You may have heard that the “small home” movement is having a moment right now (particularly if you watch “Tiny House, Big Living” on HGTV)! Moving into a minuscule dwelling is not for everyone, but perhaps this trend has inspired you to think about downsizing your home. Or maybe you are empty-nesters who have decided to finally take the plunge and sell the family home, difficult as that decision can be. The benefits of downsizing can make it all worthwhile: less “stuff” to keep organized, lower energy bills, and less space to clean!
Here are some tips to keep in mind if you are planning to downsize in the near future:
Assess
Make a list of the necessities you will want in your new home. Will you want a yard? How much storage space will you need? Is a garage required? Thinking through these non-negotiables and recording them will help narrow down your options as you consider how to downsize your home.
Create
Everyone knows how much “stuff” we collect through the years, and it can be overwhelming to think about what to do with it. Begin creating three piles for each room in the home: keep, donate, or toss. You will want to keep items that you use on a daily basis or are truly meaningful to you. However, items that are sitting in cabinets collecting dust, clothing items that no longer fit, clutter that has no real purpose…they all need to go.
Relax
Take your time with this process. It may be challenging, but the effort will pay off, both now and when you move into your new home. If you like, you may even ask a friend to help you make decisions regarding your belongings. Sometimes he or she can provide insight and a little nudge to release those things with which you are reluctant to part.
Store
If you are undecided about what to do with larger items such as furniture or tools, seek out an affordable storage facility. Being able to keep these items out of the way while deciding whether or not they will fit into your new downsized home will give you peace of mind.
Envision
Begin visiting smaller homes for sale with different floor plans and layouts, keeping a list of the qualities you like and dislike in each home. Envision the space you will actually use versus space that will be occupied sporadically. Think of your lifestyle: will you really be hosting weekly dinner parties? Do you absolutely need his and her vanities in the bathroom? Is a large kitchen island required for the types of meals you prepare?
Ask
Your realtor will have a great deal of insight he or she has gleaned from clients who have downsized over the years. We are here to provide tips and advice every step of the way, so feel free to ask us anything!
If you are thinking of downsizing, give us a call today at 919-813-6449 or send us an email to [email protected]. We would love to be a part of your journey!