For many people, changing life circumstances may mean it makes sense to downsize their home. Sometimes family dynamics change, and there’s no need to have four bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a huge backyard. Sometimes, it’s all a matter of finances and affordability. At the same time, stuff accumulates over time to fill the available space. Downsizing isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision; it often comes at significant life junctures when your current home no longer aligns with your needs, finances, or future goals. The decision to move to a smaller, more manageable home is common across several life stages: Here’s our guide on how to downsize your home for an easier move to your new, smaller place. We asked experts for insights on how to downsize your home as quickly and painlessly as possible. You’ll want to begin downsizing as soon as you know you’re moving. The sooner you begin, the lower the chances of being completely overwhelmed by the seemingly monumental task ahead of you. This can also be a great process to help with your home sale, since it’s important to declutter anyway. With that said, don’t feel like you have to tackle every room and whittle your possessions to the bare minimum in one day. Instead, we recommend starting one room at a time, so that you can go through things at your own pace and carefully consider each item. To downsize appropriately, you need to know how much space you’ll have in your new home. It’s helpful to know the square footage and shape of the rooms in the house because it’ll help you figure out which pieces of furniture you can bring with you. Measuring the space manually or using measuring tools and apps can both be helpful in this part of the process. Suzanne Herron, a top real estate agent in the Toledo, Ohio area, says: “Typically, I recommend my clients take pieces that they like and that will fit in the new home. I always tell them to keep what they want or love, but other than that, make it a whole new experience. You’re in a different time in your life and moving on to something different, so you should probably get new things to go with your new house.”Who needs to downsize?
Common reasons for downsizing
Reason
Description
Target Audience Example
Affordability
The current home’s mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and utilities have become too expensive for the current income or retirement budget.
Retirees, individuals facing job change, young families paying off debt.
Maintenance Burden
The size of the home, yard, or number of rooms requires too much physical labor, time, or expense to maintain.
Seniors, empty nesters, busy professionals.
Functionality/Navigability
The layout of the home (e.g., multiple stories) is no longer safe or practical, especially for those with mobility concerns.
Seniors, individuals with physical limitations.
Lifestyle Change
A desire for a simpler, less materialistic lifestyle, or a move to an urban area where living spaces are generally smaller.
Empty nesters seeking travel, young professionals moving to the city.
Clarity/Minimalism
A wish to reduce clutter and possessions, allowing for a fresh start with only the most essential and loved belongings.
Anyone seeking a major life change.
How to downsize your home quickly with these 10 tips
1. Set your mind to downsize as early as possible
You’re in a different time in your life and moving on to something different, so you should probably get new things to go with your new house.
2. Determine how much space you’ll have in the new home
