Are you thinking of downsizing? We have put together some tips to help make the process easier.
Clear vision – We always advise clients who are downsizing to be clear in their mind why they are downsizing. It can be easy to get sidetracked or lose momentum when you’ve decided to downsize, so having a clear vision of why you are downsizing can help keep you on track. People downsize for many reasons: children have left home, and the property is now too big; release equity for retirement; the passing of a loved one; or moving to the dream location. Whatever your reason for downsizing, you’ve made the decision, and it’s now time to take action.
Planning is vital – Planning is essential when it comes to downsizing. Even the smallest of tasks will take you longer than you think. Getting all your possessions packed into boxes can be a real chore, but if started in advance, can be a much more manageable task. We advise our clients to picture where each item of furniture will go in their new home and pack boxes with their new rooms in mind. Even if you don’t have the time to think of each room in your new home and where each piece of furniture or picture will go, clearly labelled boxes go a long way to help unpack at the other end. Some removal companies can help you with this task if you are not able to pack items yourself.
Be realistic – Too many clients pack up and take everything with them with the false illusion they will sift and sort through items at the other end. Think of downsizing as your chance to have a spring clean. Focus on precisely what you need in your new home, and this will make the process easier. Some of your favourite pieces of furniture may look out of place in your new home, particularly larger items, so think carefully about which items you take with you. The more sorting and clearing you do now, the easier it will be to settle into your new home.
Maximise space available – Although you are downsizing, it is still advisable to think about each room in your new home and ensure it is being used to its best potential. Often if a house has been occupied for some time, the owners may have used a bedroom for storage or a study. Making the best use of each room in your home will help you settle in.
Set up your utilities – Utilities such as phone and broadband can take a few weeks to come through when you move into a new home. Check with your estate agent or the property questionnaire (Scotland) to find out which providers were used by the previous owners. Giving previous providers a call may be the easiest and quickest way to have utilities set up at your new home. Don’t forget to let your current utility providers know that you are moving home.
Seek help from professionals – A local professional is usually the best person to contact to get the most up-to-date information on moving home. A professional agent can be invaluable during the moving process. Removal companies can be worth their weight in gold for packing your belongings, freeing you up to deal with other tasks.
We hope you have found this guide helpful when considering downsizing. We currently offer a bespoke service for downsizing in Edinburgh. If you would like to hear more, please call us on 0131 322 1442.