Downsizing? Don’t know where to start?

Dated: January 18 2023

Views: 347

Downsizing? Don’t know where to start?

Whether the kids have just left the nest, or you want to downsize to eliminate the additional work of lawn care and snow removal, the move to a smaller home or condo could be challenging. What do you do to prepare for the move? How do you go about the change? How do you get rid of the extra furniture, appliances, and equipment for the downsize?

I have been involved in helping people in this situation. There have been times where my client has had a garage sale or an auction to sell items they thought they would not need any more. Then they made the move and found they had to go buy an item they sold. There needs to be a lot of thought when it comes to selling items for the downsize.

Initially, you need to go through the house and have a discussion concerning the items that are thought to be extra. This should not be done quickly; much thought should go into this. Then, see if any family members would like the extra items. It would be great to help the family out before putting items up for sale. Once, these steps have been completed talk to an auctioneer to see if the remaining items would make a good auction. Sometimes, there is not enough to sell to have an auction. If there is enough for an auction, let the auctioneer take over. If there is not enough for an auction, then plan a garage sale. Having friends and family members help with a garage sale is essential.

First step for a garage sale is to clean out the garage. Make sure all items in the garage are removed or covered. Set up areas in the garage for furniture. Set up tables for smaller items. Do a little research for the prices you are asking for the items. You want to get rid of the items, but you don’t want to give it away. Have a plan to reduce prices as the garage sale continues.

Downsizing can be healthy and comforting. But the process can be overwhelming and exhausting. Having a plan in place beforehand can help. Ask for help! Real estate agents have been involved in these situations many times and could be a source of help and advice.

 Greg Gault

Written by: Greg Gault, Realtor

Blog author image

Kristen Tobias

As a full time real estate agent, I pride myself on offering superior personal service before, during and after your transaction. I am knowledgeable of the area & will work tirelessly to help you get ....

Latest Blog Posts

What is a Mortgage Recast? How It Can Lower Your Payment

What Is a Mortgage Recast? The Mortgage Option Many Homeowners Don’t Know AboutHave you ever learned something and immediately thought, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this sooner?;

Read More

Schaad's Luxury Cleanse: Window washers and so much more

Spotlight Business #25: Schaad's Luxury CleanseWhat’s your least favorite part of home maintenance?If cleaning windows is somewhere near the top of that list, this local business spotlight is

Read More

Have You Fallen in Love With a Home? How to Keep Your Head While House Hunting

Have you ever walked into a home and known within a few seconds that you loved it?You haven’t seen the basement. You don’t know how old the furnace is. You haven’t opened

Read More

Curated Gold & Gathered : Antiques & Jewelry in Downtown Ashland, Ohio

Spotlight Business #24If you're the kind of person who says, “I'm just going to look,” and then somehow walks out carrying something you didn't know you needed, I have a new place for.

Read More