How To Downsize Your Home: A Checklist

If you’ve read our blog before, you know that we love to talk about downsizing – for good reason! If you downsize your home, you can make your life easier and more enjoyable, and yet, if you ask us, it’s simply not talked about enough.  

We get it, downsizing can seem like a daunting task. But if you have a solid plan and the right help, you can downsize your home with little to no stress. 

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. 

Follow these downsizing tips and you’ll be enjoying your next chapter before you know it! 

What is Downsizing?

In simple terms, downsizing is the process of moving from your current home to someplace that is smaller and better suited to where you’re at in life. However, that definition is somewhat limited.  

Sure, you may be selling a house and buying one too, but downsizing is so much more than just a real estate topic. Downsizing your home is all about unlocking a better quality of life, and when done right, it can come with new personal and financial freedoms.  


Downsizing your home? Explore these related insights.


Downsizing Your Home For Retirement 

Now that you’ve had a chance to consider the true perks of downsizing your home, you may be thinking, “Downsizing sure sounds a lot like retirement”. Well, you’re not wrong! 

Downsizing and retirement have a lot in common. They’re both major life changes that allow you to cash in on years of hard work and investment to enjoy a new chapter. Since they (usually) already occur around the same time in one’s life, choosing to downsize as part of your retirement plan can make the advantages of both transitions even better! 

That being said, if you do plan to downsize your home around the same time as your retirement, you’ll want to plan the process carefully. In some cases, it may be best to make your move before you retire. In others, it could be better for you to downsize later. We’ve written a blog about how to downsize your home after retirement to help you decide which route is best for you. 


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


Your Downsizing Checklist 

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about how to make the most of your downsizing journey. 

Find the Right Support 

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. 

  • Search for local Realtors who work with downsizers and retirees
  • Interview multiple candidates 
  • Follow your gut and choose the agent who best matches your needs 

Get Planning 

There’s a lot that goes into downsizing your home, and it’s never too early to start planning and preparing for your move.  

  • Set a target date for when you’d like to move
  • Make a list of steps you’ll need to take before putting your home on the market
  • Start thinking about what you’re looking for in your next home 

Make Your Home Market-Ready 

If you want to get the most out of your home sale, you’ll need to do the right preparations. 

  • Declutter your home from top to bottom
  • Perform a deep clean to make the place sparkle
  • Make any needed repairs or home upgrades 

Once Your Home is On the Market

Getting your home listed is a lot of work. But the job isn’t over just yet. 

  • Monitor buyer interest and feedback 
  • Keep your house in show-ready condition at all times
  • Be ready to negotiate 

Finalizing Your Sale

  • Agree on the price and terms of your sale agreement 
  • Fulfill any required conditions 
  • Get ready for moving day

Downsize With Puckrin & Latreille

Thinking about downsizing your home in Durham Region or Kawartha Lakes? We’re here to help! As a multi-generational real estate team, we know the downsizing process from front to back and offer specialized support to help you make a smooth transition. 

Of course, we’ll also help you accomplish your real estate goals. With over 175 years of combined experience, 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.

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