Downsizing Home Checklist

Assess Your Needs and Goals for a Downsizing Process

Downsizing should not be done on a whim. It requires careful thought and planning. For example, if you are an empty nester and downsize too soon when you want your adult children to visit often, they may not have a place to stay. A downsizing checklist should include considerations for your lifestyle, budget, and desired location. 

Create a Timeline

First, you must decide when you want to make the change. Some homeowners make plans years in advance, while others suddenly realize they do not need their current home size. Downsizing will take time because you must declutter and reduce your possessions, sell the property, and move to a new location.  

Set a Budget

Your budget is a key aspect of downsizing. Perhaps your primary goal is saving money on living expenses; a smaller space would help you accomplish that. Generally, smaller homes cost less, have fewer utility costs, and are cheaper to maintain. When planning your budget, don’t forget about moving expenses, potential renovations to the new house, and new furnishings. 

Calculate closing costs into the final price of your home purchase and compare these expenses to the down payment needed for a new home. Downsizing your home can be daunting if you do not plan your budget well. 

Decluttering and Organizing

The hardest step when moving from a larger home to a smaller property is getting rid of possessions. Decluttering and organizing your possessions will be a necessary step and is an essential element of a downsizing checklist. 

Take Inventory

The most efficient approach to decluttering is taking inventory of all your possessions. Consider donating extra furniture to family members. You can also sell duplicate items for a little cash to help with moving expenses. 

It starts with an accurate inventory of your belongings to determine how much you need to remove before the move. Many people put things into four categories: 

1. Donate
2. Maybe donate
3. Keep
4. Maybe keep

The decluttering process can feel overwhelming, but this will help you narrow down the items you have. A garage sale may be required to get rid of numerous items at once and acquire a little extra cash to spend. Remember to ensure the money earned won’t be counted as income or impact Social Security payments if you receive benefits. 

Room-by-Room Approach

Deconstructing your life can be overwhelming. The best approach is to complete one room at a time. Start small and focus on a closet or guest bedroom first. Then, move to a bedroom that is being used and the bathrooms. This will help you build momentum as you prepare for the more cluttered spaces like the basement, kitchen, and family area. 

Storage Space Sorting and Organizing

Even if you get rid of many possessions, you still might feel cramped in the home if there is significantly less room. Sort your belongings by categories, such as decor, clothing, meaningful items, toys, tools, and other essentials.  Consider purchasing a storage bin organizer that maximizes space. Planning ahead can help with this daunting task.

Sentimental Items

Sentimental items are difficult to get rid of. If you want to get rid of a sentimental item, you can take a nice photo of the item to hold onto the memories. Another option is creating a memory box containing all the most important belongings from your past. People with a lot of sentimental items can rent a storage unit.

Selling Your Current Home

You are well on your way to downsizing your home. You have sold or donated possessions to prepare for a smaller floor plan, and the remaining items are well-organized. Now, it is time to sell the property. Here are the steps involved in selling your home to prepare for downsizing. 

Preparing Your Home for Sale

The property must be in tip-top shape if you want to appeal to buyers. You should do a deep clean of the home to entice buyers when they visit for showings or an open house. Stage the home so it appears as open as possible. 

Consider learning how to take real estate photos that highlight the property’s best features. Buyers are more likely to make offers if they can easily picture their belongings inside. A real estate agent can help you stage the home.

Choosing a Selling Strategy to Save Money

There are several ways to sell your home. You may want to sell it to a loved one or friend, so a private sale without a realtor makes more sense. You can choose the for-sale-by-owner route if you want more control over the sales process. Working with an agent costs more money but prevents you from taking on the logistical necessities of selling a property. 

If you hire a realtor, they will help advertise the property, organize showings, and handle the paperwork. 

Working with a Cash Home Buyer

If you want to avoid using a real estate agent to save money, selling to a cash home buyer may be the best solution. Cash buyers have the funds needed to purchase your home quickly, so you can save on the sale and get it done faster. Many cash home buyers will take properties in any condition, so you can skip cleaning and making repairs. 

If you don’t feel like selling items but still want to get rid of them, you can leave them if the buyer agrees or donate household items to a local nonprofit.   

Moving and Settling in Your New Home

You have successfully sold your property and decluttered it to prepare for the downsizing process. The last step in a downsizing checklist is to move into your new residence and get settled. Here are some tips to help make this transition easier. 

Always make sure you have the numbers of necessary professionals and services before you move out of your home. Search online for local insurance agents and write down the phone numbers for local utility providers. 

Hiring Movers or DIY

Moving furniture, clothes, kitchen items, and everything in between can be stressful. Many need help transporting everything to the new house. Hiring a moving company can be a great way to reduce stress and expedite the moving process. Professional movers are less likely to damage expensive items, such as your flat-screen TV, furniture, or boxes with additional keepsakes.

You could also do it yourself to avoid paying for a moving service, though professionals are well-equipped to handle the logistics of moving.  Homeowners can contact friends or family to help them move into their new home. Loved ones can help move furniture into the new space, and they’ll keep track of the toilet paper. 

Packing and Unpacking

Packing and unpacking are rarely fun. Some strategies for minimizing stress include labeling each box, creating an inventory list, going room by room, packing essential items separately, and unpacking the most important items first. 

Organizing Your New Space

Organization will keep everything clean and functional. Consider organizing your belongings into boxes or storage bins that fit easily into an organizer. Organize the furniture to leave the rooms open and accessible. Have dinner delivered the first night at your new address so you have time to get settled. 

Connecting with Your New Community

Settling into a new house becomes easier when you become ingrained in the community. Step outside and introduce yourself to your new neighbors. If you have moved into a retirement community, join social events to meet people and make connections. Look for social groups that align with your interests. 

The Bottom Line

Downsizing is ideal when a large home is more work than you prefer. Whether you want to complete a move in several years or a few days, this downsizing checklist can help you navigate a complex process. Declutter the home, choose a sales strategy, and create a plan for your move for a smoother transition. 

A-List Properties can make your downsizing plans less stressful. As a cash home buyer, we can make an instant cash offer on your home. Call us today at 972-526-7042 or complete the online form to learn more and request a quote.