Looking to downsize your home? Whether you want a smaller house because your kids are going off to college or you are simply looking for a more manageable home, many things must be done in preparation. As you start preparing to live in a reduced space, follow these simple steps to make the process easy.

Start early  – As you plan to downsize, start thinking about the process as early as possible. This will allow you to set goals and ensure that everyone is on the same page, thus avoiding potential conflicts or hurt feelings with friends and family members.

Lifestyle choices  – Determining what lifestyle you want to lead is a large part of downsizing. Are you interested in moving to an urban, beach or mountain location? Maybe you want to stay in the same area without the hassle of a large home. Determining your long-term goal will help you decide these things.

Clear clutter  – When downsizing homes, it likely goes without saying that you will have to downsize your belongings as well. Find purpose in the things that you want to keep and sell and donate the things you do not.

Work in stages  – To avoid overwhelming yourself or your family, downsize your belongings in stages. By tackling one room at a time and spending a couple hours in each room, you can begin to consolidate your belongings without feeling frustrated.

Avoid packing  – As you consolidate, avoid packing things away. You are likely months or even years away from moving. If you can pack something away with the idea that you won’t need it until you move, you probably don’t need to keep it.

When you are ready to purchase your new home, I would love to be of help! Call me today — I would love to refer you to any of my trusted moving partners and discuss home financing.