The typical family home is a treasure trove of memories accumulated over time. Nevertheless, there comes a point when the house represents nothing but memories because the children have grown up and moved out, the space is no longer needed, and maintenance is a burden.

Instead of trying to cram into a smaller space, downsizing is more about making your home the “perfect size” for your current stage of life whether it’s called downsizing, smart-sizing, or right-sizing.

When you are considering or in the middle of a down-sizing transition, please take the following tips into consideration

1.Choose a convenient location

It goes without saying that you should give serious consideration to your new home before making the leap, since this could be your last relocation and you could end up staying there for the next 20-30 years.

Are you relocating to be near the children and grandkids? Where would you rather go—a tranquil beach area or a leafy area?

Just keep these considerations in mind until you have absolute certainty.

2.Prepare ahead of time

There will be stressful and emotional moments during the moving process, but you can ease the burden by preparing thoroughly and taking your time. Plan ahead, tackle one area at a time, and give yourself at least three to six months to finish. You can’t address the world’s problems in one sitting, but you may tackle smaller pieces at a time using a method that has been thoroughly documented.

3.Dump, sell, or give away?

Downsizing, by definition, entails a reduction in one’s material things. Whenever possible, donate or give away sentimental items to loved ones rather than bringing them to a new home where they would just collect dust. Do not take it personally if they politely decline; everyone is engaged in a war against the accumulation of things. If you have valuable items that you no longer need, consider selling them online or at a garage sale as well as donating some items.

4.Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance

Unless you have family nearby who can help, you will likely need the services of removalists. It all comes down to your money, time limits, and how much you feel comfortable doing it yourself, but you can get help with practically anything if you need it, including planning, packing, and disposing of possessions.

5.Putting the house on the market

You want to get the highest possible sale price for your house before you downsize, just like everyone else who is selling a house. While it may be frustrating to put in effort before moving out of your current home, the payoff is well worth the hassle. Make sure the gardener comes, the windows are washed, and anything else that has been ignored is taken care of. Then give it a good, thorough cleaning before showing it to potential buyers.

6. Money and a budget plan

It’s important to set aside money for planning purposes. How much do you think you can receive from selling your house? How much will it cost you to move into the retirement village? Where can I find information on how much it will cost to relocate? You should not put yourself in a compromising position either before, during, or after the relocation, so make sure you have everything covered.

If you don’t feel comfortable with your budget, it could be a good idea to run it by someone who has downsized before.

7. Don’t procrastinate until the last minute

Many people who have downsized have expressed regret that they didn’t make the change sooner. Those who make the leap almost never look back with regret. But, the more you put it off, the more difficult it can become.

Moving and downsizing can be stressful in your 60s, but trying to move in your 70s is even more challenging.

To get more tips and ideas when moving to a retirement village, give us a call on （02）91888555, or send us an inquiry on [email protected].