5 Mistakes to Avoid When Downsizing

Are you thinking about downsizing your home? Maybe you’re entering a different life stage, or your home is too expensive. Either way, downsizing your home is a big step. You need to consider some challenges when deciding if downsizing is right for you. Here are some of the most common mistakes that you should avoid.

1. Being Too Optimistic About Your Downsizing

Just because you want to be able to live in a 600-square-foot tiny house doesn’t mean that you actually can. If you’re in a 2,400-square-foot home, you must think critically about how much you can downsize and still feel comfortable. Try testing it out by spending some time in an Airbnb of that size or visit a similar-sized home. If you’ve never lived in a house of a smaller size, you should think about whether it’ll be truly comfortable for you.

2. Not Getting Rid of Your Stuff in Advance

What happens when you draw closer to selling your home when you still have a ton of clutter? Well, you end up throwing out a ton of stuff you might need. Always sort through and get rid of things in advance so you don’t end up in a situation where you need to rush through it. Take the time to think about what you do and do not need. You can get creative if an object has sentimental value but won’t fit in your new place. For example, it can be better to take a swatch of a blanket with you than the entire thing. 

3. Not Downsizing Enough 

Think about it this way: If you get a house that’s too big, you might end up downsizing again. Many people make sure they still have a guest room out of the idea that guests may come to stay even though they frequently don’t entertain guests. Just as you shouldn’t go into a property that is too small, you should also avoid having rooms and areas that you don’t need.

4. Settling for a Home You Don’t Want

Downsizing should be about finding a home that will be comfortable for you for the foreseeable future. If you feel pressured to sell your home, you might consider settling for a property you don’t want, which can negatively affect you for decades. When downsizing, list the things you absolutely need and what you just want. Make sure you at least get the things that you need.

5. Not Considering the New Neighborhood

With a smaller home, you’re likely to use amenities outside of your home more frequently. You may not have a home gym, so you may go out to the gym. You may not have a home theater, so you might go out to the movies more frequently. Look at your neighborhood and how much you enjoy wandering around it because it will matter once you’ve moved into your new home.

Downsizing a home is an excellent opportunity to get rid of unwanted clutter and to simplify your life. Ensure your next home is your “forever home” by carefully considering your options and needs. To streamline the home sale process, selling your home to a home buyer can help. You’ll be in control of when you need to move out — and you’ll get cash for your current home.  Contact We Buy Houses Tulsa to get started. You can find us online or by phone at 918-739-6777.