Tips for downsizing your family home

Downsizing is a bit of a buzzword in the real estate industry. It typically refers to trading in a large family home to suit a more manageable lifestyle. There are pros and cons to downsizing, but ultimately, the benefit is living in a low-maintenance property with easy access, usually with just one storey. In this blog, we share tips to help make downsizing your family home easier and less stressful. 

Set your intention  

Understanding the reasoning behind downsizing your family home can help you stick to your plan and make you more excited about the process. Ask yourself, why are you downsizing?  

Are you wanting to travel more? Do you want to help your children with a deposit for their homes? Do you want to move closer to family? Are you hoping for a sea change that suits your lifestyle?  

Knowing the why will help you choose the most appropriate new home during the downsizing process.  

Take notes  

When it comes to downsizing your family home, the most obvious consideration is space. Downsizing quite literally means that you won’t have as much space for all the items you have in your big family home.  

In order to downsize your family home, go through each room, one by one, and sort through everything, taking notes of what you need versus any nice-to-have items. Since downsizing means having less living space, you probably won't need as much furniture in your new home.  

Measure out the new space 

Making your living space smaller can involve reducing the number and size of rooms. Your furniture may also be too big for your new space. So, measuring your furniture is essential to see if and how it will fit in your new space. Working this out ahead of time is much easier than trying to move a couch into a space where it does not fit.  

Consider your new lifestyle

Are you moving into an apartment with a gym? Are you moving to the city with public transport nearby? Are you swapping the beach for the country?  

Where you move and the new lifestyle this provides will ultimately affect the items and space you need. A fresh start might mean some of your belongings become redundant in your new space.  

Declutter

The entire purpose of downsizing is to simplify your life, so only take what you need with you. Once you have identified which items you are not taking to your new home, it’s time to get rid of them. Dispose, donate or sell.  

Decluttering before you move helps you understand packing and moving and gets rid of things you don't need. Read our blog for more tips on decluttering.   

Make it a family affair 

Invite your kids or grandkids to help you sort through items. Tell your stories and encourage them to ask questions. They may want to keep things you don't need anymore, or you might choose to give family heirlooms earlier than planned.  

Shred or digitise

Paper items can build up over the years. Get your shredder and scanner out and prepare to thin out your files. Get rid of documents you have online access to and any old paperwork you no longer need to keep. You can scan and organise other documents in digital files.  

Make the most of storage spaces

Moving from a large family home to a smaller property, chances are you will have more items than space so it’s important to maximise the storage space that you do have in your new home. Use wall shelves, built-in garage storage, hidden attic, or basement storage for items you don't use often. Or you could consider renting an off-site storage unit to keep these items.  

Wait to buy new things

Hold off on buying new furniture, artwork or decor until you are in the new space. Don't rush to buy new things for your home.   

First, take the time to assess what you need and what will complement your new space. Avoid going on a shopping spree without careful consideration.  

As you've just read, preparation is crucial for downsizing your home, and it may take some time to adjust. The best form of preparation is a qualified real estate agent. A skilled agent can give you impartial advice on how to sell your home and make moving easier.    

Contact your local Hockingstuart agent for advice and assistance with selling, including an obligation-free appraisal of your home’s current value. See also our Steps to sell page.  

Renting

If it's time to downsize, consider renting if you are looking to simplify your lifestyle and reduce living expenses. By moving into a smaller, more manageable space, renters can enjoy significantly lower utility bills, less maintenance, and the flexibility that renting offers, providing a sense of financial security and confidence in their decision.   

Downsizing your family home not only allows individuals to declutter and focus on what matters, but it also opens the opportunity to live in desirable locations. Renting provides access to amenities and communities that may have been out of reach, enhancing the quality of life without the long-term commitment of homeownership. Find available rentals here.   

For more properties and area guides, read the latest Sitchu Magazine.