How to Downsize Your Life and Home
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
— Lao Tzu
The Reasons People Downsize
People downsize their homes and their lives for many reasons including:
- they want a simple lifestyle
- they want a less stressful lifestyle
- they want to or need to save money
- they want to de-clutter
- the kids have all moved out
- they are retiring
Whether you are downsizing out of choice or necessity, it’s always a tricky and emotional ride.
For many, downsizing may seem like a crazy, daunting, even depressing task.
Just try and keep a positive attitude, and look at it as an adventure.
Humans were build to be resilient and adapt.
Change can be scary, but it can also be fun. Think of all the new places you will visit, new people you will meet, and new opportunities that will await you.
At the very least, downsizing can seem like an overwhelming task that can never be completed. It’s just too involved, complicated, and emotionally draining.
But, I can tell you firsthand that downsizing miracles do happen—even when you can’t believe things will ever come together.
Prepare for Your Downsizing Journey
Take it one step at a time.
Then, make a list of steps and call it “My Downsizing Journey.”
Make the steps small so you can easily complete them, check them off, and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Be precise in your steps. For example, step one could be “1. Write a list of possible new locations.” This is easier to complete than “1. Figure out where you want to go.”
Step 2 could be “Call Realtor to schedule meeting.”
Step 3 could be “Select a moving date.”
You get the idea.
Just write down all the steps you can think of. Don’t worry about completing them, just now. Put them in a logical order. But know they may not be completed in that order.
8 Tips to Get You Started on Your Downsizing Journey
- Complete your “My Downsizing Journey” list
- Get a calendar or planner dedicated to scheduling your downsizing plan. It will help you stay organized, focused, and on track.
- Set the downsizing / moving date. Mark it on your calendar. This is very important–even if you know the date may change. Pick a best guess date which will leave ample time to find a location, find your new home, and get everything packed for the big move. Make the date realistic, but not so far away that you don’t feel a sense of urgency. Don’t give yourself a reason to delay action as this can lead to inaction. If you are being forced into a move date, starting to organize your plan will get the ball rolling and give you a sense of control.
- Selling Your Home? If you have a home to sell, contact a realtor now. If your move depends on the sale of your home, find out the average time on the market for houses in the area, and work this into your schedule. Don’t wait for the best time to sell your home. As a retired Realtor, I can tell you that the best time to sell your house is whenever you need to sell it. Yes, there is a Spring market when there are more buyers, but there are also more sellers to compete with.
How To Find Your New Home Town
Sometimes when people downsize, they stay in the same location. They simply move to a new home.
Other times, people need or want to move to a new city or town. That only adds to the adventure.
If this is your situation, follow these steps:
5. Start a list of locations. If you don’t know where you want to move to, or can move to, make a list of options. Do research online to determine your preferred new location. Are there certain people you have wanted to move close to? Now is your opportunity! Or do you want to stay close to where you are now?
6. Write a list of location pros and cons. If you don’t know if you want to stay nearby or move somewhere new, make a list of pros and cons of moving or staying. Discuss all items on the list with your spouse or partner. The answer will soon become clear.
7. Ask these questions to find a new town or city. If no new locations readily come to mind, but you don’t want to stay where you are, ask yourself whether the following items influence your choice:
- How far away do you want to be from children, grandchildren, and friends?
- What type of weather do you prefer? Warm, cool, seasonal, balmy?
- Do you want to live in or near a large city, or do you prefer suburban or country life?
- What can you afford for housing? Realtor.com or online apartment finders are a great help in learning the costs in a specific town or area.
- Do you want to be near a college or university? They usually offer many courses for non-matriculated students, as well as plays and concerts for all. You can even train for a new career or pursue a hobby.
- Will you be looking for employment, or are you retired? Will you be able to find employment nearby without having to commute a long distance?
- Do you need to be near public transportation?
- Are you an entrepreneur who needs to network for your business? A town with a Chamber of Commerce will be helpful.
- Do you want to live in an area that has your place of worship nearby?
- Some cities or towns are more dog friendly than others, and have dog parks and dog-friendly eateries. Is this important to you?
- Do you want walking trails and public parks nearby?
- Is it important to be near a medical center or hospital?
- How is the cost-of-living in the area compared to where you live now.
Finally, take a weekend trip. If you have time, and can afford it, take a brief vacation to visit your location of choice.
Step 8 — Start Collecting Packing Boxes
It’s never too early to bring home free boxes from stores and start packing. The Customer Service desk may be helpful in larger stores or groceries; they may even put boxes aside for you to pick up later that day.
Liquor stores are a good source of clean, smaller partitioned boxes for breakables such as glasses and dishes.
Given the popularity of store recycling programs, it’s becoming more difficult to find boxes this way. So you may need to purchase boxes online. Boxes can be expensive. So you many not want to purchase all boxes at once.
But having packing boxes in the house will get you in the mood to pack, as well as help you realize the move is really going to happen.
Now Is A Great Time For a Garage or Moving Sale
When you are downsizing, Garage Sales and Moving Sales can be a good way to gather some additional money. It can even be used to fund your move.
And, instead of throwing out items you don’t want to bring with you, you can sell them for cash!
Here are two of my posts that can help with your sale.
— 18 Tips on How to Make Money and Have a Successful Moving Sale/Estate Sale
— How To Have a Safe and Profitable Garage Sale
OK. You Can Do It! It’s Time to Get Started!
Remember, downsizing is an exciting new chance to start over or simply continue your life’s journey. It has many unexpected benefits.
Take a deep breath and get started on this exciting new part of your life now that you know how to downsize.
