Downsizing is a hot topic lately, especially with the way real estate values have risen over the years. For a long-time homeowner, it’s a way to capitalize on all the equity you’ve built while enjoying a high quality of life and convenience.
There are so many benefits to moving to a smaller home that many people have started using the term “rightsizing” instead. Whatever you call it, there’s definitely a process involved. To keep things as easy and streamlined as possible, we’ve compiled a few of our top tips to show you how to start downsizing your home in Toronto.
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Weigh Your Options Carefully
The decision to downsize your house is never random. It requires a lot of thought and planning, which means starting as early as possible is ideal. What sounds less overwhelming to you: taking two years to make your move or squeezing everything in over the course of a couple of months?
Planning early means every step happens on your terms. You decide when and where you want to go. Plus, you’re in a better position to take advantage of any ups and downs in the Toronto real estate market. Perhaps more importantly, you have the luxury of time to figure out how to downsize your stuff! We all tend to accumulate a lot over the years, and this is one area you don’t want to feel rushed.
During this initial planning stage, it’s also a good idea to connect with a full-service real estate team. A Realtor® with plenty of experience could make the process easier than you can imagine, thanks to well-established relationships with other professionals. Cleaning services, tradespeople, professional movers and packing services – you name it – if you need help with downsizing, there’s an expert you can trust right at your fingertips.
Are you looking for even more guidance for a positive downsizing experience? You’ll find plenty in the posts below:
- Your A to Z Guide to Downsizing in Toronto
- Is it Better to Downsize Before Retirement?
- Empty Nester? Here’s How To Plan Your Next Steps
Getting Organized and Ready to Downsize
Some of the best downsizing tips are all about what to do with all of your belongings. Cleaning and getting organized will give you an excellent head start because it means you have the hardest part out of the way. It’s time to start thinking about what to keep for your new home and what you will dispose of or donate.
If any of this sounds overwhelming, take heart. You don’t have to take on any of these tasks alone. A local real estate agent can do more than tell you what you do to maximize the value of your sale – they can often make arrangements to have it all done for you.
If you still feel like there’s too much to do and too little time, start small. You don’t have to declutter all at once. The hardest thing about decluttering is overcoming the initial inertia. Once you’re on your way, you’ll find yourself in a groove and it will be easier to keep going.
You might begin with a commitment to stop buying anything unless it’s absolutely necessary. At the very least, you can adopt a one in-two out philosophy, meaning you discard two items for every new thing you buy.
Consider Your Future Needs
Once you’ve made some progress in cleaning and decluttering your home, you’ll start to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you haven’t already, now is also the time to start thinking about your next steps.
- Where do you want to go after your house sells? It’s a big decision, and you’ll want to weigh multiple factors to ensure a happy downsizing outcome. Planning for both the long and short term are essential.
- What kind of lifestyle do you want to experience in the first year or two after you move? Perhaps you want to be closer to your family members. Or maybe you want to live amid the excitement of Toronto’s best shopping and dining scenes. Your vision will determine what structure of house we look for and in which neighbourhood.
Think of the support you may need in the future. None of us are getting any younger. If there are mobility issues or other health concerns, you may want to settle in a community where you can live independently, but with assistance readily available. Toronto has numerous retirement facilities that could suit your future needs perfectly.
Toronto’s incredible neighbourhoods make it a fantastic place for retirees who want to live life to the fullest. Learn more in our “Best Neighbourhoods” series below:
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Entertainment Lovers
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Active Retirees
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Foodies
Why Choose Toronto?
Toronto is attractive to people from all walks of life for a very good reason – it has everything you need to live the life of your dreams. Retirees can take advantage of community support systems, public transit, and access to state-of-the-art healthcare.
Your retirement lifestyle isn’t just about being practical, either. A world of fun and enjoyment awaits you, whether you love relaxing in nature or taking in the latest entertainment. There’s also an exciting event on the calendar nearly every single week, which means you have countless opportunities to get out and meet people while experiencing something new.
Do you want extra help with downsizing your home? West Toronto real estate agents can give you the compassionate guidance and support you need. Reach out today at 416-769-3437 or email info@sidorovainwood.com to learn more.
