Downsizing is appealing for many reasons, including financial and comfort-wise. Whether you have an oversized home or just too much stuff, preparing to downsize requires effort. Learn how to prepare most effectively with Kelly Grant, Residential / Commercial / Rural REALTOR® of MaxWell POLARIS in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada:
10. Do the Math
Selling your home to downsize might make the most financial sense. Yet home sales involve expenses that can reduce your profit or expand your losses. To decide whether it’s worth the plunge, be sure to Understand the Closing Costs (* Link Source: www.KellyGrant.ca).
9. Buy First vs. Sell First
Deciding whether to sell your current home first or buy a new one before packing up is an essential step (* Link Source: www.KellyGrant.ca). Selling first could mean you’ll be rushing to pack up, but buying first might involve financial stressors. Balance both options and check out the local housing market before making a decision. For seniors who are selling only and downsizing to assisted living, here are Tips on Assisted Living Accommodations for Senior Citizens (* Link Source: www.KellyGrant.ca ).
8. Modify Your Mindset
Downsizing your home and possessions can reduce stress and make for simpler living. But “stuff” is only part of the equation – people often hold onto clutter because of fear, overwhelm, and the objects’ sentimental value (* Link Source: VeryWell Mind). Eliminating excess stuff is healthy. But developing a more minimalist mindset is necessary to keep your new place cozy and uncluttered.
7. Learn What You Use
Before packing, reflect on what items you use versus what takes up space. Notice which items you use daily, and add those to your packing list. Becoming more aware of your daily habits may also help you discard things that no longer serve you.
6. Downsize Early
Once you have a good idea of your essentials, begin discarding clutter and unwanted possessions. Look for places to donate or auction clothing, household items, and furniture rather than carting them to your new home (* Link Sources: The Salvation Army; and Kastner Auctions). Downsizing early – before you start packing – ensures you bring as little clutter to the new place as possible.
5. Pack Smart
Packing can be the most challenging part of downsizing, especially because it involves getting rid of some possessions. Fortunately, a smart strategy for packing can help make the process faster and more efficient. Purge unneeded items first, then pack lesser-used items while keeping an essentials bag or box aside. Labeling boxes makes unpacking easier as you settle into your new place. Review Important Tips to Make Your Next Move Go Smoother (* Link Source: www.KellyGrant.ca ).
4. Go Digital
So much household stuff tends to be paper, which is fortunately easy to get rid of or digitize. Shredding private but obsolete documents is a good starting point. Then, digitize anything you might need later before shredding and discarding the hard copy (* Link Source – Alberta Motor Association). Aim to store important documents (like birth or marriage certificates) somewhere safe, but don’t let other junk paperwork join them.
3. Wait It Out
The moment you move into a new place, you’ll likely think of furniture, decor, or other items you want to buy. Rather than filling your downsized home with more things, wait to see whether the purchases are necessary (* Link Source: Alexandra Frost). Assess your shopping habits and compare needs versus wants before moving ahead.
2. Buy Carefully
When you need to buy furniture or household products, do your research and purchase carefully. For example, investing in quality products could mean your items last longer, saving you money over time. Consider secondhand items (of good quality) to downsize your spending, too (* Link Source: Reader’s Digest).
1. Have a Plan
In theory, downsizing is simple and a great thing to implement. In reality, it takes effort and a commitment to own (and store) less stuff. Having a plan before you downsize helps you maintain a clutter-free home that’s cozy, inviting, and healthier for your mind (* Link Source: Real Simple). Decide on rules or guidelines that work for you, like one item in, one item out; for each thing you buy, donate something to charity.
Downsizing might be more complicated than you expect, so tackling it early to give yourself lots of time combined with a step-by-step action plan is a smart way to get started. By the time you’re settled in your new place, with much less clutter, it will all be worth it.
Article Written and ©2023 by Alice Robertson at TidyHome and reproduced by Kelly Grant, Residential / Commercial / Rural REALTOR® at MaxWell POLARIS in Edmonton, AB]
Disclaimer: for those readers not currently represented by another licensed REALTOR®, to obtain more information on this topic and / or if you will be selling or buying in the Greater Edmonton Area, call Kelly at 780-414-6100 (pager); text Kelly at 780-717-9290; or send an email to SOLD@KellyGrant.ca to schedule a confidential appointment.
