Every year, we help many clients transition from the homes they’ve lived in for decades to something smaller or better suited to their next chapter. At the beginning, almost everyone feels a bit overwhelmed, and it’s totally normal! The good news is that we’ve helped many clients over the years and know exactly how to make the process smoother and less stressful. And in the end, our clients always tell us how glad they are that they made the move.
Here are some of our favorite tips to help make the process of downsizing less stressful:
START BY UNDERSTANDING ALL YOUR OPTIONS
When we meet with a client who’s thinking about downsizing, our first priority is to understand their full situation. We take time to talk through long-term goals, explore different housing options, and help determine whether making a move or staying put makes the most sense. We also walk through the financial side of things, including whether the current home needs to be sold first to make the move possible. Once we’ve answered the big questions together, we map out a clear plan tailored to our client’s needs so they can plan forward with confidence.
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
It’s easy to get attached to the idea of moving to a certain neighborhood or finding a home with specific upgrades, but try to stay open to different possibilities. Instead of focusing only on the “what” or “where,” think about how you want to live in this next chapter. What’s most important to you – less maintenance, a better location, being closer to family, or more freedom to travel? Once you’re clear on your goals, it becomes much easier (and more exciting!) to find the right fit. Don’t be afraid to explore new areas or consider options you hadn’t thought about before. You might be surprised by what feels just right.
TAKE AN HONEST LOOK AT HOW MUCH SPACE YOU REALLY NEED
When you’re thinking about downsizing, it helps to focus on how you’re living now, not how you lived 10 years ago. Do you still need two guest rooms, or would one be enough? Are you using that formal dining room or would you prefer a great room? How much are you using your office, backyard, or garage? Downsizing doesn’t mean giving things up, it means choosing a home that truly fits your next lifestyle with less space to maintain and more room to enjoy what matters most.
START WITH ONE CLOSET AT A TIME
Downsizing means you’ll probably need to pare down your belongings, and that doesn’t happen overnight. Even if you’re not planning to move for another year, it’s a great idea to start now. Begin with an easy space like a hall closet or guest room, and work your way up to the areas that are harder to tackle. Along the way, try to shift your mindset: it’s okay to let go of things you no longer use, even if they have been with you for years. Focus on keeping the items you truly use and love so your next space will feel just right.
GIVE THINGS AWAY
If you have the time and energy to sell items online or hold a garage sale, go for it! But for many of our clients, that process can quickly become overwhelming. Dealing with questions, negotiating prices, and waiting on no-shows just adds stress. Instead, consider simply giving items away.
Family, friends, local churches, and charities are always grateful for gently used things. And don’t take it personally if your kids don’t want your treasures; everyone has their own style, space, and needs. Just remember, what no longer works for you might be exactly what someone else is looking for, and could end up being loved all over again in a new home.
We have found that this first phase of planning for a move is incredibly important in helping you design your perfect downsize. You get the opportunity to explore options and choose what fits you best. You also get a chance to go through and choose the possessions that mean the most so you can make space for them in the future.
Next month, we will discuss what to look for in a property as you embark on your downsizing journey! Stay tuned!
John is the Designated Broker of KOR Properties and has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for over 21 years. He is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), and serves on the Arizona Regional MLS (ARMLS) Rules & Policies Committee, ARMLS Appeals Committee, and the West and Southeast Realtors of the Valley Professional Standards Committee.
Natascha is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer and Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR). She is the Founder of Mesa Food Truck Fridays, a Member and Past-Chair of the City of Mesa Economic Development Advisory Board, and on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.