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I have assisted several of my clients downsize over the years. I have also  worked with children who looked for condos or a smaller house for their parents. In one instance, there was a homeowner who really, really, loved her family home, 3 floors, 4 bedrooms. The problem wasn’t necessarily the fact that she lived alone,  the issue was that she never even went up to the third floor! The kids were long gone…and keeping 3 ‘guest bedrooms’ for grandchildren who themselves were soon going to college, simply no longer made sense. This homeowner made the decision herself, and unlike some other downsizers, this was a choice, not a necessity. There is difference!

There is no doubt that she could have continued living in the house…but, as you know, a house doesn’t maintain itself.  When you are alone, regardless of your age, there will always be work that has to be done…garbage taken out….snow to shovel….etc. etc.  But, there comes a time for some, when maintaining a house with loads of unused space doesn’t make a great deal of sense…both financially and emotionally.   So, after thinking long and hard they decide to sell the family home…the home where they have either raised children, or  lived in for many years. 

Chances are, over the years you have amassed a great deal of furniture…and every drawer is full of a lifetimes worth of ‘stuff’. You don’t have to be a candidate for Hoarders TV, to realize that most of us tend to keep “stuff’… that’s what drawers are for!

So where do you start??

Well, you have a couple of options,  depending on your age, and ability, you can either tackle the de-cluttering yourself (that’s what friends and family are there for!) or enlist  the services of one of the many well respected companies that actually specialise in handling this exact scenario. ( email me geoffhartle@royallepage.ca )  and I will gladly send through the names and numbers.) 

Chances are, you didn’t reach the decision to sell your house and downsize overnight.  And the process of actually going through and decluttering can take some time.  There really are experts in this field who can assist you, or at the very least,  come up with a plan on how to tackle the project. In other words, you don’t have to do it alone.

Depending on your age, and lifestyle, you might decide to simply buy a smaller house, even in the same neighbourhood.  Or, if you decide that you want something with  less maintenance, a condo might be a better choice.  Some residential pockets are in areas that were designed for people who own cars and drive!  There are no shops or cafe’s within walking distance. Whether it’s a house or a condo, try to stay close to things that interest you, and maybe even that you can walk  to ( great exercise!) It’s a lot better for all of us to ‘walk to the corner store’ instead of driving to it!

Location is crucial…if you like a particular area, try and stay close by. You’re moving house….not moving your life! Although there are smaller houses in every residential pocket, there are also some condo buildings that are much better than others for downsizers.  Some new construction condos for example, simply don’t have the room proportions to allow for a separate dining and living room. While others like Rosedale Glen at 278 Bloor, afford plenty of space.  Of course everything depends on your budget! It always does.

If your house is in Moore Park, or Leaside, Rosedale or Forest Hill…you might prefer to downsize to a midtown Toronto condo. If you have always wanted to live downtown,  there are loads of options in the heart of the city. If you enjoy walking on the boardwalk in the beach…there are options there too!

Downsizing is a big step….but there is also a sense of freedom that comes with it too!