Downsizing to a Newly Built Home: A Fresh Start for Modern Living

When Teris Pantazes and His Wife Kate Downsized, They Found Freedom in a Smaller Space

When Teris Pantazes and his wife Kate had their first child, they did exactly the opposite of what many couples in their situation want to do: rather than move into a larger home, they bought a smaller one. The move made sense because the new, smaller home was newly built, which meant it came with numerous benefits that made it the right choice.

The couple, who now have three daughters, moved from a 4,000-square-foot house built in the 1920s to a brand-new house with just 2,500 square feet—a sacrifice of 1,500 square feet. Both houses were in Baltimore, the older in the city proper, the newer near the outskirts of town. “The new home felt just as big because the usable space was what we needed,” Pantazes says.

Why New Construction Made the Difference

The brand-new house was more energy-efficient, and its open floor plan made it feel more spacious than their previous home. Two rooms disappeared: a rarely used dining room and a home office that Pantazes, CEO and founder of EFynch.com, says he didn’t need. “We sold our old stuff and used the money to purchase new,” Pantazes explains. “It felt like a new beginning, and going smaller meant using a more efficient space. With the right planning, our new place felt just as big.”

Pantazes’ Three Tips for Downsizing to New Construction

• Cherry-pick a favorite piece to keep for each room.
• Plan on purchasing new furniture.
• Choose a decorating style that fits the new home.

Expanded Kitchen Space

Moving into a newly built home can make downsizing much easier because today’s homes are designed to meet homeowners’ current needs. For example, many homeowners who downsize still intend to entertain and cook at home, requiring ample kitchen space. Jennifar Evans, director of design services at Edward R. James Homes, notes that new builds can accommodate these needs with spacious kitchens, even in smaller footprints. “Expand the kitchen into the breakfast area, use the island for casual dining, and reserve the formal dining room for guests,” she suggests.

New construction also caters to homeowners who want to display larger artwork. Builders can extend walls or create dedicated art-hanging spaces, blending functionality with personal style.

Floor Plans, Lists, and Flex Rooms

Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio, emphasizes early planning for downsizers: “Take a floor plan from the builder as soon as possible to determine which furniture fits.” She recommends:

• Creating lists of belongings by room or category (e.g., furniture, clothing, keepsakes).
• Asking builders about flex rooms that serve multiple purposes (e.g., a home office doubling as a guest bedroom).
• Investing in multifunctional furniture, such as sleeper sofas or coffee tables with storage.

Sentimental Value and 3-D Planning

Charmain Wynter, a luxury home design expert, advises prioritizing items with sentimental or multifunctional value. A 3-D space plan can help visualize how existing furniture will work in a new layout.

Friends Become Neighbors

Newly built communities often attract groups of friends looking to downsize together. “Friends who’ve known each other for decades end up living a block apart,” Evans says. “They move into the same community and love the convenience of walking over for dinner.”