How To Deal With Your Stuff When It's Time To Downsize
Downsizing your belongings (stuff) can be overwhelming. Are you really ready to deal with your stuff?
It might surprise you to hear that even when the majority of people we have helped say they are sure they are ready to downsize, they aren't. Most Baby Boomers have been in their homes for decades. It's typical to hear that someone has been in the same home for 30+ years, and their parents may have lived in the same house for 50+ years. You can probably imagine the amount of stuff that accumulates in all those storage spaces, closets, basements, and attics. Can't imagine it? Here's a typical laundry room: Here's a typical basement: When you downsize, it's time to decide how important the stuff really is? What does that mean? I mean, what would you grab if your house were on fire?Most people wouldn't grab the dining room table, the couch, or the TV. They'd get the pets out, and then maybe photographs or jewelry, and possibly the "good silver." What I'm trying to say is, when you are considering downsizing, it is natural to think your stuff is really important. And it is, to a degree. Certain things help make you comfortable in your own home. But what items are really important? Have you thought about the things you would rescue in a crisis? Probably not. So, let's talk about your stuff from a different perspective.
Questions to Ask Yourself, if You're Ready:
Where? If you have not already decided on where you are moving to, get busy looking right away. New homes can be hard to find, and many senior communities have waiting lists of up to a year or more.
When? Set your timeline as far in advance as you can. This generally means three-to-six months, not a couple of weeks. Time allows you to make good decisions and possibly recoup value for things you are ready to let go of. Also, moving is a process, not an event.
Who? We've already talked about your potential team members. Decide if you have friends or family who would help, or if you need to call in professionals to get the job done. Decide how much and what type of help you think you need. See, I told you lists are a good thing.
What? It is never too early to start the sorting process.
Start the Assessment
Ask an objective friend or someone unfamiliar with your house—as a realtor or move coordinator—to walk through with you for feedback on what their general impressions are. They will tell you what specific things they might change to prepare the house for sale. This is the first step The Betty Brigade takes with any potential client. We want to know how much stuff there is to deal with and, also, what the home itself will need to make the sale process go well. During the walk-through, you need to Listen and don't make excuses. Try not to talk much, answer questions directly, and take notes. Go through every room, open every closet and cabinet, and just listen to the feedback from your team members.
They will generally notice two types of things. First, there will be the things that are clutter, not in the best shape, or obviously no longer needed. Second, there will be repairs that need to be done but that you no longer see since you live with them. De-cluttering a home is critical to the sales process. This doesn't mean you have to hide all your personal things, but it does mean you should pack away most of your family photos, expensive collectibles, and any distracting personal items. Your goal is to make your home look as spacious, clean, and well-cared for as possible. Make a list of the deferred maintenance projects that need to be done so you can get your home sold. This often includes painting, fixing small things like hinges or knobs, replacing worn-out faucets, cleaning up the entryway, and freshening the landscaping.
You want people to be charmed by your home, not put off by tired light fixtures or dead trees. If you struggle with this, ask a realtor. Come up with a budget and a timeline for these projects so that they can be done before you list the house. Some of these tasks may take a few minutes, others a few weeks. Getting started on them early is a great idea.
If you need help, get in touch with us: https://bettybrigade.com/contact-us/. Or give us a call Toll-free at 1-888-742-3889 or 734-994-1000
Until next time – Keep It Simple!**************************************************
