Are You Dreaming of Downsizing?
We want your downsizing project to go as smoothly as possible. That’s why we’ve put together Free Downsizing Plans to help you get started. With a solid plan in place, you can enjoy the flexibility to complete the work you can do yourself and have more options (and less stress!) when it’s time to bring in some professional help.
How Long Does It Take to Downsize?
For most people, the decision to downsize a home evolves over time, as priorities change and new opportunities emerge. It can sometimes take years to determine the next move and work up the enthusiasm to take the plunge. If you feel a home transition is in your future, it’s a good idea to take control of your belongings sooner than later.
Even if you don’t know where you’re going, planning ahead for your eventual move can be a therapeutic part of the process, allowing you to:
- Take time to relive your memories.
- Make deliberate decisions about your belongings.
- Enjoy a simplified lifestyle in your current home.
For larger homes and estates, the relocation experts and Senior Move Managers® at Home Transition Pros recommend that people start as early as possible to downsize many years of belongings, art, furniture, collections, family heirlooms, and more.
With a little planning and dedicated time to completing the tasks on your to-do list, you can successfully complete a great deal of the sorting, purging, and hauling that will be necessary to considerably reduce your belongings.
However, as with many things in life, an unexpected or life-changing event can make downsizing more difficult, especially when there are time constraints.
At the minimum, we recommend that empty nesters and older adults plan on spending at least 6 months to complete a “voluntary” downsizing move. If you need to move in six months or less, you’ll definitely need a solid plan and a commitment to dedicating a substantial amount of time each week to reach your goals.
When There’s No Time to Plan
Of course, there are times in life when we don’t have the luxury of planning at all. In these cases, you’ll benefit from an experienced project manager to help you navigate the process and minimize trauma. Read our pro tips for Downsizing in a Hurry, and Get in touch right away so we can expedite a transition specialist to step in immediately.
Regardless of your timeline, it helps to have a general guide, order of operations, and sample to-do list.
Are You Ready to Downsize in the Next 6 to 8 Months?
Are you ready to take the plunge and downsize in the next 6 to 8 months? We’re here to help you every step of the way! But before we dive in, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what this journey entails.
1. You Need to Know Where You’re Going
Downsizing is all about tailoring your belongings to fit the specific characteristics of your new space. It’s essential to have a clear vision of where you’re headed before you start. By clear vision, we mean knowing exactly where you are going and ideally, having a detailed floor plan including measurements of each room.
2. You Should Be Ready to Focus on What’s Coming With You
One of the biggest worries we hear from downsizers is that they don’t know what to do with the items left over after the move. Dwelling too much on the fate of belongings that aren’t going with you can cause unnecessary stress and worry. Instead, let’s keep the focus on what’s coming with you to your new home.
While we’ll set aside time to process your cherished possessions, it’s often best to leave the bulk of disbursing unneeded items to professionals at the end of the project. This way, you can maintain your momentum and avoid getting bogged down in decisions that don’t serve your primary goal.
3. You should have Realistic Expectations About How Much Time it Will Take
Six months might sound like plenty of time, but trust us—it’s not! Many people need help as the project progresses, so it’s wise to line up services early before things get overwhlming. Search our local directory for support for the most commonly needed tasks, from packing and moving to selling and donating items. These pros will ensure that your downsizing process goes smoothly, and you’ll be glad to have them on your side.
4. Embrace One Golden Rule: No Lifting!
Keep this in mind for the whole project: Leave the heavy lifting to the professionals. Consider yourself the CEO of your downsizing move. Your role is to make high-level decisions, not to cart books and old clothes all over town. Besides, if you get injured, it could compromise the entire mission. Let the experts handle the physical work so you can stay focused on the big picture.
Downsizing can be a daunting task, but with the right mindset and a solid plan, you can make it a smooth and even enjoyable experience. Remember, the key is to stay focused on what’s truly important—your next chapter in a space that’s perfectly suited to your needs. I’m here to guide you through the process and ensure that you’re well-prepared for this exciting transition. Let’s get started!
Download our Free Downsizing Plan.
This three-page PDF lists out our recommended approach and includes links to our national directory of downsizing pros who are standing by to help.
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