Downsizing does not need to be complicated.

You have recently considered downsizing your home.

Your children are no longer living with you.

The house feels large and empty.

Perhaps you are also tired of the amount of time, energy, and money spent on upkeep.

While you could keep your home to transfer to your children, you would rather downsize now.

Unfortunately, you are not looking forward to the tedious process of selling a home.

According to a recent Kiplinger article titled “7 Essential Steps to Getting Your House Ready to Sell,” putting your house on the market may be easier than you expect.

Downsizing requires you to prepare for selling your home and for moving.

While many people think a large renovation will be key to selling a home, there are often alternative steps to take.

Taking advantage of the internet and photos is important.

According to a 2019 National Association of Realtors report, about 70 percent of those looking to purchase a home took a virtual tour of the indoors online.

As you prepare your home for in-person and online tours, consider implementing these nuggets of advice.

Release Your Sentiment.

You are likely deeply attached to your home.

Even though you are downsizing, you still love the place.

Sure, there is empty, unoccupied space, but there there is still laughter in the walls.

Memories.

To prepare your home for sale, you will need to think critically and think of your home through the eyes of a buyer.

Consider whether you will need to change your wallpaper or repaint a wall to appeal to buyers.

Depersonalize.

Your home likely feels like you.

It has pictures of family on the mantle place or on shelves.

To sell you home, you will want to remove these photos so the buyers can envision themselves in the space.

Declutter.

A challenging aspect of downsizing is decluttering.

If you have lived in the home for a long time, you have likely accumulated many decorations and other things.

You will want to minimize what you have in each room to make them look larger.

Hiring a professional organizer can help you get rid of excess to either donate or store.

Stage Your Home.

While in the processes of downsizing, consider what décor brings out the best in your home.

Neutral and attractive furnishings help make your home more appealing to buyers.

Consider Virtual Staging.

Staging can be expensive.

By virtually staging your home, you can include photographs on the internet for people to view.

Make It Brighter.

Paint can do wonders when you are selling your home and downsizing.

Painting outside accents of your home can improve curb appeal.

You can change lightbulbs, paint walls, polish cabinets, and swap out window coverings to easily brighten up the indoor space.

Go for Nice, But Not Too Nice.

One reason you have for downsizing may be you did not want to take on large renovations.

If your home does require renovations before you leave, you should stick to smaller projects.

Keep improvements within the price range of your neighborhood.

You do not want to be the nicest home on you block prior to downsizing.

If you choose expensive upgrades, you will likely not make your money back.

Reference: Kiplinger (Aug. 5, 2021) “7 Essential Steps to Getting Your House Ready to Sell”