The Ultimate Guide to Downsizing & The Downsizing Checklist

As we get older, it can get increasingly difficult to take care of large homes and the amount of stuff weve  collected over the years. The kids have moved out and are building lives of their own, and suddenly, the extra space isnt as necessary as it once was. If youre nearing retirement, now is a great time to consider downsizing. It can be hard to let go of a home where youve made years of memories, but downsizing is a practical way to keep your home maintenance manageable and put away money for health and other life expenses.For some seniors, downsizing isnt just a difficult decision but an actual economic necessity. As more Baby Boomers and Gen Xers near retirement age, downsizing might be the only way they can afford to stay retired.If youve considered selling your home for something smaller, there are a few factors you may want to consider. First, think about your personal reasons for downsizing economic or otherwise. Second, consider what kind of home youd like to move into. Finally, youll need to figure out whether selling your home would financially support the first two factors.Its not a fun situation unless youre planning to move somewhere exciting or close to your adult children but downsizing can be a prudent financial decision that can set you up to live out your retirement years in comfort.Heres an overview of why and how to downsize.Why you should consider downsizing nowThere are several reasons to consider downsizing in retirement, including:Manage your finances: For many people, finances are the number one reason to consider moving somewhere smaller. If you still have a mortgage, your home may not be affordable on your retirement budget, or you might need to free up money to pay for your Medicare and healthcare costs. If you manage the sale wisely and move somewhere that fits within your budget, you may be able to set yourself up for comfort in retirement.Give yourself the gift of less upkeep: Even if youre in perfect health now, aging takes its toll on everyone. Larger homes require significantly more maintenance and upkeep than smaller ones, especially townhomes, condominiums and apartments, where maintenance is typically taken care of by a management company. Upkeep also factors into your budget you can often save money on maintenance when you move into a smaller place.Easier relocating: Have you always wanted to live farther away from the city? Does a dry climate agree more with your lungs? Want to move closer to your children and grandchildren? Downsizing is the perfect opportunity to find your dream home in another area.Find a home with aging-in-place amenities: Many homes that were ideal for raising children dont fit your needs as you age. Downsizing allows you to find a home with built-in, aging-in-place amenities, so you can continue living independently for as long as you desire. Alternatively, if you suffer from serious health issues, you may wish to move to an assisted living facility to have on-site assistance.Eliminate clutter: We collect a lot of clutter over the years. Without a pressing need to get rid of the excess, its all too easy to let it pile up. Downsizing or moving of any kind is a good opportunity to sort out what you want to keep versus what you can let go, since your new home will have less room to store unnecessary items.How to downsize your homeIf youre interested in downsizing but arent sure where to start, here are a few tips:Make an appointment with a financial advisor: After youve decided why you want to downsize, youll need to figure out how to do it. Meeting with your financial advisor is crucial to determining the full picture. A good advisor can help you evaluate your income and assets, point out potential tax liabilities and identify other issues that might affect the downsizing process. In some cases, they may have suggestions regarding whether it makes more sense to sell your home or rent it out.Research smaller homes: The next item to tackle is research. Before you can go any further, youll need to figure out what it costs to live in the type of home you want, in the location you want. For example, a full-sized house in your dream city might cost more than your income can bear, but a condo in the same area could be affordable. Remember as you research to keep in mind the upkeep costs, HOA dues and other fees that may not be included in the list price.Research your mortgage options: If you sell your home and some assets, you may be able to get a good rate on a short-term mortgage for your new home. Shop around to find the best loan you can find. 10- to 15-year mortgages are a good choice for retirees because they allow you to gain equity in the home quickly with lower interest rates. If the 10-year options monthly payments are too high, 15-year mortgages are often more manageable.Find out your homes value: You probably have an idea of what your home might sell for, but the more realistic your estimate, the better. You can have your home appraised or research similar homes on websites like Zillow. In some cases, it wont make financial sense to sell your home. For example, if youll pay as much to rent a smaller home as you spend on the mortgage in your current home, it might be better to move and rent your home out for extra income.Make a realistic budget: Once you have an idea of what your home might sell for and where youd like to live, you can make a budget. A financial advisor may be able to give you an overall picture of what your retirement income will look like over the next few decades. Create a realistic monthly budget, leaving yourself as much wiggle room as possible. Dont forget that expenses in a different area might look much higher or lower than youre paying now, so do as much research as you can before committing.Dont forget the taxes and fees: One mistake people can make when downsizing is forgetting the taxes and fees that come with buying and selling a home. Agent commissions, property taxes, closing costs, capital gains and other fees can make a once-desirable home suddenly unaffordable.Once you have these details ironed out, it will be easier for you to find a smaller home that meets all of your needs.ConclusionFrom losing social networks to finding good healthcare providers in your new location, downsizing can be an emotional process. However, if its the right decision for your family, health and budget, it can set you up to live comfortably throughout your retirement.PlanEnroll is devoted to helping seniors find the right healthcare coverage for their needs. We represent a range of Medicare plans and can help you identify the benefits and coverage that are right for you.PlanEnroll is a brand operated by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC and used by its affiliated licensed insurance agencies that are certified to sell Medicare products. PlanEnroll is not endorsed by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or any other government agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1800MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Why Planning Ahead Matters for Senior RelocationsBy A Call to Order Professional OrganizerA Gentle Path ForwardThe decision to relocate a senior loved onewhether to a smaller home, a senior living community, or closer to familyis one filled with emotion. Its not just a move; its a life transition. Memories, milestones, and treasured belongings are all part of the journey.Thats why planning ahead for senior relocations is so important. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, weve walked alongside many families navigating this path. When approached early and with care, the process becomes more manageable, more meaningful, and less stressful for everyone involved.As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, families are seeking ways to reduce stress, preserve family harmony, and honor the pastall while creating a safer and more supportive environment for their aging loved ones. Planning early is a gift that brings clarity, comfort, and connection.The Emotional and Practical Benefits of Early PlanningWhen it comes to senior relocation, time is your greatest ally. By starting early, families can take a step-by-step approach that reduces overwhelm and supports everyone emotionally.1. More Time for Emotional ProcessingLeaving a longtime home is never just about the physical spaceits about letting go of decades of memories. Planning ahead gives seniors time to say goodbye in a way that feels respectful and gentle. They can revisit special items, reflect on milestones, and share stories that matter. This emotional preparation leads to less resistance and more peace.2. Reducing Family Stress and TensionOne of the most common challenges during a last-minute move is family conflict. When time is limited, decisions are rushed, tensions rise, and tempers flare. Early planning allows families to work together thoughtfully, honoring both practical needs and emotional attachments without pressure.3. Better Options and AvailabilityIn todays fast-moving housing and senior care market, planning early gives you access to better housing choices, preferred communities, and moving services that may book out months in advance. You can take time to visit potential homes, ask the right questions, and ensure your loved one feels comfortable and supported.A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting the Senior Move ConversationStarting the conversation about senior relocation can feel overwhelmingbut with the right approach, it can be an opportunity for connection, understanding, and even excitement about the next chapter.1. Start with Empathy, Not UrgencyBegin the conversation with love. Avoid phrases like You have to move or You cant stay here anymore. Instead, ask open questions: What would make you feel more comfortable in your daily routine? Would you like help sorting through some of your things? By making it about their comfort and wellbeing, you create a safe space for honest dialogue.2. Involve a Professional Organizer EarlyAt A Call to Order, we specialize in senior move management. We understand how to navigate the emotional landscape of downsizing and transitions. We guide families step-by-step, helping to sort, pack, and plan with both heart and strategymaking the process feel less like a chore and more like a celebration of lifes journey.3. Create a Personalized TimelineBreak the process into manageable stages:36 months out: Begin conversations and explore living options.23 months out: Begin sorting and letting go of items that wont move with your loved one.1 month out: Start packing essentials and coordinating logistics.1 week out: Final preparations and emotional support.This structure reduces decision fatigue and helps everyone feel in control.4. Focus on the PositiveWhile its okay to honor grief or sadness, help your loved one look forward to the benefits: less home maintenance, easier access to care, and opportunities for new friendships. Highlight what theyll gain, not just what theyll lose.Let the Journey Be Gentle, TogetherRelocating a senior loved one is never just about boxes and furnitureits about dignity, legacy, and love. By planning ahead, families can avoid unnecessary stress, preserve emotional well-being, and make the journey a beautiful one.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, were more than just moving supportwere partners in transition. We walk alongside families with empathy, expertise, and the heartfelt belief that every move should feel like a new beginning, not a loss. Contact us today to begin planning your loved ones next chapter with care. Visit www.acalltoorderco.com for more resources, checklists, and guidance.Lets plan aheadbecause your familys peace is worth it.

Thinking about a move can stir up all kinds of emotionsexcitement, uncertainty, even a little stress. Maybe your home feels too large now. Maybe the upkeep is getting harder. Or maybe its simply time for a fresh start in a place that suits your needs todaynot 10 or 20 years ago. Navigating the real estate market, preparing your home to sell , and making decisions about relocating to a new place to live is a big processbut with the right support, it can also be empowering. Its about choosing what comes next on your terms and stepping into a lifestyle thats simpler, safer, and more aligned with how you want to live. Understanding the Marketand Your OptionsIn the first half of 2025, the DallasFort Worth housing market is shifting toward more balance. That means sellers are still seeing solid value, while buyers have more time and options to make thoughtful choices. If youre thinking about downsizing, this could be a great moment to take the leap.According to Karen Young, a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES), the DFW housing market is especially active among adults 55 and older who are looking for the ideal place to relocate or invest in their retirement future. Texas consistently appeals to seniors, she explains, with its favorable tax climate, reasonable cost of living, and diverse options in senior-focused communities.Karen also notes a rising demand for homes in active adult neighborhoods offering amenities like fitness centers, social activities, and maintenance-free living. Im personally seeing senior executives moving toward retirement increasingly consider these communities, she says, either as a current lifestyle choice or a strategic investment for their future.With DFWs competitive real estate landscape, Karen encourages seniors to be proactive and to work with real estate professionals experienced in senior relocation. This is especially important when navigating tax strategies related to capital gains and understanding senior property tax exemption status, she adds.Whether you plan to move to a smaller home or to an active adult or retirement community, understanding your real estate options is key. That includes knowing what your current home is worth, what kind of living space fits your lifestyle, and what steps are needed to get from where you are now to where you want to be.Thats where professionalslike real estate agents, organizers, and senior relocation specialistscan make all the difference.Your Moving Preparation ChecklistHaving an outline or list of where to begin the process can help you put everything in perspective and alleviate the overwhelm of it all. Here are a few guidelines to help you feel in control once things get going:Start Early  Give yourself plenty of time to make decisions without feeling rushed.List Your Priorities  What matters most in your next home? Proximity to family? Less maintenance? Community living?Get a Home Evaluation  Understanding your homes market value is a great first step.Purge with Purpose  Begin sorting what to keep, donate, or let go ofwith help if needed.Meet with Professionals  A move manager, real estate agent, or financial advisor can offer personalized insight.Keep it all Together  Store your notes, contact info, and paperwork all in one place.Be Kind to Yourself  Downsizing can be emotional. Dont shy away from taking time to reflect and recharge.Look to the Future  Remind yourself why youre making this moveits about ease, safety, joy, and freedom.You Dont Have to Do It AlonePlanning a move can feel like a lotbut it doesnt have to be something you tackle on your own. There are experienced professionals who specialize in making this kind of transition smoother, more organized, and a lot less stressful.Thats exactly what we do at WellRive.Our senior relocation specialists are here to support you through every step of the journey. From connecting you with a knowledgeable real estate agent and helping you explore new living options, to organizing, downsizing, and packingwere by your side through it all. And once youve moved, well even help set up your new home so it feels just right from the moment you walk in.Contact WellRive today at 469-526-4201 to learn how we can help make your move easier, more organized, and fully supported - from start to finish.