So you want to downsize and now are considering how best to go about it. Perhaps you’re thinking about moving to a smaller apartment or home? Planning to downsize comes with many benefits, from less upkeep and cleaning (you had me a cleaning) to lower energy bills and initial investment. The benefits to downsize could be felt by us all.
If you’ve lived in big homes for years, possibly entertaining family and friends, there are plenty of reasons to downsize. Most likely, you just don’t need all that space anymore – there are too many bedrooms and only so much time to clean throughout the day. Or maybe you’re moving to a new country or city, where properties are more or less expensive, so you’re selling up and starting a new chapter in your life.
Whatever your reason, downsizing can be exciting. It’s a new chapter, a new opportunity for you to make new memories while not forgetting the old ones.
This blog will help you downsize successfully and provide a step-by-step guide to navigate you through that journey.
When is the best time to downsize?
Before we get to downsizing, you may ask yourself the following question: Is now really the best time?
This is a common objection many people face before downsizing. But, if you’ve really thought about it, chances are it’s almost time to start packing things away and searching for something a little smaller.
Popular times for many people to downsize and retirement, when maintenance of a property (and perhaps the grounds) just becomes more of a burden, and when you’ve got more space than you actually need. For example, your kids have all grown up and moved in to their own homes, so you no longer need the space you once required.
Downsizing your home = downsizing your possessions.
You know that therapeutic feeling you get when you’ve had a good clear out? Embrace that feeling as you’ll naturally want to reduce the number of possessions you own before setting out on your new adventure.
This means opening up the cupboards, lofts and garages and sorting through your belongings.
But it doesn’t end there. You will also want to decide what furniture you would like to keep and what you intend to give away or auction.
As a general rule, it’s best to tackle the bigger items first. Is there a spare room with large furniture in that you no longer need or use? Once you’ve decided on the larger items you can then move to the smaller things.
Another benefit of starting with the unneeded rooms means you can displace more items easily. It might also help you realise what you actually need and what’s extra. This also allows you to continue using your everyday items in the meantime.
Create and implement a system to downsize.
To make the whole process easier we suggest implementing a system. Randomly going through your possessions will likely result in giving away either too much or not enough.
I’d recommend a one-year rule. If you haven’t used an item during the last year, chances are you no longer need it.
For these items you’ve basically got four options: give them away, auction them, give them to charity or bin them.
I suspect a lot of these items will end up in charity or upcycled by friends or family so there is always good to come out of it.
Consider your new lifestyle when downsizing.
There’s a reason you’ve decided you no longer need all that space, so you should consider carefully the new lifestyle you have planned out before reducing your possessions.
For example, if you’re moving from a four-bedroom home to an apartment, you may no longer need the lawnmower or other garden equipment. That train set you’ve been getting out every time the grandchildren come to visit, can this be passed down the generations?
Being sensible and only keeping what you need will make the whole process a lot easier.
Begin downsizing before you move home, not after.
Your mind is made up; you’re downsizing. Now is the time to start reducing your possessions.
Having said that, it might be easier said than done. Getting rid of possessions can be difficult but I’d recommend downsizing before you starting scrolling http://Rightmove, not after. It may take you a little while to find your next home, so the sooner you start, the easier the process will be. You’ll also give yourself more time to plan your leaving party!
Not only will you avoid higher removal/storage costs (or back-and-forth trips), but it also allows you to be more realistic about what you actually need.
Those first few nights in your new home will also be so much more enjoyable as you won’t be tripping over boxes when trying to find locations for them.
Is this your last move?
Another important aspect to consider is whether or not this is likely to be your last move. If so, you’ll need to be super focused and plan ahead. What do you really need and what can you give away?
We’re not saying you should throw away all your family photographs and memorabilia but there will be things you definitely don’t need that you can get rid of to free up more space.
Being realistic about what to keep and what to get rid of will really help.
Avoid renting a storage space.
This might seem like a great idea in theory but renting a storage unit or garage can quickly get very costly.
The main problem with storage facilities is that it encourages you to keep possessions and furniture that you no longer need. What I’ve seen happen time and time again is you place something in a storage facility thinking you’ll need it, only to get rid of it months later.
Downsizing your possessions as much as possible to avoid unnecessary costs and sticking to your plan will save you time and money in the long run.
Who doesn’t want a stress-free downsizing experience?
Downsizing your home is a big, often emotional step, but it can be a liberating, enjoyable experience and provide a better lifestyle for your ongoing needs.
Once you’ve successful done this, why not take a look at my article on Planning to sell your home? Read our 10-step guide to a achieving a successful sale in 2023 for some more useful advice.
If you want to downsize but don’t know where to begin, or even the idea of it sends shivers down your spine, then give us a call on 07962 306496 or email us on info@carrollproperty.co.uk and we’ll help you downsize successfully.
