Are you desiring more simplicity, less monthly spending, or even less work to complete on your home? If so, then downsizing might be the best option for you. By moving into a smaller house with a reduced footprint, you can achieve numerous goals, including financial freedom, reduced maintenance, and even more simplicity in your life.
It can be hard to let go of possessions, but feeling emotional as you prepare for a new lifestyle is normal. When you downsize, you may have to consider what you need to keep versus what you want to keep, which can bring up many emotions and memories. If you’re looking for some help with downsizing as you prepare to move into your new tiny home, then you’ve come to the right place. As an empty nester, retiree, or even someone looking for a simpler lifestyle, downsizing is the solution!
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how you can live more with less and the steps you need to take to prepare for your big move. Let’s start with the first step we must take: assessing your current lifestyle and needs.
Step #1: Assess Your Current Needs and Lifestyle
Before you do anything, you have to understand where you are and how you live. How much space do you currently have? What do you truly use? Note anything you don’t use and how much space you and your family use.
You should also take some time to consider your lifestyle changes. Do you need to be close to family? Are you in need of a medical facility nearby? Would you like to get involved in outdoor activities? All of these questions can help you determine how much space you’ll need, how much stuff to bring with you, and where to move.
To determine the best home size for you, consider how much space your essential furniture will need to fit comfortably. You might be surprised by how much space you need!
Step #2: Declutter and Decide What to Keep, Donate, and Sell
Once you understand your desired lifestyle, where you’ll need to live, and how much space you really need, the hard part begins: decluttering. There are several different ways to do this. One of the most popular is the KonMari Method, which involves tidying, visualizing your new home, downsizing by category, and then preparing for your move.
You can also try the “One Year Rule,” or the idea that you discard or donate anything that you have not used in the past year. It can be challenging, but you may discover plenty of items you haven’t touched in a while! Once you have decluttered and sorted, you can use apps like Facebook Marketplace or eBay to sell your items. For items you have to donate, you can visit a local thrift store or donate them online.
It can be difficult to part ways with some of your sentimental items. However, it’s important to remember that you should keep what matters to you and let go of the items you could live without. Getting emotional at this stage is completely normal!
Step #3: Find the Right Home for Your Next Chapter
With your items now decluttered, donated, or sold and an idea of your needed home size, it’s time to house hunt! When downsizing, you might consider condos, tiny homes, or manufactured homes. RV living might also be an option for you if you want to travel and be on the road!
You should also consider if you want to be near a city, in a quiet rural area, or in the suburbs. There are benefits to each setting. In the city, you’ll be surrounded by amenities and attractions. The suburbs get you closer to the city but with a safer, greener neighborhood. However, the rural communities are where you can be closer to nature and truly indulge in quiet living.
Living in a community like The Hamlet by Simple Life can be an excellent option for many retirees and empty nesters. With resort-style amenities, tight-knit communities, and high-quality homes, you can enjoy a simple, active lifestyle and be near other like-minded individuals.
Step #4: Financial Considerations When Downsizing
As you consider where you’ll move, don’t forget to take into account your finances. That means looking at the potential moving expenses, real estate agent fees, and new home costs you might incur. These are important to save for, and with downsizing, you can also end up saving even more in the long term.
While you might want to opt for a cheaper, larger home, consider this: when you downsize, you can enjoy lower utility bills, fewer repairs, and reduced property taxes. If you’re able to, you may be able to apply the equity of your current home to the cost of your new tiny house, giving you the opportunity to settle in with less debt or none at all!
Step #5: Make the Transition Smooth and Stress-Free
Before you downsize, you can take several actions to make your move stress-free and smooth. First, create a timeline for your downsizing journey. Estimate when you’ll move out of your old home, when you’ll move into your new one, and when you’ll need or schedule help from professional organizers, movers, or relocation specialists.
You can also involve your family and friends in the process! Your children might be able to come and help you make the move down and may even stay a day or two to help you settle in. Additionally, if you have any friends in the area where you’re moving to, ask them if they’d like to help and make it a team effort. Working together and planning ahead will make your move seamless and enjoyable.
Spotlight: Success Stories from Downsizers
At Lakeshore by Simple Life, many of our residents are downsizers who have changed to a simpler, more active lifestyle. Some enjoy being close to nature and the quiet neighborhood, as everything they need is within a few minutes’ drive. Others love the cozy community feel and the amenities that have added value to their lives.
Each of our residents has seen an improvement in their financial, emotional, and social lives. Many have made friends with people in their community, and others have saved money and felt more at ease in their high-quality tiny homes. If you’re considering downsizing, you could experience the same benefits as our residents!
Find Your New Home at Simple Life
If you’re ready to downsize, then we encourage you to explore our available properties at Simple Life. With communities in North Carolina and Florida, we offer a variety of tiny home floorplans that can suit your needs. Not only that, but our community amenities are perfect for those seeking an active, simple lifestyle close to nature. Visit our website today to find your new home. We look forward to welcoming you home!
