Smart Downsizing: 7 Tips for Empty Nesters Planning a Move

It's a chapter many face – the children have grown and moved out, and the house is echoing with memories and feels too large. The prospect of moving to a smaller, more manageable home becomes tempting. Yet, with the excitement of starting a new chapter comes a swarm of questions and a touch of apprehension start to cloud your mind.  Especially in the vibrant Halifax Dartmouth area, which offers so many diverse options for living, where do you even begin?

 
Understanding the Emotional Toll

Downsizing isn't just a physical task. It's an emotional journey. As you sift through belongings, you're reliving memories. Remember to give yourself time to process these emotions. Take breaks and speak with family or friends to share those memories. Embrace the past, but be excited for the future.

Decide What’s Truly Essential 

While it’s difficult to part with many items, it’s critical to determine what's truly essential for your next phase of life. Consider what items have been untouched or unused for years. Maybe it’s time for them to find a new home.

Know the Market

Research the Halifax Dartmouth housing market. Are smaller homes or condos in demand? Which neighbourhoods are rising in popularity for empty nesters? Having a finger on the pulse will give you an edge when listing your home. We have loads of resources to help you with this. We can set you up with Listing Alerts and Market Reports so you will know exactly what is happening in the real estate market today.

Future-Proofing 

When choosing your new home, consider how it'll serve you in the long term. Does it have provisions for accessibility, should mobility become a concern? Are there health services and community centers nearby? Ensuring your new home is adaptable to all of life’s twists is paramount.

 
Financial Implications

Downsizing often implies a reduced cost of living. However, it's crucial to calculate all expenses, including the cost of moving, potential renovations, or condo fees. Will the sale of your larger home cover these costs? Consulting a financial advisor is always a smart move.

 
Don’t Rush the Process 

The decision to downsize should be deliberate and unhurried. While there's enthusiasm to jump into a cozier living space, ensure you're making decisions based on logic and not transient feelings.

It’s a huge task that feels like it could go on forever, which is why you’ve hesitated to line up a real estate agent. This line of thinking may not be in your best interests.

Partner with the Right Experts

But here’s something you may not know. There are real estate agents who specialize in downsizing. They don’t just list your home for sale. They’ll help you get it ready. The sooner you get them involved, the better. Some can tap into downsizing experts in their network so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own, including deciding what to do with your belongings.

It might be tempting to jump into the selling process independently but remember, the journey is smoother with the right companions.

Experience combined with an Equity Saving Selling Program

Consider Assist 2 Sell. Why? Their low flat fee program ensures you retain most of your hard-earned home equity, sidestepping those hefty commission fees.  Besides the savings in equity, Assist 2 Sell has all the resources to help you through the process. They are not just about selling your home but guiding you on this new adventure.

You see, the idea isn’t merely to sell a house but to find a home that fits your evolving life, a snug haven that caters to your desires and needs. And while the road might seem daunting initially, the right partners can turn it into a delightful journey.

Ready for the next step?

Download our FREE guide: What is Downsizing, “How To” and More.  

Dive into tips, checklists, and resources tailored specifically for the Halifax Dartmouth Area and this stage of life.