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Downsizing Checklist

Important considerations to make when downsizing

Downsizing is a journey that many underestimate and truthfully, a lot more work than most people expect. It's emotional, it's logistical, and it can feel overwhelming without the right plan in place and being in control.​

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There are a lot of moving parts that tend to get overlooked. It's not just about selling your current home and buying a smaller one. It's everything in between that can catch people off guard.

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From figuring out what your home is actually worth to knowing exactly how much you'll walk away with after all of the costs. From preparing your home for market, to decluttering a lifetime of belongings, making tough decisions on what stays and what goes, and organizing the entire transition. That part alone can feel like too much.

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Most people think the downsizing checklist looks like this:

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1. Call a REALTOR

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2. List the home

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3. Buy something smaller

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But in reality, it's so much more than that, and the sooner you can see the full plan, the easier the entire journey becomes.

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Below is a simple version of our full checklist - the essential steps every downsizer should consider. And if you're looking for the complete, detailed version, we're happy to email it straight to you.

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Essential Downsizing Checklist:

Understanding Your Home's Value

  • Get a detailed estimate of your home's current market value

  • Know exactly how much you'll walk away with after commissions, legal fees, and closing costs

  • Review your mortgage payout and calculate net equity with real numbers

Declutter with Purpose (We Help Here)

  • Sort items into: keep, donate, sell, or dispose

  • Start with low sentiment areas to build momentum

  • We offer full support with professional decluttering plans, organizing help, and even haul away options 

Prepare Your Home for Market (Deep Cleaning Included

  • Tackle repairs and touch ups that add value

  • Deep clean every room - and yes, our full service package includes this

  • Light staging or layout optimization to make your home show at its best

Decide on Timing: Sell First or Buy First?

  • We walk through both options with you

  • Consider your financial comfort zone and moving logistics

  • Create a plan for temporary housing if needed

Explore the Next Chapter

  • Narrow down the best downsizing locations for your lifestyle

  • Compare options: bungalows, condos, adult lifestyle communities, etc

  • Understand your ideal monthly costs - we'll break them down together

Make the Transition Easy

  • Plan your move early and book reputable movers (yes we include this too)

  • Label and organize for a smooth unpacking experience

  • Update utilities, mail, and key services

  • And most importantly: we're here to make the journey fun and easy.

Get Your Free Full Checklist Straight to Your Email

  • A complete breakdown of every step, from planning to packing to possession day

  • Real Ontario examples: timelines, costs, and what to expect at each stage

  • Pro tips for decluttering sentimental items without the stress

  • Detailed sell first vs buy first strategy planner

  • Moving day prep sheet, utility checklist, and change of address reminders

  • Budgeting templates for downsizers, including net equity calculators

  • A full look into how we make the process smooth, supportive and efficient

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It's everything we use with our clients, packaged into one easy to follow guide.

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