The Baby Boomer generation has begun to retire and move out of their larger homes. Trends have begun to emerge surrounding the aspects and features that this demographic desires in their new space. Here are some of the latest:

1.     First Floor Master Bedrooms
As the Baby Boomer generation begins to age, downsizing to a home with a first floor master bedroom is becoming more and more popular. If stairs start to become a problem for one of the residents, first floor masters ensure there will be no need to move again.  Along these same lines, one-story homes have increased in popularity for the downsizers. This solution obviously eliminates any potential for issues with stairs in the future.

2.     Closets to be turned into elevators
A new and growing trend in downsizing is the building of closets one right above the other in two-story homes. This way, as Baby Boomers age and one day decide that putting an elevator in the house is necessary, all there is to do is to knock the floor out between the closets and the elevator shaft is made! This pre planning move allows you to leave the option open of having an elevator down the road without wasting the space and money upfront, if you decide that you don't eventually need one.

3.     Storage
When moving into a smaller house, there is less space for belongings. Therefore, it has become essential for many downsizers to purchase a house that has sufficient storage room. Many new condos and homes are being built with creative organization areas that provide the storage space that downsizers need and want without taking away large amounts of living space.

4.     Outdoor Living Space
When Baby Boomers decide to downsize, that move does not include deciding to give up their active social lives. More and more downsizers are looking for homes that include outdoor living space where they can relax or entertain.  These outdoor areas include features like outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, and backyard patios.

If you're looking to downsize, it's important to know these options are out there and available to you.  Baby boomers do not want to compromise when they make a downsizing move and it's this mindset that forms the catalyst for the new and emerging trends mentioned above.