Whatever challenges you\u2019re facing, we\u2019ve gathered invaluable downsizing tips from people who\u2019ve been there to help you through the process. Crocker shares her experiences along with Gary Moore, another recent Californian downsizer who gave up half his square footage in Villa Park so he and his wife could enjoy living in the lively city of Newport Beach. Top San Juan Capistrano, California<\/a>, real estate agent Simon Guy<\/a> also joins our conversation, lending us his professional advice from his 18 years of experience helping clients downsize their homes.<\/p>\n \n\n\n\n\n Take the worry out of the downsizing process. It takes just two minutes to match clients with the best real estate agents, who will contact you and guide you through the process from start to finish. To connect with a top agent in your market, simply tell us a little bit about your property and how soon you\u2019re looking to sell.<\/p>\n \n Downsizing isn\u2019t just about sorting through furniture and boxes \u2014 it\u2019s also an emotional process. Letting go of items that hold sentimental value can be difficult, and adjusting to a smaller space may feel overwhelming. Talk to friends, family, or even a professional organizer if you\u2019re struggling. Having someone else there can also make decisions easier and keep you motivated.<\/p>\n Downsizing is a chance to simplify your life and focus on what truly matters. By shifting your mindset and keeping the right items, you can make the transition a positive one.<\/p>\n Downsizing should be a process \u2014 not an event \u2014 so start early.<\/p>\n \u201cMost people wait too long until they have to downsize in a state of trauma or emergency or challenge versus doing it preemptively and actually enjoying it,\u201d Guy relays. Taking your time with the downsize will make the event less stressful, allowing you a bigger window to evaluate which items you really need before moving into your new home.<\/p>\n When the first thought of downsizing crosses your mind, set the intention to reduce your items with three boxes in your garage labeled \u201cdonation,\u201d \u201cgive to family,\u201d and \u201ce-waste.\u201d These boxes will allow you to reduce your belongings in a gradual, eco-friendly way. As you come across unneeded items during your normal routine, simply put them in the appropriate box and continue on with your day.<\/p>\n By donating and handing down items, your unwanted stuff can be appreciated by new owners instead of wasting away in a landfill. Separating electronics from your general waste is crucial since many devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can cause environmental and human harm. Make sure to recycle e-waste properly<\/a> so professionals can dissemble parts safely and reuse materials for new devices.<\/p>\n At the latest, you should finish decluttering before you list your home<\/a>. Our Top Agent Insights for End of Year 2024 report reveals it could generate an additional $11,706<\/a> in sales proceeds; it\u2019s one of the easiest, most effective ways to increase resale value.<\/p>\n Before moving, measure your new space and scope out opportunities to increase storage so you know exactly how much space you\u2019ll have for your belongings.<\/p>\n \u201cWe measured our new rooms and penciled out where our furniture would go,\u201d Crocker says, explaining this step was key to deciding which pieces her family would bring from their old home.<\/p>\n The number one trick for adding storage is to take advantage of vertical space. Get creative with floor-to-ceiling shelving units<\/a>, hanging pot racks<\/a>, door organizers<\/a>, and furniture with hidden storage<\/a>. In the garage, install hooks and shelves<\/a> to hang sporting equipment and garden tools.<\/p>\n If you need a little more space, consider adding a shed to the backyard. Crocker\u2019s husband built one on the side of their new home for the family\u2019s seasonal extras; \u201cI have so many boxes for different holiday decorations. I just love decorating!\u201d she shares.<\/p>\n Follow these DIY instructions<\/a> to build your own, or buy one like this Suncast Tremont Storage Shed<\/a> from Home Depot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Whatever challenges you\u2019re facing, we\u2019ve gathered invaluable downsizing tips from people who\u2019ve recently gone through the process.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":54381,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[220,319],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-downsizing","category-selling-advice"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"homelight](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/logo-small-cta.png\"){kind=logo}
\n <\/div>\n \n Get Expert Advice About Downsizing Your Home<\/h3>\n
Downsizing Tip #1: Acknowledge the emotional side of downsizing<\/h2>\n
Downsizing Tip #2: Give yourself time<\/h2>\n
Downsizing Tip #3: Measure your new space and evaluate your storage options<\/h2>\n