In our society, we often hear the saying "bigger is better", and this belief can create pressure to constantly upgrade to a larger and more impressive home. However, life circumstances such as divorce, children leaving for college, or even just aging can cause us to rethink our living situation and consider downsizing to a home that better fits our needs and lifestyle.

The benefits of downsizing are becoming more and more apparent. There's a growing "tiny house movement" that celebrates the simplicity of living, regardless of age or stage in life. Not only does a smaller home usually come with a smaller price tag, but it also requires less time and effort to maintain.[1]

Of course, downsizing can seem like a daunting task, which is why we've outlined five steps to help guide you through the process. Our hope is that you'll find that less is actually more - more comfort, more security, and more time and energy to devote to the people and activities that bring you joy.

5 STEPS TO MAKE DOWNSIZING EASIER

1.     Define Your Goals and Possible Obstacles

Let's start by identifying your goals for your new living space. Perhaps you want to be closer to your loved ones, or maybe you're hoping for a more low-maintenance lifestyle. Are there particular amenities or features that you're looking for in a community? For example, if you are in retirement age but looking to stay active, many 55+ communities offer things such as pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, art rooms and social events. Some communities will take care of your lawn and exterior maintenance.

It's important to keep any limitations in mind that may affect your housing choices. For example, do you require a home without stairs or proximity to medical facilities? If you're going through a divorce, child custody arrangements may also be a factor to consider.

Consider how long you plan to stay in your new home and anticipate any changes in your needs during that time. Putting together a "wish list" of your top priorities will help you identify what's most important to you.

If you'd like any assistance with this process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us!  We specialize in helping people downsize and can advise you on and offer a free consultation to get started. We can also provide you with an evaluation of your current home's value so that you can set a practical budget for your new home.

2. Start Looking for the Perfect Home

Once you’ve established your “wish list,” we can begin the search the home that will suit the next stage of your life. It’s important to stay focused on your goals and budget you determined when looking at properties. There are a lot of options to choose from so it’s easy to get distracted and compromise on things that were your priorities.

As local market experts, we know the ins and outs of all the communities in our area. We can help you determine the neighborhood and type of home that will best fit your wants and needs.

If you are leaving town, we will be happy to refer you to one of the amazing agents that we work with across the country that we know will take good care of you.

3. Sell Your Current Home

If you’re ready to sell your current home, we’ll begin the process of preparing to list it as we search for your new one.

When you're ready to sell your home, we'll be there to guide you through the process. Our goal is to make selling your home as stress-free as possible, especially if you're going through a major life change. We understand that downsizing can be a financial necessity, which is why we use strategies to get the highest possible sales revenue for your property.

Our three-step approach involves preparing your home for the market, pricing it competitively, and promoting it through various channels. We invest in an aggressive marketing strategy that includes online and social media platforms as well as offline channels to connect with local real estate agents. This way, your home gets maximum exposure to potential buyers, helping to get it sold quickly and efficiently.

4. Sort and Pack Your Belongings

Once you make the decision to downsize, it’s time to start packing. As you'll have less space, you'll need to decide what to keep, sell, or donate. Sorting through everything can take a while, so we recommend starting as early as possible.

We know it can be hard to let go of personal belongings, but don't fret. You can start small and work your way up to larger rooms. Try to focus on eliminating duplicates and anything you don't really need. If you have sentimental pieces or family heirlooms, consider who in your life would benefit from having them. For large collections, keep your favorite pieces and take photos of the rest to put in an album.[2]

Make sure the items you keep align with your goals you outlined in Step 1. For instance, if you're aiming for an easier-to-clean space, consider letting go of knickknacks that require frequent dusting.

Remember to take breaks and pace yourself. If you’re helping a loved one with a move, try to be a patient listener if they want to stop and share stories about particular items or memories throughout the process.[3]   Listening to stories and memories can be therapeutic for them and an opportunity for you to learn more about your family history.

5. Get Help if Needed

Moving is stressful in any situation. But if you’re downsizing due to health issues or a major life change, it can be an especially tough transition. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Seek out friends and family members who can assist with packing and decluttering. If that’s not an option, or if you need additional help, we can refer you to a home organizer or a full-service moving company. There are even senior move managers, which is a professional who assists older adults and their families with the physical and emotional aspects of relocation.[4] You can find one accredited by the National Association of Senior Move Managers at https://www.nasmm.org/find/index.cfm.

We are also always here to help. We have helped many sellers that have decided to downsize and can help you.

ARE YOU LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE?

If your current home no longer suits your needs, maybe it’s time to consider a change. We would love to help you explore your options. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Sources:

1.      The Tiny Life -
https://thetinylife.com/what-is-the-tiny-house-movement/

2.      My Move -
https://www.mymove.com/moving/senior-guide-downsizing/

3.      Daily Caring -
https://dailycaring.com/5-tips-to-downsizing-for-seniors-keepsakes-mementos/

National Association of Senior Move Managers -
https://www.nasmm.org