Recently, I worked with an 80-year-old client who was living in a two-story home who knew he needed to get out of his living situation, as climbing the stairs was becoming more treacherous each day.
However, he was simply unable to make a decision about moving due to being overwhelmed by all his possessions.
Often, clients are so overwhelmed by the concept of moving they do not take action and move into a home or lifestyle better suitable to their place in life. From all of our experiences, we think it is always wise to think about your next real estate move now—even if such a move is five years down the road. Life can change, markets can change, and having a plan in place will allow you to be more flexible going forward.
So, where to begin?
Where Do You Want To Go? Begin by thinking about where you want to move, and investigate that market. Let’s say you have the idea that after retirement you want to move to a condo out of state. However, upon looking around, you find the properties are smaller and older, the HOA fees are high, and more expensive than you remembered when you visited there five years ago. It’s better to know this before you sell your home and find yourself unhappy with what is available elsewhere. It’s best to define several options you know will be workable for your lifestyle.
Take Stock of Your Possessions. Trust us, no seller with whom we have ever worked has really had any idea how much stuff they had until they had to move it. This is why moving is stressful. If you are thinking of downsizing, really evaluate your possessions (especially big items), and decide how important they are to your happiness. A few years ago, we had a client who made all of her purchasing decisions based on whether or not a massive desk set would fit into the home she was buying. Unfortunately, we had to eliminate many fantastic properties because of this desk. Much to our chagrin, she settled on a property less than ideal for her personally, but we have heard the desk is very happy. The moral—do not let your things dictate your space. Rather, find the space that suits your lifestyle. Then, bring along the things you love most (and fit) in your new space.
Take Baby Steps. If you are planning for a move, you don’t have to tackle the organization of your whole house in one month. In fact, it may take a year to get your house and garage in order. Focus on one room at a time, and spend no more than a couple hours at a stretch organizing. We promise the pre-move will make the actual move a piece of cake.
Make Decisions to Take Control of Your Happiness. Evaluate your place in life, physically and financially, and embrace your next steps. Downsizing doesn’t have to be challenging. Instead, it can be a fun new adventure. You are not stepping down—you are stepping away from maintenance, the management of possessions and higher expenses. Move toward the fun things—travel, family, friends, relaxation and peace of mind.
Simplifying Is Good For Everyone. We recently had a friend whose father passed away, leaving a complex estate in several states and abroad. A young man with young children and a busy work life, he has become overwhelmed by the management of all the loose ends left behind. Our advice? Simplify your assets, plan ahead and be sure to meet with an attorney to organize your estate. This is not just advice for those who are downsizing. If you own property, which is the largest asset for most of us, you should consult with an estate attorney and have plans in place.
Know That You Can Get Help. While moving may seem overwhelming, there are great services available. Professional organizers and life coaches are available to help you organize your things and your thoughts. They are an invaluable resource when it comes to mentally wrapping your head around the move. And, of course, movers can help you pack everything and get it where it needs to go.
From all of our experience, we can tell you one thing. If you are planning on downsizing, do it when you have the energy, health and desire to make the decision. Start planning now, so you have less stress down the road. Would you like to chat about all of it with us? Don’t hesitate to give us a call any time at (480) 568-8680.
John Karadsheh is the Designated Broker for KOR Properties. He has been a Multi-Million Dollar producing agent for more than 14 years, and is an Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). In 2014, John was voted the No. 1 Real Estate Agent in Arizona by Ranking Arizona. You can reach John at (480) 568-8684, or visit his website at KORproperties.com. KOR Properties also is the creator and one of the founding sponsors of Mesa Food Truck Fridays.