For many, the idea of downsizing sparks feelings of both excitement and uncertainty. You’re ready to relieve yourself of the duties of keeping a house too large for your current situation clean. You’re ready for less upkeep, lower expenses, and the freedom to travel more and spend time with loved ones.

Where do you start?

Good news: downsizing doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a solid plan, the process can feel smooth, efficient, and even liberating. Here’s a practical guide to help you get started on your downsizing move without the hassle and find the perfect home for your next chapter.

Step 1: Identify Your Needs and Priorities

Not every downsize move is the same. You have your own needs and priorities with downsizing and finding a home that fits your current and future lifestyle.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to be close to family, friends, or a familiar community?
• Are you looking for a single-level to avoid stairs?
• Would you prefer a condo or townhome to eliminate house maintenance duties?
• Are you looking for a community with features and benefits like one with an HOA?

✅ Pro Tip: Think long-term, not just the next few months after moving. Features like wider doorways, walk-in showers, and minimal yard upkeep can make life easier as life goes on. You’ve worked hard in life to get here, so it’s important to assess what you want to keep working hard at in life.

Step 2: Declutter with Purpose

The thought of sorting through years of memories and belongings can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to reframe your life and determine what truly matters to you.

• Start early: begin with small areas you can tackle a bit at a time like closets or storage rooms then work your way up to bigger spaces with more stuff.
• Keep, donate or toss: sort your items into three categories like these to make your decisions easier. Then, when you put an item into a category, you don’t have to think about it again. When you do this, you have more mental capacity to spend on the more critical decisions.
• Honor the memories: take photos of sentimental items you’re ready to let go of if you want to preserve a piece of that memory without holding onto the object. Things are just things, but photographs can elicit memories, which last forever.

✅ Pro Tip: Consider hiring a professional organizer to help streamline the process and take the stress out of decluttering. Or, if you have family or children near to help out, this could be a fun process to do together.

Step 3: Understand the Market and Plan Your Sale

If you’ve been in your home for years, today’s market could feel unfamiliar to you. This is where an expert’s guidance could help.

• Know your home’s value: a local real estate agent can provide a market analysis to help you understand what your home is worth. This step is rather tedious and difficult to do if you’re not a real estate professional with the proper market tools.
• Prep your home: chances are, your home could use a few updates. What home couldn’t? Simple updates like a fresh coat of paint, clean landscaping, and professional staging can make a big difference in attracting buyers.
• Time the sale: market trends can vary depending on the time of year, so consult a real estate professional to determine the best time to list your home given the current market. This can help ensure you get top dollar for the sale of your home.

✅ Pro Tip: Understanding the market can be tricky without the proper tools. Nest Realty stays up-to-date on the real estate market so we can help determine when the best time to list your home and how to attract the highest paying buyers.

Step 4: Find the Right Home for Your Next Chapter

Whether you’re looking for a cozy condo, a home closer to loved ones, or a low-maintenance townhome, finding the right fit is key.

• Work with an Agent You Trust: A knowledgeable agent will listen to your needs, show you the best options, and handle the details.
• Consider Your Lifestyle: Look for features and amenities that match your priorities, like proximity to medical facilities, community activities, or outdoor spaces.
• Plan for the Future: Even if you don’t need certain features now, it’s wise to consider accessibility and convenience down the road.

✅ Pro Tip: There is no perfect home. However, Nest Realty can help you find the perfect home for YOU. We will take the time to listen to what you are looking for and show you the homes that check all your boxes and we won’t rest until we find you your perfect home.

Step 5: Save Money to Celebrate Your New Beginning

Downsizing often means reducing your monthly expenses—but it doesn’t stop there. Nest Realty’s flexible commission model can save you thousands when selling your current home, giving you more financial freedom to enjoy your next chapter.

✅ Pro Tip: With commission rates starting at just 1.5%, you’ll keep more of your equity while still receiving premium service. It’s a win-win! The money you save finding your new home can be put toward travel, hobbies, or whatever you love.

Once you’ve closed on your new home, take a moment to celebrate. Downsizing is more than just a move – it’s a fresh start!

Why Work with Nest Realty?

At Nest Realty, we specialize in helping clients navigate life transitions with ease and confidence. Here’s how we make downsizing simple:

• Flexible Commission Options: Save thousands while still receiving top-tier service.
• Personalized Guidance: From decluttering tips to market insights, we’re here to help at every step.
• Local Expertise: Our agents know the Utah market inside and out, ensuring you find the perfect home for your next stage of life.

Ready to Downsize?

Let Nest Realty help you simplify the process and save money along the way. Contact us today to get started on your downsizing journey.