Downsizing Made Easy
Written by Emmett Teter
Owning a home is one of life’s greatest accomplishments, symbolizing your hard work, consistency, and financial success. As we age, maintaining a large home can become overwhelming, especially after children move out. Downsizing is a natural and common part of home ownership.
But how do you distill 20 years of living into a smaller, more manageable space? Here’s a streamlined guide to make the downsizing process as smooth as possible.
Step One: Define Your Housing Criteria
Recognizing the need to downsize is the first step. But what does that mean for you? Whether you're looking to move into an assisted living facility or a smaller, single-level home, identifying your future housing needs is essential. Once you have a clear idea of what you need, connect with a real estate agent experienced in downsizing. Not every agent is right for every scenario so taking the time to find the right agent for this type of life transition is important.
Step Two: Declutter & Downsize Personal Items
Over the years, we accumulate numerous belongings, some of which are cherished and others that can be let go. Decluttering before you move is crucial to reduce the visual clutter and make the moving process easier. If organizing and decluttering aren’t your strengths, consider professional services to assist you. Your realtor can connect you with trusted decluttering experts to help streamline this phase.
Step Three: Arrange Junk Removal
Downsizing often means having more furniture and items than will fit in your new space. After decluttering, you may need assistance removing bulk items or clearing out cluttered spaces like garages and attics. Junk removal services can handle this efficiently, ensuring your discarded items are responsibly disposed of, donated, or recycled. Your agent can help you find a reliable junk removal service, get quotes, and schedule a pickup.
Step Four: Secure Temporary Storage
Whether you’re moving across town or across states, managing all your belongings can be overwhelming. A temporary storage solution can be invaluable during this transition. Some people use relatives’ garages, while others opt for local storage units. Planning for temporary storage ensures your items are safely stored while you sell your current home and buy a new one. This approach allows you to keep items secure and ready for your new space.
Step Five: Handle Last-Minute Repairs
As homes age, they show signs of wear and tear. To maximize your home’s value before listing, address any necessary touch-ups or repairs. While many small repairs can be done yourself, hiring a local handyman or contractor might be necessary if you’re short on time. Your realtor can connect you with experienced professionals to ensure your home is in top shape for the market.
Transitioning from one home to another can be overwhelming, but with careful planning and the right support, it can become a manageable process. By leveraging the resources and expertise of your realtor, you can simplify each step and focus on finding the perfect space for your current stage of life. As a realtor who has helped several folks navigate downsizing, I know how helpful it is for sellers to work with a real estate professional who’s gone through this process before. Reach out to me if you’re a homeowner in Rhode Island looking to downsize!
