Downsizing doesn’t have to be a downer – how to make the transition to a new home

By Korey Welch, Owner of Boom Realty
and Senior Mortgage Broker, Loan Factory

Downsizing to a smaller home can be a liberating experience for seniors, offering the opportunity to simplify life, reduce maintenance, and enjoy a more manageable living space.
Here are some practical tips to make the transition smoother:
Plan ahead
Start early: Begin the downsizing process well before your move date to reduce stress.
Set goals: Decide how much space you’ll have and what you’ll need to live comfortably.
Make a floor plan: Create a layout of your new home to visualize where furniture and belongings will go.
Decluttering and sorting
Take it one room at a time: Focus on one area to prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Sort items by category: Label piles as Keep, Donate, Sell, and Discard.
Be honest: If you haven’t used or needed something in over a year, consider letting it go.
Downsize duplicates: Keep only one of each essential item.
Digitize documents and photos: Scan and store important papers and photos electronically.
Prioritize sentimental items
Select key keepsakes: Choose a few meaningful items and consider gifting others to family members.
Create memory books: Compile favorite photos and stories into compact albums.
Selling or donating items
Host a garage sale: Sell items you no longer need and earn extra cash.
Use online marketplaces: Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist can be useful.
Donate to charity: Contact local organizations to give items a new life.
Transitioning to the new home
Measure furniture: Ensure larger pieces fit into the new space before bringing them.
Think multifunctional: Opt for furniture with dual purposes, like storage ottomans or foldable tables.
Personalize the space: Bring favorite decorations to make the new home feel familiar and comfortable.
Enlist help
Involve family or friends: They can offer emotional and practical support.
Hire professionals: Consider moving companies or senior move managers who specialize in downsizing.
Adjusting after the move
Take time to settle: Unpack and organize at your own pace.
Join the community: Participate in neighborhood activities to build new connections.
Downsizing can be a positive change that brings freedom and simplicity. Taking it step by step ensures the process is less daunting and more rewarding. Let me know if I can help you directly or share my trusted resources.
Sell smarter!
Also, be very careful when engaging a real estate agent. I have seen a lot of bad advice given by other agents regarding the National Association of Realtors lawsuit settlement changes, which are costing buyers and sellers a lot of money.
If you are looking to buy or sell, please reach out to me. I only charge a 1% listing agent fee and am routinely saving sellers tens of thousands of dollars in listing fees. I just sold a $2.8-million dollar home in Falmouth and saved the seller $56,000 in listing fees compared to if he listed with another agent.

Korey Welch, owner of Boom Realty and Senior Mortgage Broker (NMLS: 14991) with Loan Factory (NMLS: 320841), is a licensed mortgage broker/real estate broker based in Rockland. For more than two decades, Korey has been helping seniors determine the best fit. For a complimentary consultation, contact him at korey@koreywelch.com, 781-367-3351.