Leave a Message

By providing your contact information to Woodland Real Estate, your personal information will be processed in accordance with Woodland Real Estate's Privacy Policy. By checking the box(es) below, you expressly consent to receive marketing or promotional real estate communication from Woodland Real Estate in the manner selected by you. For SMS text messages, message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase of any goods or services. You may opt out of receiving further communications from Woodland Real Estate at any time. To opt out of receiving SMS text messages, reply STOP to unsubscribe. SMS text messaging is subject to our Terms of Use.

Yes, I agree to receive email or phone call communications from Woodland Real Estate. Yes, I agree to receive SMS text messages from Woodland Real Estate.

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

11 Steps to Downsizing Your House

March 31, 2021

Suddenly, a place that was perfect for you a decade or two ago might feel cavernous. If you’re starting to dream about trading in your rambling old house for a smaller cottage or new condo, here are the steps you’ll have to take.

1. Consider Your Finances

How much your home is worth
Where you want to buy or rent HOAs
New taxes if you leave your area

2. Think about Space

Visit smaller homes at open houses
Walk through IKEA showrooms
Record square footage and your impressions of space
Don’t forget lot size

3. Could You Change Enough to Stay?

Remodeling and staying put might be an option
Convert one floor to a unit and rent it
Widen the stairs
Update the bathroom
Talk to contractors and scope a budget to see if this is realistic

4. Decide Where to Go

In the same area, but closer to some amenities or people?
Different neighborhood?
Different city?
Different state?
Different country?

5. Factor in Cost-of-Living Changes

Groceries and gas
Utilities
Parking
Public transportation
Entertainment

6. Find a Place to Land

Familiarize yourself with a typical house
Get specific measurements for your new place

7. Replace or Shed Furniture

Consider size, function, daily usage
Eliminate duplicate items
Think about what you can replace
Take measurements of what you buy so you’re sure it will fit

8. Getting Rid of Excess Baggage

Books
Decorations
Clothes
Kitchenware
Appliances

9. Understand Your Storage Options

Will you have a storage closet?
Or a garage?
A basement?
An attic?
Should you rent a storage unit? Be careful with this option
If you don’t have a plan to deal with it, get rid of it

10. Organize, Organize, Organize

Your finances
Your giveaways or sales of your things
Your donations
Your move-out

11. Make the Move

You may be seized with second thoughts
Make a list of the things you don’t like about your about-to-be downsized lifestyle and house
Refer to it throughout the process

Recent Blog Posts

17 Questions For Choosing A Plumber

Finding and choosing a reliable plumber is one of those things that most homeowners know they should do at some point.

18 Tips For When You’re Stuck In Escrow

If you’re not sure what to expect, follow these tips, and your closing should go as smoothly as humanly possible.

12 Pet Owner Maintenance Musts

Having a pet is absolutely worth the hassle they can cause, but there are also steps you can take to maintain your home.

10 Things To Know About Home Value Estimates

There’s a reason why estimating a home’s value is a specialized process that’s typically executed by a licensed professional.

9 Reasons To Sell In 2019

When you hear economists or real estate professionals talk about inventory, they’re referring to housing inventory.

35 Things Home Inspectors Examine

It’s usually best to wait until the inspection has concluded before you bombard the inspector with queries.

How To Create An Urban Garden: 17 Considerations

If you’d like to grow something that requires more sunlight than you have available, think about investing in an interior gardening system.

Buying Before Or After Marriage: What Should You Do?

Whether you buy a house together before or after the wedding, there are advantages and disadvantages to either path.

15 Things Home Inspectors Miss

Home inspectors do their best to catch the major problems before the sale is finalized, but there are some things they can miss.

Your goals, our expertise

We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why our team of highly seasoned real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients.