Does the idea of downsizing your home sound appealing? If so, you’re not alone. As the fascination with tiny homes continues to grow, downsizing is no longer just for seniors and retirees. There are multiple reasons to consider downsizing, including lower maintenance, less upkeep, eco-living, being closer to your family, one level living, not to mention the benefit of lower utility bills and property taxes.
With the right planning, downsizing can be a path to freedom for just about anyone. Here are some great tips to help you get the most out of your future smaller home.
Take an Inventory of the Things You Desire in Your Next Smaller Home
Before you make any decisions about downsizing, make a list of the things you want in your next home.
Do you visualize:
- Purchasing or renting?
- Being closer to family?
- Living in a community with amenities, activities, and a vibrant social scene?
- A different climate?
- A space that requires less cleaning and yard work?
- Proximity to a golf course, view, lake access, boat dock, airport, etc.?
- A fenced yard for a pet?
- Any other requirements or desires?
By tying your requirements into your goals and dreams, you can immediately get a picture of the best home to suit your needs. This article is a great resource for those looking to downsize to an Austin condo or townhome. But in regards to finding that perfect smaller home, working with an experienced Austin Realtor® will make a world of difference.
Downsizing Can Help Free Up Your Finances
A home is the biggest investment most will make in their lifetime. When it comes time to sell that investment, you’ll want to make the most out of it. There are many online calculators, like this one, to help you work out the savings you can reap from downsizing your home. A Realtor® can also be a great asset, as a real estate agent can help you optimize the profit from your Austin real estate sale.
Downsizing Involves Downsizing Your Possessions Too
The single hardest part of downsizing often isn’t about the home itself, but about all of the things inside of a home. The best way to make this process less stressful is to start early and do it gradually.
- Start with the garage, attic, and basement, and go through all of the boxes you put aside over the years.
- Tell the kids it’s time for them to take responsibility for the childhood toys and mementos you’ve been hanging onto for them.
- Offer-up china, silverware, jewelry, clothing, etc., to charities or those who want or need it.
- Invest in a paper shredder and declutter the home office.
- Go through all of the spaces that aren’t getting used, and sell off superfluous furniture.
- Remember, when in doubt, there’s always the trusty yard sale.
Plan, Plan and Plan Again for a Stress-Free Move
Moving can seem daunting when you haven’t done it in a long time, especially as you get older. But as with all else, a little bit of planning can go a long way.
Make sure to budget for a good, professional moving service. This will take 90% of the stress out of the big day. When you pack, get a few boxes of essentials together, with clothes, linens, toiletries, and cooking basics, so you have these items handy, while unpacking.
Ease Your Transition with the Aid of an Experienced Realtor®
An experienced Realtor® can be an excellent resource whenever you’re looking to transition into a new home. Equipped with an invaluable education and tools, they can:
- Assess the price and enhancements needed to sell your current property for optimal profit and efficiency.
- Connect you to professional organizers, stagers, packers, movers, estate sale companies, contractors, interior designers, etc.
- Find you the perfect smaller home to buy or lease.
- If you are moving from out of town, they can refer you to a Realtor® in your home town to list that property, or vice versa.
- Help you negotiate all paperwork involved in the transaction.
- Plus tie up any other loose ends that arise.
Downsizing is all about figuring out what you need for the lifestyle you want, then taking the time to plan properly for your move. While it may seem overwhelming, breaking it down into a few simpler steps can get you on your way to your new home in no time.
Entrust Habitat Hunters’ experienced team of Austin real estate agents with your downsizing, retirement and relocation needs. Thousands have used our boutique firm for its personal, expert service since 1972. We know the area, the Austin real estate market and have the contacts and knowledge to market and sell your current home and find you a new one! Contact us for a consultation today.
