Downsizing Tips for Seniors: If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of downsizing, take heart. We've put together a comprehensive guide full of tips to make the entire process easier. The post Downsizing Tips for Seniors appeared first on Chell Team.

The very idea of downsizing might make you want to put it on the backburner indefinitely. Leave your family home? It can be unthinkable, at least at first. That said, there can also be numerous benefits to moving to a more manageable space. The entire process also becomes more feasible, especially when you take it in small steps and have the right guidance

This is not something you have to accomplish (or even decide) overnight. Still, having a plan and a vision in place can help you reframe the idea of downsizing into a positive experience. That’s why you’ll often hear people referring to it as “smartsizing” instead.

If your home has become too large to maintain or more expensive than you’d like, a change may just be what you need to elevate your lifestyle. In this post, we’ll provide you with some downsizing tips to make your transition more straightforward than you realize.

Do your downsizing plans involve buying a new home? Our Buyer’s Guide will help you simplify and streamline that process. Download your complimentary copy right here.

Start Early

It never hurts to start thinking about your downsizing steps early, even a few years before you intend to move. You can get an idea of what your priorities are and where you want to go next, all without the stress and worry of actually listing your house for sale.

In the meantime, you can take a look through each room and take note of any items you no longer use or need or didn’t even remember that you owned. From here, begin sorting your belongings by what you will keep, what you’d like to give away, and what you can discard without missing.

This decluttering phase is one of the most stressful parts of the downsizing process when you’re dealing with countless other pieces of the puzzle. It can be even worse when you’re up against a short deadline. By giving yourself a head start, you automatically eliminate most of the anxiety and overwhelm that go along with a big move.

Is decluttering putting a damper on your downsizing experience? Here’s a resource that can help: What Is the Art of Letting Go? How to Declutter Your Home At Last

Look for the Positive

It’s normal to have conflicting emotions about downsizing from your beloved family home. The longer you have lived there, the more memories you have, and saying “goodbye” can feel bittersweet. Remember that although your loved ones may no longer live under the same roof, your memories can never be taken away. This is true whether you move or not.

Plus, think about all of the positive experiences you can look forward to with this next chapter of your life. With a smaller space, you’ll spend less time cleaning and maintaining your home, which means more time for exploring your neighbourhood, meeting new people, and even pursuing new hobbies.

Downsizing your home could also have a positive impact on your finances. A property you’ve owned for many years doesn’t just have emotional value; its monetary value has also likely grown substantially. Any surplus between selling your larger home for something smaller can now go towards your retirement fund.

Are you planning to retire or downsize in the exciting and beautiful City of Ottawa? The posts below can help:

• What All Downsizers Need to Know About Buying and Selling in Ottawa
• Smartsizing Vs. Downsizing: What’s the Difference?
• Why Is Ottawa Great for Downsizers?

Make a List of Questions and Concerns

When you begin feeling better about the idea, maybe even looking forward to a change, the process of downsizing becomes far less daunting. At this point, it becomes a matter of strategy. Making a list of all of your questions and concerns will help you through the planning stages and keep you on track. For example:

• What kind of timeframe are you looking at? It’s never too early to begin planning.
• Where do you want to go next? Do you plan to stay in the city or relocate elsewhere? Perhaps you’ll decide to head to a tropical destination the minute the snow and ice arrive.
• What does your financial picture currently look like? How will selling your existing home impact that?
• Do you want to buy a smaller home or rent for the time being?
• How does your family feel about you downsizing? Ultimately, the decision is yours, but the support of your loved ones will be a great help.
• How much space do you really need in your house? Do you currently have rooms that are primarily storage for belongings you no longer use?
• Are there stairs in your current home that make it more challenging for you to go about your daily routine?

When you really sit down and think about what your life could look like in a more manageable space, you might find yourself looking forward to downsizing (or smartsizing). You’ll know when the time is at hand because it will feel like the right thing to do.

The value of your home will play a significant role in your future possibilities. If you’re curious, you can book a free evaluation with our team right here.

Ask for Help

Alone, downsizing can seem like a monumental task. It involves preparing your home for the market while simultaneously searching for the right place to buy or rent, not to mention packing, decluttering, and moving. However, you don’t have to do any of this by yourself, nor should you try.

You likely have more support than you realize, both from family members and third-party professionals. Your loved ones can rally around you to help with packing and moving. For anything above and beyond, a local real estate agent can step in. Preferably, you want a full-service team that is committed to guiding you throughout every step of the journey.

At the Chell Team, we will do everything possible to ensure you receive the highest price possible for your existing property, which will empower your next move. Our extended team of trusted professionals can also take all or most of the weight off your shoulders. Whether you need help with cleaning and decluttering or a trusted contractor to get your home show ready, we are happy to put you in touch.

You don’t have to wait until you’re ready to buy or sell to contact an Ottawa real estate agent. The right professional will be happy to help anytime, even from the early planning stages. The posts below will help you find a knowledgeable and compassionate expert:

• What are the Signs You’ve Found a Great Realtor®?
• 6 Advantages of Buying a Home with an Ottawa Real Estate Agent
• Can I Use the Same Ottawa Real Estate Agent to Buy and Sell?

Plan for the Current Market

Ottawa real estate is dynamic and ever-changing. It can be intimidating to look at all of the numbers and stats, but there are always opportunities no matter which direction the market is headed.

When you’re ready, an experienced local real estate agent can help you make sense of the numbers. We can help you prepare for a successful sale by listing your home at a competitive price and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy to find qualified buyers.

With a successful sale behind you, you can now focus on your next steps. A world of possibilities is open to you, one where you have more time and resources to live your retirement dreams on your terms.

No matter where you are in the downsizing process, our compassionate team of Ottawa real estate agents is happy to help. Start the conversation today by calling 613.829.7484 or emailing mail@chellteam.com.

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