For most homeowners, a new chapter can begin once the downsizing process starts. It might take some time to do, however. In fact, proper downsizing can last anywhere from several months to a whole year. Care to Move is available to help you with the process as much or as little as you require, in the timeframe that suits you best.
Some simple guidelines to follow are:
1 year: LOCATION AND LIFESTYLE
• Talk to so someone about downsizing, perhaps with your spouse, friends or someone else you’re close to. Discus your motivation to downsize.
• Figure out an area or two that you would consider relocating to. Once you have a few prospects, you’ll be able to narrow down your new potential residences.
• Keep in mind the amount of lifestyle selections – for example, what do you prefer – forestry or ocean view? Move closer to family, or remain in the area you’re familiar with?
• If you’re still uncertain about where you want to move to, put together a list of advantages and disadvantages, and see which side gives you the better options. If you need help locating somewhere suitable Care to Move can connect you with relocation consultants who specialise in this service.
9 months: DE-CLUTTER
• Begin clearing away your clutter. This can be a big job and is where Care to Move’s ex
pertise can add considerable value. Donate things to charity, put some stuff on eBay, or host a garage sale – we can help facilitate all of these big jobs. An advantage to downsizing your home is the capacity to decrease the amount of extra electronics, furniture, trinkets, appliances, and other goods that either no longer serve any purpose, or simply aren’t used anymore.
• Store away important documentation (POAs, wills, and the like). Send copies of them to your solicitor or another trusted person to help you go over your finances. Figure out what you can afford to spend on a new place to live.
6 months: PREPARATION
• Start cleaning up around the house to get it ready for a sale. Be sure it presents itself well, so a potential buyer can see themselves living within the property.
• Tidy up the garden.
• Begin interviewing real estate agents and coordinate your sale strategy. If you’re anticipating a 90 or 120-day settlement, make a commitment to this now.
• Begin inquiring about the areas you would like to live in. View display homes, examine floor plans, ask about costs, and see what is either available, or about to go on the market.
• You’re reaching the finalisation of a sale of your family home. You should be in a good spot to obtain your all-new home – visit open houses, tour communities and begin conversing with sales managers to figure out the most practical solutions.
• In several situations, you can put down a deposit in order to reserve your new home as you begin to wrap up the sale of your old one.
• After you have placed a deposit and are comfortable with your choice – and assuming the house sells without complications – the following step would be to sign a contract for your new residence. The sales manager will walk you through this process.
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4 weeks: CONCLUDE AND BEGIN LIVING YOUR NEW LIFESTYLE
• Reserve an appointment with de-cluttering specialists (that’s us!), and start talking to utility providers to make arrangements for gas, electricity, and water connections.
• Pay the balance of your final settlement on your new residence.
• Begin packing. Either take your belongings – sans the items you downsized – or start shopping for new housewares and furnishings.
• Grab your new keys, move in and enjoy your new home.
So clearly downsizing is a job that isn’t to be taken lightly. We know that it’s hard to complete on your own – the to do list is endless and overwhelming. Talk to us about how we can help.”
