Going Small in the Triangle: Your Guide to Downsizing

Key Takeaway:

Downsizing is a process, but you can simplify it
Don’t wait to start packing and organizing for your move
The Linda Craft Team can help you find the right-sized home to downsize into

As we get a little older, it’s not uncommon to look around at your living space and wonder if it’s just too much. If you’re still with family, living in a multigenerational home with your millennial child or gen z grandchild, the extra space is needed. But if it’s just you, a spouse, and your lifetime of memories, it may be time to consider downsizing.

The process of downsizing from your larger Triangle area home to a smaller space is going to take a little work. Don’t worry, though. We’ve put together this quick guide to downsizing to help you along the way.

The Benefits of Downsizing

There are a few really good benefits to downsizing. Chief among them is simply having a smaller space to take care of. Going from a 2,000-square-foot home to 1,200 square feet will drastically reduce how long you spend cleaning.

Other benefits of downsizing include:

Reduced energy bills
Better financial security
More opportunities to travel & partake in activities

If you purchase your smaller Triangle area home with the proceeds from your larger property, you can avoid having a new mortgage. It’s among the best ways to make your retirement stretch.

How Do I Downsize?

You may be ready to move out of your larger home and into a more modest space, but getting the process started can feel intimidating. We promise it’s not. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll enjoy a smooth transition.

Start Small & Soon

The moment you consider downsizing, you should start the process. Even if you change your mind, you’ll find that most of the initial items you discard were just clutter. If you wait until the last minute to prepare for the move into your new Triangle area home, the process will be far more stressful and hectic.

When you do start looking at what you can throw out or sell, don’t start in larger rooms or any that have memories attached. Utility rooms, laundry rooms, and bathrooms are good launching points. Places that likely accumulate a lot of excess that can easily be tossed. As you finish those, branch out and start to look at the larger rooms, starting with the easiest to manage.

What Rooms Can Go?

Since you’re downsizing, you’ll be getting rid of some rooms. Consider the future floor plan and compare it to your current home. Do you have an office that won’t be there? Maybe you’re going from a two-car to a one-car garage. Plan appropriately based on where you’re going, not where you’re at, and sell or toss furniture you may not have a room for.

It’s a Yes or a No

If you look at an item and think you may want it in your new Triangle home, you probably don’t need it. Think only in the absolutes of “Yes, I need this” and “No, I don’t need this.” Your best bet is to start by packing only things you know you want to keep. Anything that didn’t make the cut is likely not necessary in your smaller home.

We’re so used to making three piles. When you’re downsizing, just make two.

The Garage Sale

Moving is expensive. It’s nice to have a little extra cash left over once you’re done, and a garage sale is a great way to clear out your home and make some money. Anything that didn’t fall into your “Yes” pile should be reserved for a garage or yard sale (keep in mind your HOA’s regulations on these types of events, though).

Craigslist, eBay, and local online marketplaces are good spots to post items if a garage sale isn’t possible or feasible. You may be tempted to toss things for convenience, but if you give yourself enough time, you should be able to sell them before your move.

Moving Into Your Smaller Home

Downsizing can be a bit of a shock at first, especially if you’re making a drastic change. Have a little patience with the process, and you’ll settle in quickly. You may not like it at first, but give yourself time to adjust.

Try to set up your personal items and furniture as quickly as possible. Surrounding yourself with familiar items and mementos will help the transition.

Trust the Linda Craft Team When Downsizing

The first key ingredient to comfortably downsizing is finding the right Triangle area home. Whether you’re looking to the Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill regions, the Linda Craft Team’s area experts can help you find a new smaller home that fits your needs and wants.