With the trend over the last decade being to "supersize," the trend to downsize was almost inevitable. Having sold homes to "empty nesters" for the past five years, I've heard every reason for and against the trend to downsize, as well as a number of ways to (and not to) go about this next, best phase of living. As with any move, having a plan is the best way to avoid the headaches and stress of downsizing, as well as to enjoy the process.
Determine your primary reason for downsizing. Reasons for downsizing run the gamut from health issues, desire to travel, wish to be closer to adult children, grandchildren or other family and friends, job change or change in marital status. Your personal situation will help determine the floor plan, storage needs, guest space and amenities you'll need in your new, smaller home.
Once you have determined your needs, you'll want to look into the different styles of homes available. Smaller homes may mean a single-family detached home in an older neighborhood with yard space, a "cluster" style home with a courtyard or maintenance-free yard, a ranch condominium home with a low-maintenance or maintenance-free exterior, a townhome in a neighborhood or "destination" locale, or a home in a multi-level or high-rise building.
Keep an open mind. If you are determined that you "can't live in an attached home," examine where your judgments have come from. Newer construction "attached" homes often provide the luxury amenities and social opportunities you desire, combined with high-quality construction that is reminiscent of a single-family home. Check for firewalls and inquire about the soundproofing between each home (often the salespeople cannot comment on this, but you can discuss this with folks who already reside there).
Floor plans for condominiums and townhomes have come a long way in the last few years, as the "Baby Boomer" generation has begun to downsize and demand open living spaces and ample storage, so you'd being doing yourself a disservice to skip this segment of the home market.
When you find your floor plan, be realistic about your furniture and keepsakes. When making the transition to a smaller home, many people find they want to try a whole new style of decorating to complement their new, carefree lifestyle. Others prefer to keep many of the pieces they already own for sentimental or financial reasons. Look at your new floor plan and create a layout for your furniture and the traffic flow (where you walk) from room to room. Decide the primary use for each room and create a furniture layout for that room.
Plan for guests as well. Rooms can be multi-purpose, with daybeds or pull-out sofas (which also have come a long way in both style and comfort) in a sunroom or office.
When you've determined your furniture layout, decide which pieces you already own that may fit the bill. If you have a sofa you love but want to change your style or color in your new home, look into getting furniture reupholstered. If you have a collection of items that you want to keep, plan for the best way to display it in your new home, or if you want to pare down to those pieces you absolutely love.
Deciding what to keep, give away or throw away can be a daunting task. Tackle each room separately: bring laundry baskets or plastic bins into each room labeled "Keep," "Donate" and "Toss." If there's an item you can't keep but want to remember, take a photograph, then let the item go. If necessary, enlist the help of a friend or family member to accomplish this task.
Donate books and magazines to your local library. Find a charity that will accept clothing and furniture donations. If you feel up to the challenge, hold a yard sale or list the items on eBay or Craig's List. Check with friends and relatives to see if there are items they want to keep.
While every move has its ups and downs, the idea of downsizing often comes with a host of emotions you may not have experienced before. Even the word, "downsizing," conjures negative connotations for many people. But that need not be the case. Remind yourself often what a wonderful life you're going to have in your new space. After living in a larger home, take the time to plan and set priorities for your new lifestyle. It will help you appreciate the functionality and manageability of your new, smaller home.