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5 tips to help make your downscaling journey easier

18 Jul 2024

With the increasing cost of living coupled with the highest interest rates in nearly fifteen years, many bondholders may be looking to downsize to make their money go further. Whatever the reason for moving to a smaller home, there are a few things to consider to make the downscaling journey a little easier.

“Maintaining a largely underutilised property might not make financial sense if some family members have moved out or if the homeowners’ lifestyle needs have changed,” explains Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett. “The best way to downsize is to be sure that you’re making the big move to go small for all the right reasons. From a practical perspective, the proper way to go about it is to be systematic and organised as you downsize from a larger to a smaller home,” he advises.

To help homeowners who have decided to make the big move to a smaller home, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares the top 5 tips for downscaling:

Measure both spaces

Be sure to measure your existing furniture to make sure it can fit into the new home. Avoid the nightmare of having the couch that wouldn’t get up the stairs by measuring all possible entrances and exits to make sure you will be able to move the furniture into the home without having to disassemble it first. 

Buy new furniture after the move

If your old furniture will not work in the new space, wait until after you have moved into the new home before ordering any new furniture. Not only will this give you one less thing to move (which will save on moving costs), but it also allows you the time to live in the home and get a sense for what furniture will work in the smaller space.

Store music and memories in the cloud

Moving to a smaller home often means far less storage space. Photo albums and CD racks can take up a lot of unnecessary space. Tough as it might be, now is that time to move to digital music platforms and digitise photo albums so that they can be stored in the cloud. Keep just a few of the special photos by framing them and hanging them on the walls in the new home

Sort through one room at a time

Look at how much storage space you will have in your new home as a guide for how much you will need to clear out in your current home. It can be emotional to get rid of the items you have accumulated over the years, which is why it is best to work systematically and tackle one room at a time. Begin with rooms you use least and categorise items into boxes marked as: “Must keep”, “Donate”, and “Rubbish”. Keep the momentum going by simply putting the items that you are unsure of to one side. Once you’ve sorted through everything, you can allow yourself the time to go through these items again to decide whether to hold onto them or get rid of them.

Turn unwanted goods into cash or kindness

Instead of taking everything you don’t want to the local dump, sell your unwanted goods online. Not only could selling your items help you afford new items for your new home, but others will also be happy to turn your ‘trash’ into their ‘new’ (to them) treasures. You could also help out those in need by donating your unwanted goods that are in good condition to thrift stores and charity shops.

According to Goslett, when downscaling, it is important to be certain that the property you have chosen will suit your current and future lifestyle needs. “If you are forced to sell in less than five years, which is the window after which you’re most likely to see a return on your investment, you might lose out financially. While homes appreciate in value over time, it is important to bear in mind all the other costs that go with a property transaction – like transfer costs, agent fees, moving and relocation costs, etc. – which eat into the capital you have available. If you are thinking about downsizing and don’t know where to begin, get some free advice from your nearest RE/MAX office,” he says. 

An article published on Property24 on May 25, 2022, features Ana Roberts of Just Property Upper Highway, who explains that another great benefit of downscaling is that small spaces require less furniture - a few great statement pieces allow for simple, minimalist décor and a beautiful, welcoming home at a fraction of the cost of furnishing a big house. And the cleaning is a breeze!

Less clutter equals less stress, and isn’t that what we are all looking for now?

Tips for cosy-home hunting:

Location, location, location - You want to remain close to your family and friends, and have ease of access to stores and other amenities such as doctors, hospitals etc. Narrow your search to areas that tick these boxes.

What are your deal breakers? Does the home offer the main assets that are important to you, for example, a good kitchen, nice family space,  shower etc?

Current wants vs future needs - If you are downsizing because the children have moved out and you are getting older, consider a single story with the ease of access rather than a property with stairs that may cause a problem later.

Growing pains - Will you be able to handle the upkeep of a big garden, or is it time for something smaller that is more manageable? Will your pets cope with a smaller space; is there somewhere nearby where you could walk them?

Fit for purpose - Will your favourite furniture fit in the new space? Make a list of every piece with which you can’t part. Take measurements. Then take a tape measure with you when you start narrowing down your list of potential new homes.

Storage war - Is there enough cupboard space in the bedrooms and the kitchen? Do you need outside storage too?

Peace of mind - Check the security features of each property you visit. Find out how safe the area is and what security is available. Ask the neighbours, chat to the local police, and phone a security company that focuses on the neighbourhood.

Guest appeal -  Consider how many bedrooms you will need going forward - if your kids have all moved out of home, you may only need one spare room for when they or your friends come to stay.

Paper trails - Remember to ask for compliance certificates, even those that aren't required in your province (for example, gas installations and solar geysers should come with a compliance certificate - if something goes wrong and you don't have one, your insurers may refuse to replace the geyser, or cover damage caused by a gas issue).

Complex questions - If you are moving into a complex or an apartment, be aware that there may be the added expense of levies, clubhouse fees and/or security. Ask about historical escalation rates and request a copy of the body corporate rules (if applicable.)

Ask your neighbours if there are any noise issues, does sound travel through the walls and ceiling? How old is the plumbing, the lifts etc - upgrading such items is very expensive and you’ll have to contribute. What parking is available for guests?

Find out how much bond you qualify for with the Property24's easy-to-use calculator tools 

Home-Dzine shares the best tricks when moving out for the first-time

Whether you're moving out of your house with your roommates or with your partner, the need for landing on the necessary habits of better planning never dies.

Here is a list of things you should apply when you start living independently.

1. Bring changes to your lifestyle

Living in your parent's house is different, as there's no burden of responsibilities on your shoulders. But when you decide to live alone in your own home, a bunch of duties pops up. But don't worry; if you keep your lifestyle on track, there will be no milestone that you can't achieve.

2. Take a look of your finances

One of the most critical parts about leaving your house for the first time is to deal with your every-day increasing expenses. All you've to do is to plan and finance your future life. But the question that knocks out your head is how you're going to do all this? Make a budget to figure out your expenses. Buy everything ranging from your utility needs to furniture should be in your budget.

The best way is to note all your expenses for the month on a notepad and spend your money accordingly. Plus, keep water, petrol, and electricity in control as it also influences the budget.

3. Choose the best location

The choice of location for your future house will influence your troubles a lot. No doubt it's relatively easy to compromise with your needs, but still, you've to buy reliable real estate where all your needs are on your doorstep. 

4. Find yourself a permanent Job

Taking a brave decision to move out of the house for the first time isn't appropriate unless you have a steady job pushing you up financially. As you're going to face millions of problems economically and emotionally, only a permanent job resolves all your matters. It's the best advice to have a steady job before move out of the house.

5. Always have a plan B

Not everyone who's moving out of the house is the one who gives a potential setback to the upcoming problems. There're chances that you may get fail in building yourself up. But don't bother about it much; having a plan B when moving out of college is the only thing you can do to save your living.

6. Go for renters insurance

The unfortunate time comes without informing. Thus, the best way to push yourself up in such circumstances is to have renters insurance. Choose the policies which have low monthly payments or those that offer full replacement coverage.

Stand On Your Own

Shifting in your house by moving out for the first time seems like a daunting task. But you shouldn't get confused after reading the tips we've talked about above. Adopt them in your life and see your development in days.

Article updated 18 July 2024

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