More than half of over-55s in Australia are thinking about downsizing for retirement or have already made the move.
But retirement isn’t the only reason to think about downsizing your home. Australians choose to shed excess space for many reasons:
- Moving into a more affordable home
- Relocating from the suburbs to the CBD
- Subdividing a big block
- Swapping spare rooms for a garden
- Moving to a more attractive suburb
Whatever your reasons, downsizing almost always leaves you with excess stuff.
Luckily, excess stuff is our specialty.
So if you are thinking about downsizing but stressed about removals, storage or interstate relocation, keep reading.
These practical tips from an experienced local removalist will make your move as smooth as possible.
How to plan for downsizing your home
Make a personalised moving plan
Nearly two-thirds of Western Australians who moved recently (58.8%) felt they had too many belongings.
Your penchant for pottery, curiosity for cutlery, fascination with furniture or attraction to art will never be more apparent than when you downsize your home.
But if you begin planning at least eight weeks out, you can work methodically to manage these excesses while downsizing.
- Make a list of essentials for your downsized life
- Sell, donate or bin anything you don’t need
- Visit your new home to measure the space
- Move excess furniture into storage
- Get quotes for combined removals and storage
- Ask your local removalist for packing supplies
If you need help creating a personalised moving plan, read our recent article or call the KEYS team to speak with a local removalist.
Weigh up the pros and cons of downsizing
Downsizing is also called “rightsizing”, which thousands of Australian couples and families who downsized will confirm.
But that doesn’t mean downsizing is always suitable for your household.
Downsizing your home can lower your mortgage, bills and maintenance requirements. It can also be a great way to find an affordable home in your dream suburb.
But on the flip side, downsizing means doing away with furniture, books, decorations and non-essentials with sentimental value. There is also a natural adjustment period as you settle into a smaller lifestyle.
Bundle removals and storage with the same company
Nearly everyone finds moving stressful. In fact, 79% of Australians admit moving house is a stressful experience.
But the Australians who downsize for retirement have it figured out: only 14% say they would not hire a local removalist to take the stress out of moving.
Whether you’re downsizing for retirement in Perth or moving to Melbourne, where apartment living is all the rage, here are a few tips for finding the right removalist:
- Choose a removalist with storage options available
- Only move with an accredited AFRA member
- Check whether the company can move interstate
- Get transit insurance
You can save money, time and stress by choosing an experienced local removalist with removals and storage solutions.
Call KEYS when downsizing your home
KEYS The Moving Solution can move you anywhere in WA, interstate and even internationally.
Plus, we offer affordable storage solutions to safeguard your excess stuff until you get settled.
If you’re thinking about downsizing, contact KEYS for a quote on removals and storage and start your new lifestyle stress-free.
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