All too often, downsizing is a painful topic that many people would prefer to push to the back of their minds, never to be brought up in polite company. However, with a slight change in perspective, downsizing can be fun and exciting. Yes, you’re saying goodbye to a certain time in your life.
Leaving the home you spent many years in, maybe even raised your family in, is never easy. But moving on represents a new era in your life, one where you can enjoy a carefree lifestyle full of friends, travel, and rich new experiences. Yes, downsizing can be fun and stylish, especially in a vibrant city like Toronto!
Your Plan for a New Adventure
Even at the best of times, moving can be stressful. There are so many preparations and decisions to make that you sometimes don’t even know where to begin. The first step to beating overwhelm is to create a roadmap to guide you through it. As the saying goes, the best way to “eat an elephant” is one bite at a time.
Addressing major concerns beforehand will make for a much more enjoyable experience when your moving day arrives. Here are a few things you will want to map out:
- Your plan for your existing home. Should you sell it or rent it out? There are plenty of benefits and challenges to both options.
- When do you want to make your move? When creating your timeline, you will want to factor in your health, what type of support you may need, and your financial resources.
- Where do you want to go? This is perhaps the most important question of all. Toronto is a city full of neighbourhoods, each with its own set of unique characteristics and amenities.
Who knew downsizing would involve so many minor steps? The resources below will help keep you on track:
- Should You Hold On To Your Condo Or Sell It?
- Where Do Toronto Downsizers Go?
- 5 Up & Coming Neighbourhoods In Toronto
Allow for Flexibility
Creating a plan can alleviate much of your stress about your upcoming transition. However, the best-laid plans very rarely go off without a hitch. For a successful downsizing experience, you need to be flexible. Understanding that setbacks happen will help you create a backup plan and course-correct without a lot of fuss or headaches. The following tips will help:
- Look at your transition as an adventure, one to look forward to with wonder and anticipation. This time is for you, where you can explore new hobbies, new experiences and meet new people who might just become lifelong friends.
- Leave yourself as much time as possible. Setbacks are less stressful when you take a leisurely approach on your own terms.
- Start thinking now about where you want your new place to be, what upgrades you might want, and how you will decorate.
- Create a list of needs and wants for your new home and neighbourhood. In this competitive market, you may not get everything you want, but knowing what you absolutely must have means you won’t settle for something unsuitable.
Get Your Party Started
If you want to downsize with flair and style, then you can’t fly solo. It’s now time to assemble your team of experts. Your first step is to connect with a local real estate agent to oversee the process from start to finish. Their expertise can help you get the best possible results when selling your home successfully while uncovering new listings that might be perfect for the next phase in your life.
Professional cleaners, a moving company, a few trusted contractors, and even an interior designer can also help with a seamless and stress-free transition.
Last but not least, don’t forget to include your friends and family in this experience. Moving can feel overwhelming, but being surrounded by those who share your memories in your home can make the process much more enjoyable.
When it comes to interior design, minor details can make a massive difference! Find out more in the posts below:
- Lighting Techniques That Give Your Home an Instant Facelift
- Absolutely Fabulous! Secrets of Gorgeous Curb Appeal for Every Season
- Redesign Your Home Decor With One Trip to Your Local Hardware Store
Add Your Finishing Touches
Once you’ve found and moved into your new home or condo, you can enjoy making it shine with your unique style and personality. Think of this transition as a fresh start, where you can explore new frontiers you would have never considered before. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Decide on an overarching theme for your new home. Minimalist, maximalist (yes, it’s back in!), Scandinavian style, or contemporary architecture are just a few designs open to you.
- Think Eco-friendly. With abundant green space and quick access to public transit, Toronto makes it easy to enjoy an elevated lifestyle with a small carbon footprint. And it can save you money, leaving you with funds to travel or treat yourself to a rare indulgence. It is well-deserved at this point!
- Build your social network and support system. Living in a vibrant city like Toronto means never being alone when you don’t want to be. Smaller spaces like planned communities and condo buildings can foster a sense of community and camaraderie where you can build new friendships with others who share your passions and hobbies.
As you can see, downsizing never has to feel like a sombre event. In Toronto, moving on can be a stylish and rewarding experience, allowing you to reinvent yourself while engaging in the city’s vibrant culture and character.
Are you ready to take the next step towards enhancing and simplifying your lifestyle? We can guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us right here or call 647.232.7317 for more information or to get started.