Additional Coverage:
- I’m single and an empty nester, so I decided to downsize. I made some compromises on my new apartment to save money. (businessinsider.com)
Local Woman Embraces Empty Nest with Downsized Digs and Big Savings
After five years of shared custody and a bustling household, local resident Kelly Magyarics found herself facing an empty nest as her youngest child headed off to college. This pivotal moment prompted a significant life change: downsizing her apartment and reevaluating her living situation.
Magyarics, who amicably divorced five years ago, initially moved to a three-bedroom apartment to simplify the 50/50 custody arrangement for her two school-aged children. While she enjoyed much about her previous home, including its layout and location, several drawbacks began to emerge.
Thin walls, noisy upstairs neighbors, and a staggering $1,000 increase in rent over five years made her reconsider her options. With her 21-year-old living with their father and her 18-year-old starting college hours away, the timing felt right for a fresh start.
Dealbreakers and Deliberations
The search for a new apartment came with a clear set of non-negotiables. Magyarics wanted a top-floor unit to avoid overhead noise, a spare bedroom for visiting children and a home office, and a balcony for outdoor space. Positive reviews from current and former residents were also a must.
While she considered staying within her old complex for convenience, Magyarics felt the need for a more symbolic break from her past neighborhood and life. The idea of buying a condo or townhouse was briefly entertained, but the expensive metro area, unfavorable interest rates, and future plans to relocate to Europe with her long-distance boyfriend made it an impractical choice.
In anticipation of the move, Magyarics embraced the Marie Kondo method, purging over 25 trash bags of belongings she had accumulated. She ultimately settled on a top-floor apartment in a garden-style complex. The walk-up, requiring a three-flight climb, is viewed as good exercise, especially for her remote work and reduced grocery hauls.
Savings and Sacrifices
Magyarics’ primary goal was to save $1,000 a month. To achieve this and secure her desired top-floor location, she opted for a non-renovated apartment, which now saves her approximately $1,100 monthly in rent. While the apartment is admittedly a bit dated with wall-to-wall carpeting, yellowish oak cabinets, and black countertops, she prefers softer lamps to the harsh overhead lighting.
The most significant compromise has been the kitchen, which offers less storage and older appliances compared to her previous unit’s modern stainless steel. As an avid cook, she invested in a baker’s rack to organize her cookware.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the upsides are clear. Her new apartment is noticeably quieter, free from loud footsteps or inconsiderate neighbors.
The living room boasts cathedral ceilings and a gas fireplace, and her balcony provides a serene view of trees and a water feature. She quickly made the space her own, unpacking and decorating within three days.
The biggest adjustment has been the new location, a 20-minute drive away. After a quarter-century in essentially one area, Magyarics feels a bit like a new transplant.
While she still has access to her favorite pho, it doesn’t quite compare to her old haunt. However, the convenience of a nearby Trader Joe’s is a definite bonus.
The move has also served as a “wake-up call” regarding accumulated possessions, prompting her to plan further purging, particularly in the spare bedroom closet. Looking ahead, Magyarics is eager for spring to enjoy her balcony and explore the nearby lifestyle center. She views this adjustment as preparation for a future move to Europe, reminding herself that this is not her “forever home,” but a comfortable and financially savvy home for now.