Has the time come for you or a loved one to start thinking about downsizing your home? It’s a major undertaking for anyone, and it can be easy to get bogged down in the details. The idea of selling a home, buying a new one, packing, moving, and unpacking isn’t just difficult; it can actually be impossible to pull off without extra support. Sometimes, assembling a team to help is the best and only way to go.
Downsizing after retirement can coincide with health issues that hinder the moving process. Whether you want or need help, it’s important that you know how to find it. In this post, we’ll provide some insightful downsizing tips for seniors and a host of resources to streamline your transition.
Did you know we have a detailed Buyer’s Guide just for downsizers? Download your copy for free right here.
How to Downsize Your Home for Retirement
A positive first step is simply to make a plan. With enough time, you don’t have to move mountains on any particular day. Instead, you can chip away at the task whenever motivation strikes. If you need to take a moment, there can be time for that, too.
During the early stages, you’ll want to figure out how to downsize your stuff – we all accumulate a lot of belongings over the years. Many items have meaning only to us, and they are hard to part with. This is why decluttering is often the most time-consuming and emotional aspect of downsizing a house.
Standard decluttering advice is easy to offer but harder to follow. Nevertheless, it’s an essential part of the process. Take a look through your closets and drawers and consider those belongings you rarely use, if ever.
Set them aside in a box, tape it up, and label it with today’s date. You’re not throwing out anything right now, so the immediate burden is off your shoulders. If months or even years go by and you never need to open the box, chances are you don’t need any of those items. Often, you won’t even remember you had them!
If you’re still having trouble, start with the easy tasks first. Every household contains at least a few duplicates in every room. Does anyone really need four pairs of kitchen shears, three spatulas, or five frying pans, all the same size?
Getting rid of unnecessary belongings with no emotional attachments can be invigorating. Suddenly, your house feels more spacious – a benefit that potential buyers will also notice. In addition, staying organized has never been so easy. Once you’ve started the ball rolling, you may be more motivated to continue.
Preparing your home for sale is one of the most significant challenges when downsizing. Once it’s out of the way, everything else is more straightforward. The posts below can simplify this step:
- What Are the Best Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value?
- Renovating Vs. Selling Your Home As-Is
- 5 Quick Updates That Add Resale Value
Reach Out for Support
Even with the best tips, downsizing and decluttering can still be overwhelming for one person—or even a couple. If you have friends or family nearby, they might be willing to lend a hand, especially if there’s pizza or snacks thrown into the deal.
Even better, reach out for support from professionals who specialize in helping seniors downsize. Hiring cleaners, movers, and tradespeople will come at a financial cost, but the ease of your transition can make it well worth the investment.
If you’re not sure where to start, a local real estate agent will have numerous connections in the community. We are always happy to make a recommendation and to offer our own help with downsizing.
Seniors: Downsizing and Moving Resources
No matter where you live or where you are going, there will always be downsizing support if you search for it. Even if they’re not aimed directly at seniors, there will be a long list of resources that you can and should take advantage of. Here are a few examples right here in Guelph:
Junk Removal Services
Standard clutter often consists of small knick knacks tucked away in closets and drawers. However, occasionally, there’s a large piece of furniture or other object that is too heavy and cumbersome to move.
That’s where professional junk removal services can come in handy. You simply point to what you want taken away, and they do all the heavy lifting on your behalf.
- 1-800-GOT-JUNK is our go-to choice for clients. They provide full-service pickup wherever you need it, often on the same day.
- The City of Guelph offers pickup of large items for disposal. However, there is a nominal fee involved and you do have to get it to the curb on the scheduled date.
Moving Companies
Moving from one home to the next involves far less stress and effort when you let professionals handle it. Macho Movers is our premium choice as they offer a full range of services, including long-distance moves, help with packing and unpacking, storage solutions, and furniture assembly.
If you’re looking for a full-service solution with a focus on the needs of seniors, HUGO and Company comes highly recommended, especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Caring team members will even help with packing and unpacking, all while honouring the treasured memories that make a space feel like home.
The GoWylde Real Estate Team is also happy to provide other recommendations whenever necessary.
Are you still ironing out the details for your next steps after downsizing your house? The posts below might help:
- Is Guelph a Nice Place to Retire?
- What Are the Top Condo Buildings in Guelph For Seniors?
- When Is the Right Time to Downsize?
A Local Real Estate Team
Whether you need specific downsizing support or general advice about your next steps, a full-service real estate team is a must-have resource. Our vast network of connections ensures a seamless transition from the beginning stages right through to moving day.
You’ll get up-to-date advice on the local market to help you make the most of selling and buying a home. Most of all, you’ll have a listening ear and compassionate support from an expert who truly understands the emotional side of downsizing.
Are you ready to downsize or just curious about the process? Our top Guelph real estate agents are here to answer all of your questions. Reach out any time at info@gowylde.ca or call 519-826-7109 for more information.
