important, or you need a room for your hobbies.

The equipment of the apartment is also important. Think about which equipment is important to you and which you might not need. Perhaps a kitchen with modern appliances is important, or you need a balcony or garden. It is important that the apartment matches your lifestyle and that you feel comfortable there.

Size and equipment

The size of the apartment should match your needs. Think about how many rooms you really need and which rooms are important to you. Perhaps you need a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom, but perhaps you do not need as many rooms as in your old apartment.

The size of the individual rooms is also important. Think about which rooms are important to you and how large they should be. Perhaps a large living room is important so you have space for visits from family and grandchildren, or you need a guest room for grandchildren visits.

The equipment of the apartment should match your lifestyle. Think about which equipment is important to you and which you might not need. Perhaps a kitchen with modern appliances is important, or you need a balcony or garden. It is important that the apartment matches you and that you feel comfortable there.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an important aspect you should consider when looking for an apartment. Think about which barriers could be problematic for you and which adjustments are important. Perhaps you need an apartment without stairs, or you need wider doors for a walker or wheelchair.

The bathroom equipment can also be important. Think about whether you need a bathtub or a shower and whether this should be accessible. Perhaps you also need grab bars or other aids to move safely.

If you are unsure which accessible adjustments are important to you, you can also talk to an expert. They can help you assess your needs and decide which adjustments would make sense for you. It is important that you do not hesitate to seek help if you are unsure.

Location and surroundings

The location of the apartment is also important. Think about which location is important to you and which environment you prefer. Perhaps you want to live near your family or grandchildren, or you prefer a quiet environment. Perhaps proximity to shopping opportunities, doctors, or other important facilities is also important.

The surroundings of the apartment can also be important. Think about whether you prefer a quiet or lively environment and which facilities nearby are important. Perhaps a park nearby is important so you can go for walks with your grandchildren, or you need good public transportation connections.

If you have the opportunity, you should also look at the surroundings of the apartment personally. Go for a walk, look at the neighborhood, and think about whether you would feel comfortable there. It is important that the apartment not only matches your needs but also your life situation.

Planning and organizing the move

A move requires good planning and organization. When you have decided to move, it is important that you take time to plan and organize everything well. Think about which steps are necessary and when you need to complete them.

The first step is usually decluttering and clearing out. Think about which furniture and items you really need and which you might no longer need. Perhaps you can pass some things on to family or grandchildren, or you can donate them. It is important that you do not overwhelm yourself and that you take time.

The organization of the move itself is also important. Think about whether you need a moving helper or whether family and friends can help you. Perhaps your grandchildren can also help with the move if they are old enough. It is important that you do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Decluttering and clearing out

Decluttering and clearing out is often the most difficult part of a move. Think about which furniture and items you really need and which you might no longer need. Perhaps you can pass some things on to family or grandchildren, or you can donate them. It is important that you do not overwhelm yourself and that you take time.

Start with the rooms you use least and work your way slowly forward. Think about each item whether you really need it or whether it could perhaps be passed on to someone else. Perhaps you can also declutter together with your family so you have support.

Emotional items can also be difficult. Think about which items are really important to you and which you might be able to let go of. Perhaps you can also take photos of important items before passing them on so you can keep the memories.

Organizing moving helpers

The organization of moving helpers is important so the move goes smoothly. Think about who can help you with the move and when these people have time. Perhaps family, friends, or also your grandchildren can help with the move if they are old enough.

If you need professional moving helpers, you should take care of this early. Inform yourself about various providers and compare prices and services. It is important that you choose a reputable provider who helps you with your move.

The coordination of helpers is also important. Think about who can take on which tasks and how you can divide the work. Perhaps you can also create a checklist so nothing is forgotten. It is important that you do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Creating a schedule

A schedule can help you organize the move well. Think about which steps are necessary and when you need to complete them. Perhaps you can also create a checklist so nothing is forgotten.

Start planning early so you have enough time to complete everything. Think about when the best time for the move would be and which steps need to be completed beforehand. Perhaps you can also plan buffer times in case something takes longer than planned.

The coordination with other people is also important. Think about when family, friends, or moving helpers have time and how you can coordinate the appointments. It is important that you do not overwhelm yourself and that you take time to plan everything well.

Adapting furniture and furnishings

In a smaller apartment, you may need to adapt your furniture and furnishings. Think about which furniture you really need and which you might no longer need. Perhaps you can also find space-saving solutions that help you make optimal use of the available space.

It is important that you do not have to part with all the furniture you love. Think about which furniture is really important to you and which you might be able to adapt or replace. Perhaps you can also find creative solutions to accommodate your favorite furniture in the new apartment.

The furnishings should also match your new apartment. Think about how you want to design the rooms and which furnishings are important to you. Perhaps you can also think together with your family or grandchildren about how the new apartment should be furnished.

Selecting important furniture

Think about which furniture is really important to you and which you need in your new apartment. Perhaps certain furniture is connected with special memories, or you have favorite furniture that you do not want to miss. It is important that you do not have to part with all the furniture you love.

The functionality of the furniture is also important. Think about which furniture you really use and which perhaps only take up space. Perhaps you can also find furniture that fulfills multiple functions so you can save space.

If you are unsure which furniture you should keep, you can also think together with your family. Perhaps you can also take photos of important furniture before parting with them so you can keep the memories.

Space-saving solutions

In a smaller apartment, space-saving solutions can be helpful. Think about which furniture or furnishings are space-saving and which help you make optimal use of the available space. Perhaps you can also find furniture that fulfills multiple functions.

The arrangement of the furniture is also important. Think about how you can arrange the furniture in your new apartment so you make optimal use of the available space. Perhaps you can also find creative solutions to create more space.

If you are unsure which space-saving solutions make sense for you, you can also talk to an expert. They can help you design your apartment optimally and make the best use of the available space.

Emotional support during the move

A move can be emotionally stressful, especially when you are parting from an apartment where you have lived for a long time. It is important that you take time to say goodbye and process your feelings. You do not have to let go of everything immediately – take the time you need.

The support of family and friends is also important. Talk to your loved ones about your feelings and let yourself be helped when you need support. Perhaps your grandchildren can also help you look forward to the new apartment by thinking together with you about how the new apartment should be furnished.

After the move, it is important to develop new habits. Think about how you want to design your new apartment and which routines are important to you. Perhaps you can also create new traditions together with your family or grandchildren that help you feel comfortable in the new apartment.

Saying goodbye

Saying goodbye to the old apartment can be emotionally stressful. Take time to say goodbye and process your feelings. Perhaps you can also take photos of important places in your old apartment so you can keep the memories.

Telling stories can also help. Tell your family or grandchildren about special moments you experienced in your old apartment. These stories help not only you but also your family understand the significance of the old apartment.

It is important that you do not let yourself be pressured. Take the time you need to say goodbye. Perhaps you can also organize a farewell evening together with your family where you think together about the beautiful moments in the old apartment.

Developing new habits

After the move, it is important to develop new habits. Think about how you want to design your new apartment and which routines are important to you. Perhaps you can also create new traditions that help you feel comfortable in the new apartment.

Furnishing the new apartment can also help. Think about how you want to design the rooms and which furnishings are important to you. Perhaps you can also think together with your family or grandchildren about how the new apartment should be furnished.

It is important that you take time to get used to the new apartment. Not everything has to be perfect immediately – take the time you need to settle in. Perhaps you can also explore the new apartment together with your family or grandchildren and think together about how you want to design it.

After the move: Setting up the new home

After the move, it is important to set up the new home and settle in. Think about which rooms are important to you and which you want to set up first. Perhaps you can also think together with your family or grandchildren about how the new apartment should be designed.

It is important that you do not overwhelm yourself. Take time to set up the new apartment and do it step by step. Perhaps you can also think together with your family or grandchildren about which rooms should be set up first.

Setting up a grandchildren room can also be important. Think about how you can set up a room for your grandchildren so they feel comfortable during visits. Perhaps you can also think together with your grandchildren about how the room should be designed.

Important things first

After the move, you should first set up the most important rooms. Think about which rooms are most important to you and which you want to set up first. Perhaps the bedroom or living room is most important so you can feel comfortable quickly.

The kitchen and bathroom should also be set up quickly so you can resume your daily routine. Think about which furnishings are important to you and which you need first. Perhaps you can also think together with your family about which rooms should be set up first.

It is important that you do not overwhelm yourself. Take time to set up the new apartment and do it step by step. Perhaps you can also think together with your family or grandchildren about how the new apartment should be designed.

Setting up a grandchildren room

A grandchildren room can be a beautiful way to show your grandchildren that they are welcome in your new apartment. Think about how you can set up a room for your grandchildren so they feel comfortable during visits. Perhaps you can also think together with your grandchildren about how the room should be designed.

Even if you do not have a separate grandchildren room, you can design an area in your apartment for your grandchildren. Think about how you can create an area where your grandchildren can play, do crafts, or simply spend time. Perhaps you can also think together with your grandchildren about how this area should be designed.

It is important that your grandchildren feel comfortable in your new apartment. Take time to explore the new apartment together with your grandchildren and think about how you can design the apartment so it is a beautiful place for everyone to come together.

Advantages of a smaller apartment at a glance

Advantage
Description
Benefit for grandchildren
More time
Less time for housework
More shared activities
Less stress
Easier maintenance
Relaxed grandparents
Financial relief
Lower costs
More money for activities
Better health
Less physical strain
Longer shared time

Moving checklist

Task
Timing
Note
Apartment search
3-6 months before
Enough time for selection
Decluttering
2-3 months before
Proceed step by step
Organize moving helpers
1-2 months before
Plan early
Sort furniture
1 month before
Keep important items
Carry out move
On moving day
Accept help
Set up
After move
Step by step

Important criteria when looking for an apartment

Criterion
Important
Why
Size
Sufficient but not too large
Less effort
Accessibility
Avoid stairs
Longer independence
Location
Proximity to family
Easier for grandchildren visits
Equipment
Modern kitchen
Easier cooking

Tips for apartment hunting

  • Take time for apartment hunting and look at various apartments
  • Think about what requirements you have for your new apartment
  • Pay attention to accessibility, especially if you have health limitations
  • Consider the location and surroundings of the apartment
  • Talk to your family about your plans and let yourself be supported
  • Do not hesitate to ask for help if you are unsure

Tips for a successful move

  • Plan the move early and create a checklist
  • Start decluttering and clearing out early
  • Organize moving helpers in good time
  • Take time to say goodbye to the old apartment
  • Ask for help when you need support
  • Look forward to the new apartment and the new possibilities

Tips for furnishing the new apartment

  • Set up the most important rooms first
  • Think about which furniture you really need
  • Use space-saving solutions if necessary
  • Design an area for your grandchildren
  • Take time to settle in
  • Create new traditions and habits

Comparison: Large vs. small apartment

Large apartmentSmall apartment

More time for grandchildren through smaller apartment

More time togetherLess houseworkMore time for grandchildren

Moving process overview

PlanningDeclutteringMovingSetting up