benefits Archives • Homeowner FAQs

How A Portable Air Conditioner Will Benefit Homeowners

Posted on June 3, 2021 | by | Leave a Comment

All around the United States, homeowners rely on their central air conditioner to keep their home cool during the hot summer months. While a central AC is one of the best options to keep you and your family cool, more and more homeowners are turning to a more versatile and convenient cooling appliance — the portable air conditioner.

These convenient, yet underrated, cooling appliances can do much more than simply provide cold air throughout your home. This type of “room” air conditioner is designed with many benefits in mind. Below, are five reasons why every homeowner would benefit from using a portable air conditioner in their home.

1. Enhanced Temperature Control

If you are the type of person that always feels warmer than everyone else in your home or office, then you may benefit from the use of your a portable air conditioning unit.

Portable air conditioners provide you the freedom to cool a area or room without bothering your coworkers or roommates. As long as the interior space is enclosed, you could benefit from a portable air conditioner by simply cooling that one room. This will keep you in a comfortable temperature, without bothering anyone else nearby.

2. Saves You Money (And Energy Use)

For homeowners that live in warmer climates, using a room air conditioner to help cool their home may be a wise decision when it comes to lowering their utility bills.

Regardless of whether you go with a portable or window air conditioner, these smaller AC units can help homeowners bring the temperature down to a comfortable level in a small area or room that they spend the most time within. Running your central air conditioner at full power all the time tends to result in high energy bills, but a portable air conditioner can give your central AC unit a bit of a break. This not only extends the life of your central air conditioner, but a portable air conditioner can save you money.

This is also particularly useful if you happen to have non-standard windows that won’t fit a general window unit. Most portable A/C units can be installed in all sorts of odd-shaped windows, or even within a ceiling vent. Portable AC units also help save you money by only cooling the area of your home or office that you want to be cooled, which means less wasted energy in unoccupied spaces.

3. Improves Indoor Air Quality

Portable air conditioners do much more than just cool the air in a room. Some units have the ability to generate heat, making them a helpful appliance for year-round necessity use. Other AC units can utilize their built-in air filters to help improve your indoor air quality.

Popular Features & Functionality

Heater
Air purifier
Humidifier
Dehumidifier

You have lots of features available. Be sure to research all of the options provided with your preferred model in order to assure that is meets all of your unique needs.

4. Portability on the Road & Sea

For homeowners that enjoy hitting the road and traveling — whether by road or sea — a portable air conditioner is perfect for on-the-go. If you’re traveling in an RV, a portable air conditioner can help keep you cool during long road-trips. These also work great in cabins, vacation homes, and boats.

Simply remove your portable air conditioner from your home (or storage) and take it with you. Portability provides convenience when you need it most.

5. Keep Your Office & Tech Cool

The emergence of the internet and the ability to house processing power into smaller units has made it easier to run advanced businesses right from your own home. This frequently includes the ability to store servers and provide hosting services without leasing office or warehouse space.

If you have servers in your closet, garage, or anywhere else inside your home, then you may need a way to keep these servers cool.

Portable air conditioners can be used as a main cooling option or even as a supplement to your central air conditioning system to keep your equipment at a suitable temperature. These A/C units helps to prevent overheating and hot spots, which can lead to premature equipment failure as well as many other unexpected costs.

What’s the Best Air Conditioner for Your Home?

One way to get the most benefits from your portable air conditioning unit is to make sure you have a strong understanding of the amount of power your space requires to cool. To accomplish this, you just need to know the square footage of the room, as well as the BTU or ASHRAE that your AC unit produces.

For example, if you want to add a portable air conditioner into a typical, average-sized bedroom, then you won’t need a unit with industrial capabilities. However, if you plan on putting an air conditioner into a larger living room or game room, then you may need a larger unit to ensure that it’s capable of cooling the space.

How to Calculate BTU & Room Size

In order to ensure that you are utilizing the correct size, it is necessary that you calculate the BTUs required to achieve the cooling level you prefer.

To do this, you will need to calculate the size of the room you are planning to cool by multiplying the length by the width of the room. This will give you the square footage of the room. Once you have the size of the room, you should have a pretty good idea on what size unit you will need.

Cooling Capacity Chart by Room Size

The below chart is a rough estimation on how much cooling capacity you need for your room size.

< 225 sq/ft — 8,000 to 10,000 BTU’s
225-300 sq/ft — 10,000 to 12,000 BTU’s
300-425 sq/ft — 12,000 to 14,000 BTU’s
> 425 sq/ft — 14,000 BTU’s (or larger)

Enjoy Your Air Conditioner in a Variety of Ways

Although they have many different uses, portable air conditioners often get overlooked. Investing in a portable AC unit might just be the smartest financial move you can make as we move into these warmer months, and as heaters for your home when the weather beings to cools down.

7 Benefits of Stick Vacuums

Posted on April 30, 2021 | by | Leave a Comment

Vacuum cleaners are a convenience of modern times and as all technologies, these cleaning devices have improved quite a bit over time. Today, vacuums come with more attachments then you’ll probably ever need.

A stick vacuum cleaner may not be the most powerful type of vacuum cleaner, but they do offer some pretty compelling features, such as swivel steering, a multitude of attachments, cordless and rechargeable, a motorized brush, ability to easily transition between a floor and light handheld, and even HEPA filtration.

This portfolio of features has taken stick vacuums well beyond the old carpet sweepers, and transformed them into a serious consideration in the cleaning arsenal for homeowners. Below are some of the reasons why homeowners should consider buying a stick vacuum cleaner.

What is a Stick Vacuum?

A stick vacuum is a lightweight version of an upright vacuum cleaner. It’s likely not as powerful as its larger counterpart, or come with as many attachments or accessories. They are simple to use and easy to store, which are two of the main reasons why people love their stick vacuums.

What to Expect From a Stick Vacuum Cleaner

While this type of vacuum cleaner is a popular choice for homeowners, that doesn’t mean it’s the best cleaning device for you and your home. To help you figure out whether this is the right choice for you, let’s take a closer look at seven common benefits that come with a stick vacuum.

1. Smaller Size & Weight

By definition, stick vacuums are smaller, lighter, and easier to move around. Who wants to haul around a heavy vacuum cleaner, especially if you only need to spot-clean a single spill. This is where a stick or handheld vacuum cleaner really excels. When it comes to the size and weight, other types of vacuums can’t even begin to compete.

Most stick vacuums come in under ten pounds, with some models weighing about half that. This is a huge benefit for any homeowner that may have difficulty carrying or pushing around heavier machines, including the disabled or elderly consumers. Their lightweight designs not only increases its maneuverability and ease of use, but it also makes it easier to store when its not in use.

2. Lower Cost

Stick vacuums typically cost far less than their bigger counterparts. There are many reasons for this, but it really comes down to three things:

They use less powerful motors.
They have a compact build that makes them easy to store.
They usually don’t come with a bunch of attachments or accessories.

If any of these seem like cons to you, then perhaps a stick vacuum isn’t the right device for you. Otherwise, you will soon discover that finding one within your budget is extremely easy to do.

3. Great for Quick Cleanups

Had a surprise call from a friend wanting to get together and you feel like maybe you should clean the high traffic areas before they arrive? Did your dog knock over a house plant again? Another great benefit of a stick vacuum is that they are perfect for those quick cleanings between your regular full-on household cleaning days.

4. Easy to Store

One of the most noticeable benefits of a stick vacuum is how easy they are to store. This is especially important to those who live in small apartments or tiny houses.

Much like a robot vacuum cleaner, these take far less room then the more popular canister vacuums, with some models even coming with a wall mount to help you preserve floor space. Because of their compact size and weight they can even be stored high on a closet shelf or inside your pantry where they are less noticeable and out of the way, yet still within quick reach when you need them.

5. Very Easy to Use

For many homeowners out there, this is one of the most important benefits of not only vacuum cleaners in general, but all appliances. And for the record, stick vacuums are incredibly easy to use. This ease is mainly due to the upright and lightweight design, as well as the added technologies that makes cleaning less of a chore and more of a quickly done afterthought. That’s what a stick vacuum can do for you.

Many of these devices have motorized brushes which increase its overall cleaning potential and maneuverability. Some models offer attached containers that make emptying the dust and debris a breeze. Just be sure to empty these containers outside to avoid contaminating your indoor air quality, which is an issue that hits right into the heart of the “bag vs bagless vacuum cleaner debate.”

While the attachments may be limited, most stick vacuums do come with wands that give you easier access to clean places in your home that are hard to reach. Another huge benefit of stick vacuums is their upright build. Often they feature a height adjustable design, which increases proper body positioning during cleaning, as well as protecting your back against unnecessary fatigue and strain.

6. Make Less Noise

Depending on the type of vacuum cleaner you buy, you’ll have to deal with the noise that comes with it. There’s just no way around it… they all make noise. Too much noise, despite the brand or model or type.

Unfortunately, some of those big vacuums not only have the power of a cyclone but they also sound like one too. And nobody wants that in their home.

Whether you have a pet that perceives the vacuum cleaner as their mortal enemy, or maybe you’re just timid of vacuuming at certain times because of disturbing the neighbors or sleeping family members; one of the main benefits of a stick vacuum is that it allows you to get those messes cleaned up and forgotten about with less chance of disturbing anyone in your home.

Most stick vacuum cleaners have a pretty low decibel level. Whether or not the product page that you buy it from states the Db level, for the most part, they are much quieter than than their larger counterparts.

7. Versatility

Another great feature of stick vacuums is their versatility. Most can easily be converted to very light handhelds and some models, such as the popular Dyson V11 Vacuum Cleaner, are completely cordless, running instead on a rechargeable battery.

This not only makes cleaning easier, but gives you the option of cleaning away from an outlet without stringing two or three extension cords. Some models even use HEPA filtration to help keep your air clean and free of the tiny particles that may get kicked up while vacuuming.

Stick Vacuum Cleaners: The Best Choice For You?

Though these vacuums may not be as deep cleaning or as powerful as many other types of vacuum cleaners, there are many benefits to owning one. They are a great addition for quick cleanups and if you live in a tiny house, smaller apartment, or don’t have carpeted floors it is very likely that they could completely take the place of their bigger brothers, making the costly, noisy, and cumbersome vacuum obsolete.

5 Benefits of Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Posted on January 10, 2021 | by | Leave a Comment

How a Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Will Benefit You

The idea of centrifugal separation vacuuming has been around since at least the 20’s, but the most recent trend toward this technology, and the bagless vacuum, was the making of James Dyson who introduced his first unit in 1979. They gained in popularity especially in the 1990’s and soon other big name vacuum manufacturers, such as Hoover and Shark, adopted examples of the technology.

What makes a bagless vacuum a good decision?

Most bagless vacuums have much the same options their bagged counterparts including; motorized brushes, all the extensions and add-ons and running lights, but they have some standout characteristics. Below, we have taken a closer look at five benefits that bagless vacuum cleaners have over their bagged counterparts.

1. Less Loss of Suction

You know those times your vacuuming along, really putting a dent in the house cleaning, and you feel that slow dread rising as you realize dirt particles aren’t staying in the vacuum. A kernel of popcorn is sucked away as you pass over it only to be spat back out a moment later. You pull the hose, placing your hand against the end and sure enough, the satisfying slurp and high whine of good suction is not to be found.

Does the bag need to be changed? You expose the vacuums guts and tentatively poke at its stomach. It seems only half full. But something has stolen suction, so you pull the bag off the fitting, see nothing, replace it on the post, close it up and start the vacuum again. And suction is back, but still not quite what it is with a brand new bag.

Okay, it doesn’t always happen like this, but I’m sure this has happened to you at least once. Overall bagged vacuum cleaners preform admirably, but we all know that they have a tendency to slowly lose suction as the bag fills.

Bagless vacuums lose far less suction as the dust collection cup fills and often even continue to have good suction when the cup is almost completely full. But there is also less chance of the dust cup becoming completely full; it’s transparent and you know exactly when it needs emptying.

2. Bagless Vacuums Are Environmentally-Friendly

Bagless vacuums are better for the environment. Every bag takes resources to make, takes resources to transport to the store where you will purchase it. Every bag you use and throw away goes into a landfill. It may seem a small thing but when you’re trying to live greener the small things add up.

With a bagless vacuum you are not taking part in the using of those resources and the only thing you are throwing away is the dust and other debris sucked up off the floor. You are not adding to it by throwing away the container too.

3. Satisfaction of Seeing Your Work

There is something very satisfying about being able to look through the transparent plastic canister and see all the dirt and grime you’ve gotten off the floor. Like a salesman working hard to sell the vacuum, you may find yourself running to someone else in the house just to show how much you’ve picked up, how messy the house really was, and pointing out, yes it actually really did need to be cleaned.

Bagless vacuums also make it tons easier to find that jack of Jimmy’s or little Mary’s doll barrette, sucked away in a moment of poor floor scrutiny. There’s no having to cut into a bag to get at lost items, just dump the canister carefully in a trashcan lid and easily fish out the once missing treasures.

4. Easy To Empty

Bagless canisters are also very easy to empty. Usually only requiring a release from the vacuum body and a snap of the bottom or top canister lid. You want to do this over an outside trashcan and as close to the bottom as possible, because all the dust can easily turn into a big cloud if some care is not taken.

This also brings up the point of allergies. Bad allergies may be a good reason to stick with bagged vacuums. But many bagless vacuums now have HEPA filtration built right in and if done carefully and with a little thought these canisters can be emptied with minimal allergic reactions; and, going back to the green point, a single reusable allergy face mask worn when emptying the canister is greener then throwing bag after bag away.

After emptying the canister, you also have a unique opportunity to clean the inside of the bin and perhaps wash/replace the filters. Taking the extra couple of minutes to clean your machine will go along way in keeping it in top working condition.

5. No Fussing with Bags

I know I’ve found myself in the situation where I’m in a cleaning mood. I start vacuuming and realize the bag needs to be changed, so I start searching… where did I put those, in closets and drawers until finally I conclude that I have no more bags, so, an extra trip to the store to get bags. It’s a hassle, at least for those lacking in their organization. With a bagless vacuum cleaner this is just not a worry. When you’re ready to clean, the vacuum is ready to clean.

There is some maintenance with bagless vacuums. The filters need to be cleaned periodically to maintain best performance. Most are easily washable. They will also need to be replaced once-in-awhile, but far less often than you would be buying bags (again the greener part).

There’s also a reason most handheld, stick, and robot vacuum cleaners are bagless, this type of technology is more easily molded into these less conventional vacuum configurations. Not to mention more favorable by consumers.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether purchasing a bagged or bagless vacuum cleaner remember to do some research on the pros and cons of each type. It is important to purchase a well-designed and easy-to-use vacuum. After all, if you don’t like to use the vacuum it makes cleaning that much more of a chore. Bagless vacuums are not inherently better than vacuums that require bags, but they do offer a greener, more hassle-free cleaning experience for those that would like the option.

Robot Vacuums: Are They Really Worth It?

Posted on January 10, 2018 | by | 3 Comments

Robot vacuum cleaners have really taken off in the last few years and it’s fairly easy to understand why. With their ease of use and practical, hands-free action, homeowners are discovering the many advantages of purchasing this type of vacuum cleaner. But, are they really worth the higher cost? Let’s take a look at some of the benefits you can expect from using one.

What Are Robot Vacuum Cleaners?

Robot vacuums are an autonomous device that is designed to clean carpet, tiles and hardwood floors of all dirt and debris, much like other types of vacuum cleaners. The main difference of robotic versions is their ability to minimize the amount of work hat homeowners need to do.

Upon their release in the late ’90s, robotic vacuums initially struggled with homeowners. However, after two decades of innovation and the continual rise in Smart Home devices, robot vacuums have never been more popular.

In recent years, there is no denying their spike of interest from homeowners, partly because they’ve become more affordable, but mostly because they’ve become more efficient at accomplishing their intended purpose — cleaning your floors without requiring you to put in much work.

Pictured: iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum (with Wi-Fi Connectivity)

The Benefits of Owning a Robot Vacuum

If you’re currently looking to buy a vacuum cleaner, you would be doing yourself a disservice by not considering a robotic vacuum. To help you determine if this is the right device for you, let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits you can expect to receive from a robot vacuum.

1. Easy To Use

Perhaps the number one benefit of owning a robot vacuum cleaner is that they are extremely easy to use. Once the machine is programmed for a given space and the timer is set for a predetermined start time, the product virtually runs itself. Simply place the device on the floor in an appropriate starting spot and you’re good to go.

In addition, many models have been refined over the years to be self-regulating and nearly foolproof, meaning mishaps are becoming more and more unlikely as the technology evolves. That means you don’t have to worry about your vacuum malfunctioning or becoming stuck on a surface.

2. Incredibly Efficient

Today’s robot vacuum cleaners provide multiple tasks. They not only clean, they remember the layout of your space, are able to dump the dirt they collect, and then find their way back to the charging station.

Some higher-end models have advanced sensors and are also able to transition between bare floors and carpeted areas without manually switching settings. Other allow you to control them through a smartphone app.

The methodical, back-and-forth or circular motion of the machines also ensures that every inch of a floor or space is covered, which translates to a more thorough cleaning overall.

Photo Credit: ECOVACS Robotics

3. Saves You Time

It is a universal experience that everyone’s lives have become increasingly busier in the 21st century. Indeed, multi-tasking has become paramount to, and part of, modern-day existence. One of the most desirable benefits of robot vacuum cleaners is that you don’t have to be present when the vacuum is operating.

Simply turn it on before you leave the house and it will do all the work for you while you’re out of the house. Therefore, time not spent manually vacuuming can be spent working, relaxing, playing with your kids, or doing whatever your heart desires. Indeed, the old adage that time is money certainly applies to this product as well.

4. Works on Different Surfaces

Another benefit of the robot vacuum cleaner is that it works on multiple types of surfaces, from carpets to wood floors to linoleum to concrete.

As mentioned, higher-end models are able to transition between different types of surfaces during the same cleaning cycle. With other models, you simply change the setting, place the product at a designated starting point, and set the programmer and timer as usual.

5. Detects All Levels of Dirt

Along with working on all types of surfaces, autonomous vacuum cleaners are able to tackle all types of dirt as well. From dust that has barely settled to deeply-embedded debris in your carpet, the vast majority of these vacuums are designed with increasingly powerful suction capabilities, despite their compact size.

Using built-in sensors, the machines also can detect the amount of cleaning required in different situations and will repeatedly go over an area until it is clean. This level of detail when it comes to cleaning is unmatched in other similar products.

6. Sets Boundaries

Another advantage of robot vacuum cleaners is their inherent ability to perform in — and only in — a given space that they are programmed for.

For instance, if you have children playing in another room while the product is operating, you can set virtual walls in the programming function to prevent the machine from going across doorways and other openings. Likewise, if you have pets alone at home while the machine is operating, you can easily limit the scope of the machine so it won’t frighten them.

7. Small, Compact & Easy to Store

A robot vacuum is much smaller than an upright or canister vacuum cleaner and, as such, can easily be stored in just about any space — in a closet, under a bed, or wherever you have room. This makes the product ideal for any homeowner that has limited storage space or is trying to downsize their belongings.

These smaller vacuums can also be easily transported from one location to another because of its size. You don’t need to clear out your trunk or borrow somebodies truck to move it from one place to another. As an added benefit, the small, low-slung nature of the product means it can get under furniture and reach areas that a regular vacuum cleaner cannot.

8. Makes Housecleaning Go Faster

Because a robot vacuum cleaner is self-sufficient and self-operating, it is an ideal product to help you maximize the amount of time spent on housecleaning.

Indeed, while your robotic vacuum is doing its thing on your floors, it frees up your time to work on cleaning other areas of the house. Working in tandem, you’ll be able to significantly cut down on the time it takes to clean your house. And, the result of more efficient cleaning is that you’ll be more likely to clean your house more thoroughly more often.

9. Ideal Solution for the Handicapped & Elderly

People with mobility issues, such as the elderly and handicapped, can truly benefit from owning a robot vacuum cleaner.

With its ease of use and hands-free operation, a robot vacuum cleaner can be a liberating product for this demographic, who would otherwise be forced to hire house-cleaners at a much greater expense. In addition, the money saved that would otherwise be spent on doing so makes this a product worth investing in.

Another alternative to consider that offers similar benefits would be a stick vacuum cleaner.

10. Economical and Cost-Efficient

Because robotic vacuum cleaners have been on the market for a number of years, both the price and features have improved significantly, and continue to improve as the years roll by.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a decent product that does the job right for your particular needs. Starting at approximately $150, with high-end models running upwards of $1,000 to $1,500, there is something for everyone’s budget when it comes to this type of product.

Takeaways

When considering the reasons why you should buy a robot vacuum cleaner, the previous ten benefits should be at the top of your list. If you can see your life improving with 8, 5, or even 1 of the benefits outlined, then purchasing a robot vacuum cleaner is worth it and then some. For efficient and effective cleaning power, a robot vacuum cleaner is becoming the hands-down choice among many homeowners, businesses, and commercial establishments alike.

9 Reasons Why Downsizing Your Home Makes Sense

Posted on October 13, 2017 | by | Leave a Comment

When we consider the benefits of downsizing, we need to go far beyond the idea that the term “downsizing” simply refers to just moving into smaller living quarters. That’s not a fair definition for homeowners to go by.

What Is Downsizing?

Downsizing can be defined as an intentional reduction in size. This could be as simple as the amount of belongings you own or the size house you live in.

However, we would suggest that it is larger than that. Downsizing is a complete overhaul in your lifestyle. It’s more than just a smaller home, it’s a move towards the simple life.

For the purposes of this article, we will be examining all the reasons why your average homeowner should consider this change in mindset, the benefits of downsizing and how the simple life can bring happiness to your front door.

The Benefits You Should Expect by Downsizing

Once we focus on the totality of downsizing, the benefits increase exponentially. From the testimonials of many who have discovered the wonders of downsizing, here are nine benefits that they smile about.

1. Less Stress, More Happiness

This is a huge benefit that cannot be overestimated. From losing a large mortgage on an oversized house to not running around an urban area trying to have the family involved in so many different activities, downsizing brings less stress, which means more serenity and a much greater chance of actually enjoying life.

You may also will find yourself arriving early for appointments, not always being late. In short, you will be more on top of your weekly schedule, not sweating bullets as you pull up to the dentist 20 minutes late. Another related perk is the ability to find lost items more quickly. With less stuff to clutter your living room, you can locate your keys and purse much faster. Who can put a price tag on that stress-buster?

2. Saving Money on Monthly Expenses

When possessions are jettisoned, one has to spend far less on maintaining them. When the McMansion is left behind, so is the monster mortgage payment.

It is almost impossible to downsize and not be in a better position financially. Many people who have downsized have experienced an immediate windfall as they have money left over from the sale of their previous home.

Others see a better balance each month even if they don’t move, as one car needs regular maintenance, not three, as the gasoline bill dips precipitously when the family’s schedule is de-cluttered.

Whether you see this improved picture clearly during Day One of downsizing or after six months, it will be clear at one time or another. Enjoy the view.

3. Better for the Environment

Smaller house equals fewer trees felled. Less driving equals less CO2 that you put into the air. Fewer or smaller appliances equal less electricity consumed. The list can go on and on. You will be the “green” person you’ve always aspired to be without even trying!

4. More Energy to Focus on What Matters

Someone once wrote that the opposite of happiness is boredom. That statement can be debated, but the weariness that comes with routine is well known by many. Downsizing your life could very well push you out of your comfort zone. That change very well may energize you as you re-create your life and become a happier, less stressful person.

As you see the benefits on this list take shape, you will become even more excited about the possibilities of your new minimalistic lifestyle, and rather than sleeping away your precious spare time, you will want to be spending your new free time in constructive ways.

5. More Time to Do What You Want

Do you have any idea how much time you will gain every Saturday when you don’t have to clean so many rooms? You can easily add another hour or two instantly to the weekend!

You will have more time to pursue the passions you’ve always wanted to develop, from painting to reading, from traveling to tennis. Less time cleaning, less time driving, less time shopping — the hours add up rapidly and you will find new joy as you are able to spend more time on pursuits that bring you joy.

6. Fewer Temptations to Buy Stuff

This might not sound like a benefit, but when you really think about it, it does have many upsides.

Less space means less temptation to buy new items and clutter your living space. Downsizing your living space also means less cleaning.

In another benefit that apartment dwellers have long understood, it can also cause you to spend more time outside, which always equates to better health.

7. Opportunity to Get To Know Your Neighbors

It has been said that when people live on top of each other, they tend to keep to themselves. That necessary social distance in urban areas is true, but it is also true that the opportunities to get to know your neighbors and local shopkeepers multiply when you live in smaller spaces.

Many Americans, in particular, have traditionally sought to live on large lots, separated from other human beings. They have ended up with huge yards to mow, mortgages to pay and a gnawing sense of loneliness.

Of course, not all apartment dwellers revel in community spirit, but don’t be surprised if you see the same people again and again and begin to build a relationship with them. It’s much easier in an apartment or condo building, or in townhouses that adjoin without giant lots in between.

8. More Control On Your Everyday Life

This benefit comes up again and again as veteran downsizers talk about their new way of life.

They offer perspectives such as, “My stuff used to run me. Now, I control my stuff,” or “I was a slave to my possessions. Now, I’m free.” A more open schedule, a less cluttered living space and life, and a realignment that puts you in the driver’s seat–not your things–can surprise you with a far greater sense of control than you’ve previously experienced in life.

9. The Freedom to Live Simple

Whether that freedom comes from you dictating your schedule, not the other way around, or simply feeling liberated by getting rid of junk that has cluttered your mind and life, downsizers all revel in the new freedom that they feel.

Add to this list as you downsize. Fill in the gaps that we may have missed in the list above. Begin the great adventure of living with less and gaining far more in return than you anticipated.

Have you downsized your life? What benefits did you experience? Let’s hear them in the comments below.