I'm single and an empty nester, so I decided to downsize. I made some compromises on my new apartment to save money.

The author recently downsized to a smaller apartment.

Courtesy of Kelly Magyarics

• I've been divorced and sharing custody for five years, but my youngest just started college.
• Becoming an empty nester prompted me to reevaluate my living situation, and I decided to downsize.
• I had a few dealbreakers when choosing my new apartment.

When I got amicably divorced five years ago, I moved to a three-bedroom apartment across the street from my old neighborhood to make...