Don't Make These Common Downsizing Mistakes (2024)

Are you an empty nester with too many bedrooms? Do your senior parents need a smaller, one-story home? Is your large house too much for you to manage anymore? Downsizing can solve those issues.

If you or a loved one is considering downsizing, many things can affect the process. Learning from the mistakes of others can help your efforts go smoothly. You can probably list things you know you need to do when downsizing, but do you know what not to do? Here are some common mistakes.

Downsizing Without Having a Plan

If you're not in the habit of making lists, it's time to start. Trying to downsize without having a to-do list often results in a crisis. What are you hoping to achieve from downsizing? Work your planaround those goals.

Be sure to include these items in your plan:

  • Find a real estate agent to sell your current home and help you purchase a new one.
  • Define the kind of new home that will work best for your future needs. For instance, a one-story house or condo is more accessible for seniors.
  • Make a realistic timeline for prepping and selling your home, buying a new home, and moving.
  • Decide if you want to undertake the move on your own or hire movers. Some organizations specialize in assisting seniors when they downsize and move.

Failing to Make an Accurate Budget

You'll need to budget for several things, including:

  • The cost of living in your new location
  • Monthly mortgage payments and yearly property taxes
  • Homeowners association, seller and buyer real estate, and mortgage fees
  • State income taxes where applicable
  • Moving expenses

Don't go over your budget with the price of your new home. Shop around to find the best mortgage rates and terms. If you or your senior loved ones are veterans, look into a home loan from the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you qualify, there are many benefits to a VA loan, including not having to purchase private mortgage insurance and not needing to make a down payment. Make sure you research VA home loan rates to make sure they work for you.

Taking Unnecessary Items With You

Moving to a smaller house means that you won't have enough room for all your current belongings. It can be emotionaldeciding what to get rid of, but you might not have a choice.Decluttering is a healthy step toward a new beginning in your new home.

Moving to an Area That Doesn't Suit Your Lifestyle

Research the area you're planning on moving to. If you want specific amenities in a home or neighborhood, see if they are available in the area.

Failing To Stick to Your Schedule

When a move is still a couple of months away, it's easy to put off doing things to prepare; however, if you keep procrastinating, you'll likely be overwhelmed when it's time to move. Make goals, note them on your calendar, and don't get too far behind schedule.

Focusing on the Negative Aspects

Leaving a home or neighborhood you've lived in for years will be stressful. However, you have the opportunity for a fresh start in a new home.

People choose to downsize for many reasons, and making common downsizing mistakes makes it stressful. Take the time to think about all the aspects to make the process as smooth as possible.

Neda Nourani is one of San Diego’s most experienced real estate agents - so let her put that experience to work for you! Get in touch with Neda by calling (760) 822-7154 or emailing [emailprotected].

Don't Make These Common Downsizing Mistakes (2024)

FAQs

Don't Make These Common Downsizing Mistakes? ›

Less space and storage

It can be difficult to downsize if you have been used to having a lot more space. You may need to consider a big clear out or to put some of your belongings into storage. If you can't imagine your items fitting into a smaller space, you may not want to consider downsizing.

What not to do when downsizing? ›

9 Common Downsizing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  1. Downsizing when you don't have to (yet). ...
  2. Downsizing without a master plan. ...
  3. Failing to consider your lifestyle. ...
  4. Putting it off. ...
  5. Throwing it all away. ...
  6. Giving in to help that isn't helpful. ...
  7. Working on the whole house at one time. ...
  8. Only seeing the loss instead of the gain.
Jan 8, 2020

What is the downside of downsizing? ›

Less space and storage

It can be difficult to downsize if you have been used to having a lot more space. You may need to consider a big clear out or to put some of your belongings into storage. If you can't imagine your items fitting into a smaller space, you may not want to consider downsizing.

How do you decide what to keep when downsizing? ›

You should keep items that are useful in your daily life. Once you've filled your “Keep” box in each room, you can pack it up and label it to make moving and unpacking easier. Get rid of items that you no longer have a use for.

What do you think about when downsizing? ›

How to downsize before a move to a smaller home
  • Do you have enough equity to sell? ...
  • Measure the space in your new home. ...
  • Get your current home ready to sell. ...
  • Wait to buy new furniture until you move in. ...
  • Get preapproved for a mortgage. ...
  • Plan your smaller home budget.
Oct 31, 2022

At what age do most people downsize? ›

Generally, studies have shown that people start considering downsizing around their late 50s to early 60s. According to a Consumer Housing Trends Report, most seniors downsize at 55-years-old.

What are the three downsizing strategies? ›

There are generally three types of downsizing strategies: workforce reduction, work redesign, and systematic strategy.

Why is downsizing so stressful? ›

Downsizing may remind you of loved ones who are no longer here, or of old hopes and dreams that are no longer possible. You may feel anxious about the future and wonder if you're making the right decision.

Is downsizing financially worth it? ›

Downsizing your home—whether by moving into a smaller home or to a more affordable neighborhood—can help lower your monthly expenses and maintenance costs, and maybe even generate extra cash from a sale. But it's important to factor the potential taxes into any decision.

Why is downsizing unethical? ›

Moral Principle 1.1: Organisations are socially responsible towards its employees to ensure the 'good' livelihood of people in the community, because it is a part of the society. By downsizing a large number of people, they fail to perform Corporate Social Responsibility from the ethical theory point of view.

Which room to declutter first? ›

“If you don't know where to start, we recommend decluttering room-by-room! Start with the most high-traffic area in your home – probably the kitchen or family room – and go through the decluttering process of deciding what to keep, toss or donate.

What to do first when downsizing? ›

Here's what to do.
  1. Clean One Room at a Time. Decluttering an entire home becomes more manageable when you break it down into smaller steps. ...
  2. Sell or Donate Unwanted Items. You have three main options for disposing of things you no longer want or need. ...
  3. Set Up Decluttering Rules. ...
  4. Consider Your New Space.
May 14, 2024

How to downsize without feeling guilty? ›

To get past this objection and feeling of guilt, you need to visualize what you want your life to look like without the clutter and how it would make you feel. This helps give you a goal and a focus. Remember, you get the space or you get the stuff.

What to do with furniture when downsizing? ›

If you're donating furniture, Habitat for Humanity is a great first stop. Many of their Habitat ReStores offer free pickup of larger items, keeping it hassle-free for you. The same is true of the Salvation Army — you can schedule a pickup if it's available in your area.

What are the negative effects of downsizing? ›

Increased Workloads and Pressure on Remaining Employees

When companies downsize, gaps within the workload are created. This adds pressure to the remaining employees to not only complete their current job functions, but also to pick up additional work to compensate for the terminated employees.

What are the psychological effects of downsizing? ›

💼The Effects of Layoffs

Job loss can lead to financial strain, relationship difficulties, and even health problems. Additionally, layoffs can also lead to a loss of identity and self-worth. For many, their job is an integral part of their identity, and losing it can lead to feelings of worthlessness and shame.

How to avoid capital gains tax when downsizing? ›

You may avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of a residence by using what is known as a “Capital Gains Bypass Trust”. It's not a Living Trust. This tool allows you to sell an appreciated asset, pay zero tax, then manage the sale proceeds in the trust to provide income for you and your spouse for your lifetimes.

What is the proper way to downsize? ›

  1. How To Plan for a Downsize. Prepare Your New Budget. Account for All Moving Costs. Make a To-Do List.
  2. How To Maximize Your Smaller Space. Use Space-Saving Furniture. Consider Renting a Storage Unit. Incorporate a Multipurpose Room. Design Your Space To Look Bigger.
  3. Our Conclusion.
May 14, 2024

What to do with your stuff when you downsize? ›

For smaller items, you're probably better off taking them to a consignment shop if they aren't collectible or antique. That way they're off your hands in one big group, and you don't have to sell them piecemeal online. For valuable antiques, it's a good idea to take them to an antique dealer.

What are the side effects of downsizing? ›

Loss of Knowledge and Experience

Also, the longer an employee is with a company, the more information and skills they can acquire. Therefore, when employees are laid off during the downsizing process, the company loses more than just a warm body; they lose the employee's knowledge, experience, and expertise.

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