On the fence about downsizing? Here’s a quiz for you! We all consider downsizing for different reasons. Maybe we are weary of the maintenance and expensive upkeep of a large home. It could be that we are weary of the financial commitment or of being tied to a house and yard when you really want to travel more. But is downsizing really for you?

If your circumstances make downsizing a necessity, go for it and decide to love it. But if you have a choice in the matter, take a few minutes with this quick reaction test to see if downsizing is really for you. Gather a pencil and paper, look at each question below fairly quickly, then write down the number next to the response that most closely matches your own.

Ready? Here we go.

What is your reaction to a large home?

1. This is my dream home!

2. Lots of maintenance.

3. All I see is time and $$$$.

What is your reaction to a small cozy home?

1. Where will I put all my stuff?

2. Must be nice having time to sit on the porch.

3. When can I move in?

What is your reaction to an apartment-style home or a condo?

1. I could only fit my garage in here!

2. I’d have to get rid of a lot of stuff, but maybe it’s time.

3. We could travel more and visit the grandkids whenever we wanted!

What is your reaction to a galley kitchen?

1. Where’s the real kitchen?

2. I like it, but where am I going to put the Cuisinart, the KitchenAid mixer, the coffeemaker, the espresso machine, the Viking stove and the oversized refrigerator?

3. As long as it has a fridge and a microwave, I’m good.

What is your reaction to a huge bedroom with high ceilings a walk-in closet and a fireplace?

1. This is a bedroom I would love.

2. I could probably get along without the fireplace and high ceilings.

3. This room is big enough for 10 people to sleep in.

What is your reaction to a cosy master bedroom with a queen size bed and a chair in it?

1. I am absolutely not ready to give up my king-size bed.

2. At least there’s room for a chair to throw my clothes on.

3. Great, all I do is sleep there.

What is your reaction to a house with a separate laundry room with a bank of two washers and dryers?

1. Finally, a laundry room that fits my family!

2. Hopefully I’ve outgrown the need for multiple machines.

3. What’s all this for? I only need a stackable.

What is your reaction to a house that has a stackable washer and dryer hidden behind a closet door?

1. And just where am I supposed to wash and fold the 55 loads of laundry I do each week?

2. Maybe this would discourage my son from bringing home his laundry.

3. Compact, functional, no piles of clothes … I like it!

What is your reaction to a house with a separate office with room for two desks and chairs in it?

1. A good idea, what a great opportunity to work from home.

2. This office makes me tired.

3. I don’t need this, just give me my iPad and Wi-Fi!

What is your reaction to a small but organised closet

1. This closet might work for my partner. But where’s mine?

2. I wish my closet looked like this.

3. Anything I haven’t worn in the past year gets donated, so this is perfect.

What is your reaction to a picture of a property with a large garden?

1. I love spending time in the garden

2. I am seriously getting too old for this.

3. I’d rather play golf, read, drink, watch TV, shop, travel or do anything rather than work in my yard.

What is your reaction to property which has a small patio garden?

1. Where would the kids play?

2. Wow, I could weed this in five minutes.

3. Bliss … quick someone pour the wine and let’s put our feet up!

OK. All done? Now add up all the numbers you wrote down.

If you scored:

12-18: You are definitely not a candidate for downsizing, As a matter of fact, you might need to think about upsizing.

19-27: Brace yourself — there is a move in your future. You are definitely showing signs of being bitten by the “maybe it’s time to downsize” bug.

27-36: Call your realtor and the moving company! And while you’re at it, start looking at a few cruises.

Heather Chilvers is among Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty’s leading sales representatives. She has been working in real estate for 27 years. If you have a question for Heather, please contact her at hchilvers@brcl.bm or 332-1793. All questions will be treated in confidence. Read this article on Facebook: Ask Heather Real Estate