It is that time of year, soon to be empty nesters are just recovering from the graduation chaos to find themselves in another chaos of getting their child ready to go off to college. Once the chaos calms, it may not take too long to realize how much extra space you have in your home! So what can you do to simplify your life and free ups some space? Here are some downsizing tips to help you navigate through.
- Think about your future lifestyle. While your current home may have been perfect for the lifestyle of raising kids, it may not fit your lifestyle as empty nesters. Are you looking for less yard work? Less cleaning? More travel? Extra cash in your pocket? It’s up to you.
- Before you are ready to downsize, start decluttering. Very important if you are planning to move to get it done sooner rather than later. You can accumulate so much stuff over the years so getting rid of the stuff you no long want is very time consuming.
- Prepare your children. If moving is part of your plan, your college child may have some emotions about you moving out of the home they grew up in. Ask them if there are any things they may want to keep and box it up. Check with other family members to see if there is anything they may want. Ask early before putting items in storage, etc.
- Don’t do everything at once. Start with one room at a time. Ask yourself: do you love it? Do you use it? Is it time to let go? Have 3 boxes: Keep, Sell, and Donate.
- Snap photos before you let it go. If you have items that have memories attached to it but is impractical to keep it snap a photo of it before you sell or give away.
- Ready to make that fresh start? If you have been in your home for a number of years, you may want to sell and cash out. You may want to use your cash to purchase another home that fits your new lifestyle.
If a fresh start is what you are looking for, contact the Stacey Feltman Group of Professional Realtors to help you with every step of the process!
StaceyFeltmanGroup.com
