Downsizing home checklist: What to consider

This is a controversial topic for many of us, especially if you come from Latino parents, they specifically love to keep everything, but get rid of something? No, because you don’t know when you will need it! A downsizing home checklist can be done, it’s liberating and rewarding, you won’t be the next Marie Kondo, but you will have a lot more space when you move out.

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At what age do most seniors downsize?

The age at which most seniors downsize can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. However, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors, the typical downsizer is 65 years old and sells a single-family home that is worth about $270,000.

As seniors approach retirement they can begin to interest themselves in downsizing, which is typically around age 65, but others may wait until later in life. Some seniors may also choose to downsize earlier or later depending on their financial situation, health, and lifestyle goals. Ultimately, the decision to downsize is a personal one that should be based on individual circumstances and preferences. But We recommended you start early

What do you throw away when downsizing?

When doing a downsizing home checklist, it’s important to consider what items you no longer need or want and what items you can live without in your new space. Here are some items that people often throw away or donate when downsizing:

Duplicate or unused items

If you have more than one of the same items, consider donating or selling the extras. If you have items that you haven’t used in a while, you may also want to consider getting rid of them.

Clothing

Clothes take up a lot of space, and you may not have room for all your clothing in your new home. Consider donating clothes that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in a while.

Furniture

Large pieces of furniture can take up a lot of space and may not fit in your new home. Consider selling or donating furniture that you don’t need or that won’t fit in your new space.

Books and magazines

They can take up a lot of space and may be heavy to move. Consider donating or selling books and magazines that you no longer need or want.

Kitchen items

They can take up a lot of space, and you may not need all of them in your new home. Consider donating or selling kitchen items that you don’t use or that you have duplicates of.

It’s important to only keep the items that are necessary or that bring you joy. Donating or selling items can also be a way to give back to the community and make the downsizing process easier.

Where do I start when downsizing?

When starting the downsizing process, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. Here are some steps you can take to get started:

Determine your new living space

Start by determining the size and layout of your new home or apartment. This will help you figure out how much space you have and what items you can realistically take with you.

Declutter

Go through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. Consider items you haven’t used in the last year, duplicates, or anything that is broken or worn out.

Check your inventory!

Take an inventory of what you want to keep and what you need to get rid of. This will help you prioritize and make decisions about what to keep and what to sell, donate, or discard.

Plan ahead

Make a plan for the household items you want to sell, donate, or discard. For example, schedule a donation pickup or floor plan, a garage sale.

Take it slow!

Downsizing can be an emotional and time-consuming process, so it’s important to take it slow and not try to tackle everything at once. Start with one room or one category of items and work from there.

Enlist help!

Consider asking family and friends to help you with the downsizing process. They can provide support and make the process less overwhelming.

Downsizing is a personal process, and what works for one person may not work for another. Take your time, and focus on what will work best for your situation.

What to consider before downsizing?

Downsizing can be a big change, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before deciding. Here are some things to consider before downsizing:

Your current lifestyle

Consider your current lifestyle and what changes you might need to make if you downsize. For example, if you currently have a large yard, you might need to adjust to having less outdoor space if you move to a smaller space or apartment.

Your future needs

Consider your future needs and whether the new space you’re considering will be suitable for you as you age. For example, if you have mobility issues, you might need to consider a home or apartment that is more accessible.

Your budget

A downsizing home checklist can save you money, but it’s important to consider the cost of the new space and any associated costs, such as moving expenses, downsizing costs, and home improvements.

Your emotional attachment to your current home

It can be difficult to leave a home that holds sentimental value or that you’ve lived in for a long time. Consider the emotional impact of downsizing and whether you’re ready for the change.

Your new location

If you’re moving to a new area, consider the location and whether it will be suitable for your needs. For example, if you’re used to living in a rural area, moving to a busy city might be a big adjustment.

Read more: Save time and money when moving

Your support system

Consider your current support system and whether you’ll have access to family and friends if you downsize.

Benefits of having a downsizing home checklist

Downsizing is always a good option. Here are some advantages of downsizing your home.

You save money

My mom has always told me, a big house requires a lot of maintenance and expense. Downsizing your home allows you to use that extra money on hobbies, vacations, and activities you enjoy.

Less environmental impact

This means less carbon footprint, you reduce your consumption of electricity, gas, and water and perhaps adopt new ways of generating energy.

By downsizing your home, you reduce costs obviously, but you also reduce a load of stress. Having a large house is also a stress that becomes habitual but permanent, mortgage payments, maintenance, and repairs become easier and give you a simpler lifestyle.

This undoubtedly reduces clutter. A house creates more space for unnecessary household items, and downsizing will force you to organize your life, simplify it and reduce stress in the process.

Written by Vanessa Gallanti. March 9, 2023

Enthusiast about planning, project management, construction materials and technology, and construction. A civil engineer from Los Andes University and a content writer for Kukun.