Have you been thinking about downsizing from your house to a condo? Just like any move, downsizing is an exciting time; now is your opportunity to streamline your belongings and find a home that better fits your current lifestyle. We want to make this transition easier.
Here are 5 of our practical tips for downsizing from a house to a condo:
1. Determine Buying vs Selling First
Should you buy or sell first? The answer to this question lies in your risk appetite and financial security. Buying your condo first can afford you a feeling of security, since you won’t have to worry about buying in a rush. On the other hand, you may end up owning two homes at once if you don’t sell your house before you close on your condo.
The biggest advantage to selling first is that you’ll know exactly how much your house is worth, and how much money you have to buy your condo with. The downside is that you’ll have a strict deadline to buy a condo (before closing day), so you may feel rushed.
When you work with our team, we will work together to determine the best solution for your unique situation.
Want to see what’s on the market right now? Browse through the latest condo listings here.
2. Start Early & Easy
The earlier you start preparing for downsizing from a house to a condo, the better. Begin by decluttering and throwing out any unneeded items. Try to focus on one room at a time to make it easier. When decluttering, start with the items you don’t use on a daily basis or won’t need before you move.
3. Embrace Minimalism
This tip goes hand-in-hand with the above. Remember, your condo will most likely be much smaller than your current house, so you only want to bring what you truly want and need. There are plenty of easy tasks you can check off, such as starting 4 piles or boxes: Sell, Keep, Donate, and Gift. Go room-by-room and honestly review your belongings to decide what you want to bring to your new home.
4. Find a Condo Neighbourhood You Love
Just because you are moving to a smaller space, doesn’t mean you have to lose out on amenities–Ottawa is home to a lot of fantastic communities and condo buildings! First, decide what kind of community you want to live in. Do you want to stay close to the downtown action? Ready for a quieter setting? Or do you want to stay close to family?
Not sure where to live? You can learn about all of Ottawa’s communities with our community guides.
5. Pack Strategically
Pack a box specifically for move-in day, with toiletries, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, snacks, and a change of clothes. If you have items or boxes going into storage, be sure to identify and mark those before the move, or move them into the storage unit early if possible. When it comes to unpacking, you can also help movers (or your friends and family) by using post-it notes to colour-coordinate the boxes with the room they belong in.
Lastly, enjoy your new home! Explore your new building or neighbourhood and celebrate your big move. For more tips on downsizing from a house to a condo, why not read through our Downsizing Guide.
The best way to downsize your home is by working with a team who has years of experience with it. We’ll help you navigate every step of the process. Start by emailing us at info@buyandsellottawa.ca or calling us at 613-590-3036.