Downsizing Tips

Downsizing Tips for Homeowners

The time has come when you're considering a smaller home than you have now.  You may be in the early stages, but have probably considered it for a while now.  Some of the top reasons people downsize homes are:

  • Family has changed in size (some may now have their own homes) which requires less space
  • Financial reasons including affordability and shifting investments elsewhere
  • Less maintenance

Many times, all of those are combined into the decision to downsize.  So, how should you go about it?  Well, I've compiled some information and tips here that will help you with your downsizing adventure.

Commit to the project

If you have been in the same home for a long time, it is easy to slip back into your comfort zone anytime you think about change.  Change can be refreshing, so focus on why you want to downsize and commit to a plan to implement it.

Analyze your interior needs

During this stage, take a good hard look at how you live now in your current home.  Think about which rooms and parts of your home you use the most and spend the most time in.  Do you cook a lot?  Do you entertain in the family room a lot?  How about those secondary bedrooms?  The rooms and areas you answer "yes" to will be the focus of your next home.  Those that receive a "no" might allow for some compromise when it comes time to your next home layout.  Most homes have the core rooms that are virtually required in most homes, but seeing where your focus is will allow you to determine how large or small the rooms need to be.  After all... downsizing means something will be eliminated or made smaller.

Let's talk about outdoors

When you're not enjoying the inside of your home and you're outside.  What are you doing and where are you doing it?  Do you need a large yard for playing, or do you go to parks?  Do you need a patio, porch, and fireplace outside, or do you go to the club for those activities?  These types of outdoor activities can help refine the exterior spaces you may need in your next home.

Start looking at your "stuff"

Most people have stocked their current home pretty well with furnishings, decor, and yes... even some junk.  The reality is that much of that will not fit into your downsized home, so yes, that means it's time to start sorting and reducing what has possibly filled your current home.  Start now and it will seem more logical (and sometimes refreshing) than if you wait until it's moving time.  If you wait, it'll seem like a daunting task.  Staring now can even create enthusiasm for the entire adventure.

Recruit objectivity

We have all developed our own perspective across our lifetime, so occasionally we need an outside voice to help us with some objectivity.  When it comes to choosing an area, selecting your next home, and downsizing your belongings, don't be shy about asking for opinions from others who will include real estate professionals, family, and friends.  Ultimately, the decision is yours, but others can help provide insight to help ensure a successful move.

 

Downsizing can be a refreshing change that brings with it an excitement of a new adventure.  If I may assist with helping your prepare you existing home for the market and advising you on the areas that have homes matching your new criteria, please contact me and we'll map out your preliminary steps so you'll be ready when the time comes.