When you first think about downsizing, you might feel a mix of excitement and sheer terror. Sure, the idea of a smaller, simpler space sounds lovely, but then you glance around at your current home and wonder, “Where do I even start?”
Don't worry—I've been there. I once had to pull a horse trailer loaded with my parents’ plants, furniture, and who-knows-what-else. I know the stress, the mess, and the blame games. Let’s turn this chaotic journey into an adventure!
1. Assess Your Current Situation
Let’s start with a little “home audit.” Take a walk around and be honest—how much of this stuff do you actually use? Do you really need four cheese graters? (I’m guilty too.) Think about how well your current home works for you now. Are you really enjoying climbing those stairs? Or is that daily stair workout getting old?
2. Define Your Downsizing Goals
So, why are you thinking about downsizing? Is it to have fewer things to dust? A shorter lawn to mow? Or maybe it’s simply to stop paying for square footage you only use to store stuff you forgot you had. Let’s be clear about what you want—be it more walks in the park or a garden that fits in a single pot.
Common Downsizing Goals:
Less time scrubbing floors, more time sipping coffee.
Fewer rooms to clean, more rooms to breathe.
Releasing equity, gaining freedom—because travel is better than a large utility bill.
3. Develop a Game Plan (And Have Some Fun With It)
Here’s where we put together the plan. Imagine it like your own personal HGTV show—minus the dramatic music and deadlines. The focus is on tackling one room at a time. And hey, you might even find that long-lost wedding gift you never used!
Steps for a Smoother Transition:
Declutter: Have a good chuckle over things you’ve kept for no reason. Do you really need that 1985 souvenir mug?
Tidy Up: You’d be amazed how much better a room looks with half the stuff gone.
Fix it Up: We’ll make a few repairs here and there to get your home ready for its big close-up.
4. Build Your “Downsizing Dream Team”
Moving is a lot like a group project—except this time, everyone needs to pull their weight. You’ll need:
An Experienced Realtor®: (I know a good one, wink, wink.) Someone who gets what it’s like to sell your memories along with your house.
Home Stager: Yes, your place is already lovely, but they know how to make it look like a magazine spread.
Financial Advisor: So you don’t get too carried away planning that trip to Spain before your place even sells.
5. Ready, Set, Go!
It’s time to make things happen. Decluttering doesn’t have to be all serious—invite a friend, grab some wine, and make it fun! When you find something absurd (like that “World’s Best Dad” trophy from 1978), share a laugh and move on.
Get those essential repairs done (or hire someone who will). Remember, this is about creating a space that buyers can imagine living in without your collection of ceramic frogs.
6. Find Your Next Perfect Home
Let’s get excited! Your new space will be more than just a house—it’s the next chapter of your story. We’ll tour places that fit your wish list, whether it’s a cozy condo with zero yard work or a cottage closer to the grandkids.
7. Prepare for the Move (a.k.a. Controlled Chaos)
Yes, moving day will be chaotic, but let’s make it a controlled chaos. Hire movers, packers, or that one friend who actually likes sorting through boxes. Keep a sense of humor—when you end up with six boxes labeled “miscellaneous,” just laugh.
8. Settle In and Love It
After the dust settles (literally), make this new space yours. Hang those photos, plant those flowers, and set up that cozy reading nook you’ve always wanted. This is your space, your new adventure, and it's going to be fabulous.
Remember, downsizing isn’t just about getting rid of stuff—it’s about gaining a life you can manage easily and enjoy fully. And if you’re helping a loved one through this process, expect a few debates about which tea set to keep, but know you’re making a big difference for them.
