Are you thinking about downsizing your home in Marietta, GA? Downsizing can be a great way to save money and simplify your life. However, it's important that you understand the ins and outs of the process before taking the plunge.

In this article, we'll cover 8 things you need to know if you're considering downsizing in Marietta, GA. We'll discuss topics like your vision and goals, what kind of property is best for downsizing purposes, how to get started with selling your current home, and more. By following our advice, you'll have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about whether or not downsizing is right for you. So let's get started!

Why Downsize?

The cost of living has gone up in many places all over the world within the last few years, and this has made it difficult for many people to afford their lifestyles. There are also many areas that are dealing with a low inventory of homes, and that often leads to homes selling for much higher than they typically would. Downsizing in retirement is also very popular with families who have discovered their home is now too large to handle or that they simply don’t need that much space. These factors are just a couple of reasons why people have started to consider downsizing their homes, and now is one of the best times to do it. 

What to Know Before Downsizing

1. Your Vision

There are a large number of reasons people might consider downsizing their homes, and you want to make sure you are getting something that suits you a bit better. Think about why you are downsizing and figure out what you’re looking for when it comes to your new home. Make a list of things that are important to you right now (such as a large yard for your dog or a low-maintenance home complete with a helpful HOA), and make another list of things that might be important to you in the future so that you can start narrowing down the homes available in your area. 

2. Your Goals

When downsizing a home, it’s important to consider your goals for the future. Moving from a larger home to a smaller one can be daunting and overwhelming, but if done properly, it can have many positive benefits. Downsizing allows you to reduce clutter and focus on what matters most in life; living with less can open up time for other activities such as hobbies or travel that may have been out of reach before. 

Financial need is a big factor that many retirees consider when downsizing in Marietta, Georgia, as a more fixed income will mean you need to take budgeting a little more seriously. By taking into consideration your long-term goals when deciding to downsize your home, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that best suits both you and your family's needs.

3. Your Needs

Lastly, think about your needs—why are you moving to this smaller home? You want to end up with a home that fits all of your requirements. There are plenty of factors to consider when looking for the perfect place such as size, location, amenities, and more. Maybe you're downsizing to Marietta, GA because of the wonderful amenities offered, or perhaps you're looking for a place that's closer to your family. Whatever the reason may be, it's important to make sure that your new home meets all of your needs and desires.

5 Tips to Help Downsize Your Home

1) Declutter and Purge

Do you have a set of collectible plates that have been sitting in a cupboard, never seeing the light of day, for years? How about that closet full of clothes that have been hanging, untouched, right beside those sets of heels that haven't been out on the town in far too long? Downsizing is the perfect opportunity to purge your home of unnecessary items. As you work through each room, decide which items are essential and which can be donated or sold. Anything that doesn’t bring you joy or isn’t necessary should go. A good rule of thumb is: if you haven't used it in the past year, it goes. 

2) Understand Your New Space

If you have decided on where you are moving or you have a good idea of the size that you are looking for, you should start looking at getting rid of the larger items. You might need to ditch that sectional for a simple three-seat couch or consider getting rid of your large bed and switching to a more economical option. One of the best tips for downsizing to a smaller home is to start the process as soon as you can so you don't get stuck in a situation where you have too many things and not enough space to store them. 

3) Prioritize Amenities

When downsizing, it's important to factor in which amenities are important to you. If having an in-home office is essential for your work lifestyle, make sure you create a space that allows you to work comfortably and efficiently. Alternatively, if outdoor living is more of a priority, look for homes with patios or terraces where you can enjoy the fresh air. If a thriving social life is your top priority, be sure to find a community that boasts a wonderful selection of activities, clubs, or groups that you can join. 

4) Think of Future Guests

If you’re used to having guests over often, then you need to make sure you are downsizing into a space that can still accommodate them. An extra room might be tricky to come by, so prepare a space that can be private and comfortable for your guests. Consider purchasing a futon or room dividers that can be used when you have people over so that they can have their own space without feeling like they are invading yours. 

5) Categorize Everything

Packing is one of the most stressful parts when it comes to moving, but you can make it much easier on yourself if you keep everything organized. You want to label all of your boxes by room, but you should also label what is in each box so you can unpack them much faster. You will likely have a few boxes of absolute essentials that you need until the last minute, so make sure these are labeled in a different way (like a large sticker or a different colored marker) so you can easily identify them when you are unpacking into your new home. 

Downsizing your home can happen for many different reasons, and the best way to make sure you are going to be comfortable is by planning. The more you are prepared, the easier the move will be, and you won't have nearly as much stress. Marietta, Georgia, is a fantastic city with plenty of different homes available in different price ranges, so you have plenty of homes to choose from if you are considering downsizing.

Robb Realty Group, located in Atlanta, Georgia is a highly skilled and knowledgeable real estate team. Robb Realty Group is committed to its key core values of honesty, integrity, passion, and commitment when working together. Whether you are buying, selling, or curious about the market, Robb Realty Group has the answers.