IS IT TIME TO DOWNSIZE? 

Maybe the last kid has finally flown the nest — or maybe you’re ready to retire and spend more time doing what you love.
Either way, now could be the perfect moment to start thinking about downsizing your home.

It’s easy to feel weighed down by “stuff.” Over the years, we all collect meaningful things, but now they may feel more like clutter than comfort. If you find yourself craving simplicity, freedom, and a lifestyle that fits who you are now, downsizing could be your next great move.

If you’re still living in the big house with the big yard and too many rooms, transitioning into a space that better fits your current lifestyle can be both refreshing and rewarding.

The Benefits of Downsizing

1) Financial Breathing Room

One of the most immediate benefits of downsizing your home is the potential for cost savings.  Smaller homes typically come with lower, or maybe no  mortgage, lower property taxes and utility bills.  By reducing your housing expenses you can free up money for things you’ve been wishing you could do  – like travel, hobbies or just feeling more financially stable.

 

 

 

 

2) Less Clutter, More Clarity

Moving into a smaller home forces you to focus on what truly matters. That clarity helps you make decisions about what you  need and prioritize what you want to keep.  Decluttering and letting go of the excess, generally leads to a more organized and peaceful living environment. You’ll create a calmer, more organized space that supports how you live now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Less Maintenance, More Freedom

Inflation has impacted virtually every facet of homeownership. Monthly maintenance costs have skyrocketed; utilities, housekeeper,  pool and gardening services, handyman repairs not to mention, the unexpected.

The cost of maintaining a home has become expensive. A smaller home typically requires less maintenance. A newer home, will need less repair so you can focus your energy on doing the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.

 

 

 

 

4) A Home That Fits Your Lifestyle

Less time spent each week with the gardener, pool service, tree trimmers and home repairman – probably sounds like nirvana.   Moving to a smaller home that needs less, or maybe a condo where the maintenance is taken care of for you, may be a great choice.

 

 

 

 

5) Closer to Family

Are the kids and grandkids too far away for easy visits and the visits are becoming fewer and further between?

Relocating to move closer to the family as you downsize at the same time, will help bring the family together in more ways than one.  They want you to have a simpler life too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) Closer to What You Love

Interests change over time. When you were taking the kids to school everyday, your time and network of friends were likely school or work related.  Now, with more free time and less responsibility – maybe playing golf, dinner with friends and catching a live performance at the theater are more your style now.  You can downsize and move closer to the activities you want to do.

 

 

 

7) A Home Ready for the Future

Thinking about how we’ll navigate around the house as we age is something to consider.  No stairs, wide halls and doorways are a few of the things you may want to look at as you downsize your home.

Layout, flow, and functionality — the best choice will be more than just square footage. Your new home should complement your lifestyle, not complicate it.  A thoughtfully chosen home today means comfort and accessibility for years to come.

 

8) Lower, or No Mortgage

Home prices have appreciated, in some cases, a lot.  If you’ve owned your home for a while and have built-up equity, you may be able to sell and buy your next home without a mortgage at all.  Saving that big monthly expense could help fund your retirement, pay off debt,  and you may still have a nice down payment for your next home.

 

 

 

 

Practical Tips for Downsizing

1) Start Decluttering Early

Start the downsizing process by decluttering your current home. Go through each room and evaluate your possessions.  Do you use that item….really? How long has it been since you’ve used it?  Is it adding value to your life?  If not, sell, donate, recycle or throw away.  Remember the more you declutter now, the less you’ll need to move when the time comes.  START EARLY Don’t wait until packing time to start purging.  Take inventory to assess what needs to be moved don’t forget the attic and garage.

 

 

Make Four Piles: Keep, Donate, Sell, Throw Away (skip the “Maybe” pile)

The easiest way to stay organized is to create an inventory list.  Create four piles for excess items; Keep, Donate, Sell, Throw Away.  No maybe pile, be decisive.   Once the excess items are gone, now you can start packing what you plan to keep, pack and label each box.

NOT JUST IN CASE
Gear from years gone by, now is the time to purge.  Don’t bring anything with you that you haven’t needed or thought about in years, just in case you might want it.

GO DIGITAL
Digitize everything! Documents, old family photos, CD’s, DVD’s, even the kids artwork from school – convert into digital formats and save them in the cloud for easy access.  If you don’t have time or not sure how to do it, there are services available that will do it for you.

PURGE TO DOWNSIZE

• Extra Bed linens and blankets
• Expired medications
• Clothes that don’t fit or out of style
• Large Kitchen appliances you don’t use
• Over-sized furniture that takes up too much space
• Unused exercise equipment

KEEP

• Important documents such as diplomas, birth or death certificates, passport, Social Security or Medicare docs
• Emergency Kit (no matter where you move to, you need some basics; toolbox, stepladder, extinguisher, 1st aid kit to name a few)
• Full sets – keep at least one full set of dishes, flatware, glasses, tools.

 

3) Adopt a “Less Is More” Mindset

Measure your furniture and sketch a quick layout of your new space. Bring only what fits comfortably and supports your day-to-day routine. Donate or sell anything that won’t work in your next chapter.

 

 

 

 

Is Now the Right Time?

Ideally, you would sell in a sellers market and buy in a buyers market.  But timing that perfectly is pretty difficult to do.

As an experienced real estate professional, I help my clients navigate this transition confidently — selling strategically, buying wisely, and making the move with peace of mind.

I have a couple of guides that you may find helpful:
• How to Maximize Your Home Sale
• How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

 

 

The most important factor as you start the process of downsizing your home, is finding a top notch Real Estate Professional, we’re worth our weight in gold and it matters who you work with.

I work frequently with homeowners who are downsizing, and have an extensive library of resources available for my clients.  I can help you navigate through the process.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

Schedule a private consultation today to begin planning your next chapter with clarity and ease.

With a smile,

Broker Associate | LUXE Director
Bennion Deville Homes