Human beings really are creatures of habit, and it can be difficult to get on board with significant changes in our daily lives and the routines and experiences upon which we have come to rely. Few realms of life illustrate this better than that of the home environment.
Our homes are where we experience all of the ups and downs of life and where we have likely created countless memories with friends and family alike. However, when circumstances of a financial or even a personal nature make downsizing necessary, even the most stoic among us can be gripped with uncertainty and worry. However, that is not to say that it cannot also be a time of excitement and hope for the future.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Downsizing
A key consideration when it comes to the prospect of downsizing is how residing in a smaller home is likely to make you feel. If you have grown accustomed to a rambling sort of residence, this could be a significant adjustment, and that is natural. Furthermore, many people tend to link the size of their personal residence to the level of societal status they have attained.
The important question, however, ought to be whether or not a large space actually suits your needs and your lifestyle. Simply hanging on to a sizable home because it is a symbol of your years of hard work may not be a strong enough reason to do so. First, it is wise to consider the fact that maintaining a large home is much costlier and more labor-intensive than doing the same for a smaller one. The resources that are freed up by downsizing your home can be redirected to all sorts of exciting uses such as travel, hobbies, and more. The joy derived from those pursuits may far outweigh the sense of pride or tradition stemming from hanging on to a sizable residence.
Clearing the Clutter
Though many of the things brought about by home downsizing, such as reducing the volume of your personal belongings, may initially appear to be negatives, they often actually turn out to be extremely beneficial to your overall well-being. Among the most significant tasks facing anyone looking to downsize is that of culling through the possessions they have acquired over the years and are currently stored in their large space.
A basic fact of modern life seems to be that if you have space, it eventually gets filled. As such, if you are halving the size of your home, will will have little choice but to lighten your load and reduce the sheer number of things you bring with you on the move. This can be an emotional process for many, and it can sometimes stand in the way of making a needed change.
When it comes to going through and cutting down on the possessions you own, remember to do things gradually. You need not undertake the entire job all at once. Even if you find yourself in a bit of a time crunch prior to a move, there are still things you can do to make the process simpler. Begin by sorting through a single room at a time, not worrying so much about the rest of the house. Breaking the work into smaller, more manageable tasks can alleviate much of the stress that moving can entail.
Another winning strategy is to separate items into three different piles. The first one will be comprised of things you know you want to keep. The next pile will be filled with things you plan to sell or donate. The last pile will be a “maybe” pile for things on which you have not yet decided. As you move through the business of clearing out your home, you may even find that items from the “maybe” pile tend to to migrate to the sell/donate pile more frequently than you expect.
Clothing is another category of personal belongings through which it can be tough to wade. Do you have a habit of keeping items that you rarely wear or that do not currently fit, just in case you may have a use for them in the future? If so, try discarding anything you have not made use of in six months or longer, because these are unlikely to be items you will ever truly miss once they are gone.
When it comes to large items such as furniture pieces that you have decided against moving with you, consider using Craigslist or other online sales platforms to find eager buyers who will come haul the things away for you. This streamlines the process, something which is invaluable during an already stressful and busy time.
The Challenges of Relocation
The process of downsizing a primary residence can sometimes necessitate a significant change in geographic location. As such, you may be further away from friends and family than you are used to being. But, this can be a great thing, because by greatly reducing your overhead costs by shedding a large home, you may have a chance to be more selective about where you go next and find something you truly love.
In the meantime, make an honest assessment of any repairs or cosmetic work your existing home may require in order to make it more attractive to buyers. Though this can be expensive if you plan to sell your home in the conventional manner, we offer a service that facilitates the sale of your house regardless of its condition, and this can take a significant burden off your mind.
If you have come to the conclusion that it is indeed time to downsize, we wish you a smooth, low-stress process that puts you exactly where you need to be. Furthermore, we may be able to assist you along the way and eliminate some of the obstacles you might otherwise face. Our team purchases homes in all conditions, and we allow you to select a closing date that suits your personal needs and preferred timeline.
The overall effect of working with us is that you can avoid things like costly realtor fees, the stress of locating a buyer, paying for home repairs and improvements, and dealing with the stress of the process.
By getting in touch with us and having a chat about your needs and current situation, we will be able to determine if we can help. Chances are, the services we provide can lighten your burdens considerably, leaving you free to enjoy the sense of excitement that inevitably comes from moving into a new home.
