Downsizing Checklist

Although downsizing may seem like a daunting task, making the move could mean less maintenance and lower expenses in the long run. This checklist will help ease the stress and prepare you for a successful transition to downsize into a smaller space. When you’re ready to connect with an Agent, we would be happy to help. Visit this page to read more about selling your house and to get in touch with an Agent.

1.   Get Organized

Right from the get-go, you’ll want to get organized and make a plan. This may include determining what belongings to keep and what part ways with, a timeline of when you’d like to move and deciding where you’ll move to after you downsize. Try to give yourself enough time to complete all of the required tasks before moving day.

2.   Build a Support System

Who better to turn to than those you trust? Downsizing is a great time to connect with friends and family to get extra help, advice and support. You may have friends who have already downsized their homes who can give valuable insights and guidance on specific topics, while your family will likely lend a hand throughout the downsizing process.

3.   Sell What You Can

Once you’re organized, turn to Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace to sell belongings that you no longer need or have space for. This is a great opportunity to make a bit of cash off of your items, while fulfilling the goal of downsizing and scaling back. Before getting started with selling your belongings online, refer to Safety at Kijiji  and Facebook’s Tips for Buying and Selling Safely on Marketplace for best practices.

4.   Donate What Can’t Be Sold

You’ll likely have a few items left that you’re unable to sell. When this happens, take some time to sort and decided what can be donated and what items should be recycled. Once your items are sorted, neatly pack up the items you’d like to donate into a box and drop it off at a local charity or donation centre.

5.   Go Digital

Take a look at what documents and paperwork you have around your home. Can some documents be transferred to a digital format? Depending on the number of physical files you have in your home, going digital could free up quite a bit of space. In the best interest of downsizing and saving space, transfer what you can to a digital format to store in a secure location.

6.   Consider a Storage Unit

When you’re downsizing and scaling back, it may become difficult to part ways with certain belongings. Know that there are storage options available. Self storage units come in a variety of sizes and range in price. When looking, consider the length of time that you would likely store items to determine the cost of a storage unit over time after your move.

7.   Meet with a Real Estate Agent

A local real estate Agent will be able to assist you with selling your house. Whatever your reason for downsizing is, a knowledgeable Agent can guide you through the process of selling your house, while providing valuable insights on market trends, home staging and more. If you’re also planning on searching for a new home, an Agent can help with that, too. It doesn’t hurt to start the conversation early.

If you’re planning on downsizing, Team Jordan would be happy to help. Whether you’re a year away from the big move, or you’re looking for a quick close, one of our trusted, local Agents would be happy to guide you through the selling process so you can focus on what matters most. Click here to get started.