Downsizing? Here's How to Do It Right

If you’re like many people looking at townhomes for sale in DC Ranch, you’re doing so because right now, you’re living in “too much house.” Although the townhomes in DC Ranch are still spacious, they’re designed for easy living and convenience… and they may be the perfect choice for you.

That means you need to downsize. It’s a big trend right now across all age groups, but it can be pretty stressful – unless you do it properly.

Here’s how.

How to Downsize to a Smaller Home

Before you downsize, remember that in your new home, you’ll have less space to work with – and that most likely means that every corner, counter top and space will need to serve a purpose.

You’ll also have to:

Assess your future living space
Create a plan
Go through closets and storage spaces
Get rid of furnishings

Assess Your Future Living Space

If you’re interested in buying a townhome, it’s a good idea to start talking to DC Ranch Realtors® far in advance. The agent you choose to work with will be able to talk to you about floor plans and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you want. He or she will also help you find the right neighborhood within the community.

When you’ve zeroed in on a neighborhood and a home style that you know you’re interested in, you can start the next step: Creating a plan.

Create a Plan

One of the most important things you can do when you’re downsizing to a smaller home is to plan ahead. Don’t wait to make decisions – as soon as you know what type of home you’re interested in, start creating your plan.

The earlier you start, the better. For some people, that means planning for a year or more. That gives you time to sort through holiday decorations as you put them up and seasonal clothes as you cycle through them. It also gives you time to go through one room each month to decide what you should keep, sell, donate or give away.

Go Through Closets and Storage Spaces

Closets and storage spaces hold a lot more than any of us think they do. Often, it’s “stuff” we don’t want to part with but don’t use every day.

Expert organizers say that there are several ways to deal with things that fall into this category:

Keep them and move them to your new home’s closets and storage spaces
Keep them and put them to use
Take photos of sentimental items, then donate, recycle or sell them

It’s hard to let things go, but here’s a good rule of thumb: If you haven’t used it, looked at it, or thought about it over the past 6 months, it’s probably time to get rid of it. (Seasonal decor and clothing excluded, of course.)

If you’re not sure what you should do about a particular item, get an objective opinion. Talk to someone who doesn’t have any personal interest in the item and see what he or she would do with it. You might even consider hiring a professional organizer who can help you on your downsizing journey.

Get Rid of Furnishings

The last thing to do before you move into your smaller home is to get rid of furnishings that won’t fit or won’t be a good match. It can be time-consuming and resource-intensive if you’re actually measuring all your furniture, but you’ll know exactly how much to sell, donate or give away.

Are You Buying or Selling a Home in DC Ranch?

Call us at 480-360-0281 to find out how we’ll aggressively market your home to all the right buyers – or you can call us to talk about what you want from your new home in DC Ranch.

While you’re here, check out our:

Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team
RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
866-613-8356
don@scottsdalerealestate.com

Downsizing? Here’s How to Do It Right