If you think about it, downsizing your home is a lot like retirement. Both of these journeys are major life changes all about embracing new opportunities and living your best life. 

As local Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes real estate agents, we’ve helped countless downsizers make a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives – and we can do the same for you. 

In this blog, we’re going over everything you need to know about downsizing your home for retirement. 

You don’t always have to wait to downsize. Click here to read about the perks of downsizing for retirement early!

Why Retire in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes?

Because downsizing and retirement share so many similarities, it makes sense that they tend to happen around the same time in one’s life. 

With that in mind, there are plenty of benefits of downsizing in retirement – especially here in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes. 

It’s an Unbeatable Lifestyle 

If you’re familiar with our neck of the woods, you know just how unbeatable the local lifestyle is. On top of the relaxed, small-town atmosphere, you’ll find some of the best scenery and outdoor recreation in Ontario in Durham Region and Kawartha Lakes. In retirement, you’ll have lots of time to enjoy everything this area has to offer. 

All Kinds of Downsizer-Friendly Housing 

Another great reason to retire and downsize in Durham Region is the housing options. 

Real estate out here is super diverse. So, whatever you may be looking for, be it a bungalow, condo, or something else, there’s a good chance you’ll find the perfect place for your next chapter. You’ll also find dedicated retirement communities in Durham Region, including the popular Westshore Village. 

Wondering how to downsize your home for retirement? Explore these related blogs for more tips! 

• 5 Ways Downsizing Your Home Makes Life Easier
• What Should Downsizers Know About Multi-Gen Living?
• Everything You Need to Know About Downsizing in Durham & Kawartha Lakes

Our Top Downsizing Tips

If you’re wondering how to downsize your home, or at the very least – where to start when downsizing, you’re not alone. Downsizing is no small process, so just getting started can sometimes be intimidating. We’re here to help. 

Let’s look at a few of our best tips for downsizing:

Start Early 

You don’t need to tackle your downsize all in one go, however, getting the ball rolling early can make things a lot easier and less stressful. Whether you’re thinking about downsizing next month or next year, it doesn’t hurt to start planning sooner rather than later. 

Clean Out the Clutter

If you’re moving to a smaller home, you’ll need to sort through and get rid of some of your belongings, aka decluttering. 

One easy way to stay on track as you declutter is to create a system. For example, you can create categories for all of your belongings, such as items to keep, items to donate or gift, and items to throw away. You can either label items one by one or use dedicated boxes or containers for each category. This method helps maintain organization and prevents unnecessary re-sorting of items.

You also don’t need to tackle your whole house at once. Try decluttering one room at a time – this will make the task seem easier and more manageable. 

Leave Space For Emotions

Downsizing is an emotional process for a lot of people. If you’ve lived in your home for many years (maybe even many decades), there’s a good chance you have a sentimental connection to it – and that’s okay. While downsizing can be exciting, moving on from your current place isn’t always easy. So, during the process, make sure you leave for your emotions. 

That said, it’s also important to ensure that certain emotions don’t get in the way of certain downsizing aspects. For example, if you find yourself feeling overly sentimental about certain belongings, it can make the decluttering process much less productive. 

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to have a compassionate yet unbiased helper who can guide you through the process. More on that next! 

Work With the Right Realtor

Finally, the best way to make the most of your downsizing journey is by working with a real estate agent who specializes in supporting downsizers and retirees. From a real estate perspective, downsizing is an intricate process – one that involves both buying and selling a home. So, you’ll want to find an experienced agent who has specialized knowledge and specific strategies to help downsizers reach their goals. 

Finding the right home for your next chapter starts with a high-result home sale. Check out these blogs for more information. 

• Tips For Helping Your Parents Sell Their Home
• How to Sell Your House Fast
• How to Price a Home to Sell

Ready to Start Your Next Chapter?

If you’re thinking about downsizing your home for retirement in Durham Region or Kawartha Lakes, we’re here to help! 

With over 175 years of combined experience, we know the downsizing process inside and out. We’ve bought and sold practically every type of home – in every type of market. Knowledgeable about every community, neighbourhood, and type of home in our area, we’ll help you find the perfect place based on your needs and budget.

Ready to downsize? We can help! Call 905-985-7300 or send an email to hello@liveplayinvest.com to reach out.

Book a Meeting

Whether buying or selling a home in Port Perry and the surrounding area, our team has you covered. Book a call with us today to get started.