Downsizing has become a popular trend for some homeowners. It has its advantages. If you can be happy in a smaller home – or even more content than you are now – why not save the money and make the change? Let’s look at why people downsize and some of the essential steps involved in downsizing.
When Should You Downsize?
Everyone’s situation is different, but there are some common reasons why people downsize. If you fit any of the following descriptions, you may want to consider downsizing:
1. The kids have moved out, and you don’t need all that space.
Your children may have moved out yesterday or 20 years ago. However long it’s been, if you look around your home and realize you aren’t using half of the rooms, you may be considering downsizing. A smaller home has certain advantages — it’s easier to clean, less expensive to heat and cool, and often easier to navigate.
2. It’s too much work to take care of your home.
Many older homeowners want to downsize because a smaller home is easier to take care of. The big yard, the multiple bedrooms, and all the rest take a lot of work to keep up. You may not feel like spending hours cleaning or doing backbreaking labor in the yard. A smaller home is less work overall.
3. You want to save money.
You may have a reduced income or just want to cut costs and be more frugal. Generally, a smaller home costs less to run, and the mortgage is cheaper.
How Do You Downsize?
Here are some common steps to downsizing.
1. Create a plan.
Now is an excellent time to write out your list of priorities. You may want a place without a yard. You might like access to a swimming pool, a home near the golf course, or one near the beach. It’s all up to you.
2. Contact a realtor specialist.
Secure a realtor specialist who has experience with families looking to downsize — especially if you are a senior. Though many realtors can help with basic home-buying and selling needs, some with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) classification specialize in maturing Americans’ real estate requirements.
3. Arrange for professional movers.
Contact several moving companies to get quotes for your move. Check availability, and secure a professional mover for your moving date that fits your needs.
4. Get packing supplies.
If you have opted to pack your own belongings, you will need boxes in various sizes, packing peanuts, packing paper, tape, labels, and makers. Talk to your moving company about supplies. They should have them available for you to purchase, or consider having your full-service mover pack your home for you.
5. Reduce the number of your belongings.
Your things have accumulated over many years. It’s best to start small. From trophies to sentimental collections, decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Sorting through and paring down your sentimental items can be an emotional process. Give yourself plenty of time to work through it.
Take photos of things you are having a hard time parting with so that you will have a memory of them. Determine which special, meaningful items you can gift away to children, family members, or close friends.
6. Decide what rooms you’re eliminating and be deliberate in your sorting.
Remember, you are downsizing — that means you have to eliminate some rooms in your home. For instance, maybe you won’t have a formal dining room in your new, smaller home. Now is the time to eliminate the formal dining table, chairs, and china cabinet.
Need Help Packing and Moving? Contact Us!
Are you getting ready to downsize? You might be happy if you do since downsizing ultimately leads to a simpler life.
We know how tough it can be to pack up your home and move. Our team is here to help. Please contact us so we can help you with your packing and moving needs. We are licensed professionals who know how to do the job right!