As the holiday season comes to an end and we have to pack up the holiday house or camp site, our thoughts might turn to making a permanent change.
If you’ve owned a property for decades, this might be the year you choose to make the holiday destination your permanent home. Perhaps you dream of fishing the Barrington River for trout or bass, taking long walks to watch the sunset across the Bucketts or getting the boat out to continue exploring the river and lakes.
My husband and I made our move to Gloucester after several years of searching for the right place that met our dreams – and we’re so glad we chose to relocate.
However, many of us can feel overwhelmed at the thought of selling up and moving. Don’t worry. If you take it in easy steps, you’ll be there in no time.

What is rightsizing?

You’ve heard of downsizing? We prefer ‘rightsizing’ as this implies that you get all the dwelling space you need and none you don’t. You might prefer to move to a retirement village with a smaller space and no worries about maintenance. On the other hand, we’ve had clients who’ve moved from cities or towns to acreage because they have large extended families and want to be able to host huge clan gatherings.

Wherever you choose, think of rightsizing as future-proofing your life.

Where to start your rightsizing journey

There are steps to follow that will make the process easier for you.

1. Consider carefully where you’d like to move to

Although holiday towns are appealing for a few weeks a year, do they have the services and facilities you’ll need all year? Medical? Shopping? Theatre? Tennis club? Golf clubs?

2. Try renting first if you’re moving to a new area

This would mean two moves, of course, but you can get a feel for the area without a great financial commitment. You want to know of any issues in the street or suburb before you take out a mortgage.

3. Declutter your home or farm

It doesn’t make any difference if you’re moving to a smaller or a larger home; you won’t want to carry all the stuff you’ve accumulated for all the time you’ve lived on your farm or home in town.

In decluttering your home, you’ll learn what possessions you appreciate and what you can discard. We recommend the four-pile process and go room by room.

• • Pile 1 is what you definitely want to take with you into your new life.

• • Pile 2 is for Undecided. You can revisit this pile once you’ve done each room.

• • Pile 3 is for items you want to give to your family or friends, or to donate to local charities. Keep in mind that decluttering can be an emotional process so give yourself enough time to do it well or you’ll end up with boxes of possessions you don’t need in your new home.

• • Pile 4 is for stuff you need to shred (like old documents you won’t need), stuff you’ve hung onto because you think you’ll fix it one day and stuff that isn’t fit for anyone else to use. Remember that most sales require ‘vacant possession’ and you’ll need to remove all equipment and rubbish before settlement.

Hot tip: Take a photo of each room in your home before you declutter. Most people I know regret not doing this and wish they’d kept photographic memories.

4. Hire some help

If you can’t find anyone to hire, phone a friend. We’ve all got that one friend who can move in like a bulldozer and get you sorted. Get your children involved if they’re old enough. The point is, doing it on your own can feel overwhelming.

5. Don’t rush

While sparkling ocean views or the peace of a riverside home might appeal and draw you strongly to make a move as soon as you’re back from holidays, think carefully about what you want your life to look like in the future and remember that preparing your home for sale always takes longer than you expect. Talk to me about selling; I’m here to guide and advise you.

Need help rightsizing and selling your home?

As a proud local, I’m here to guide you through the process of rightsizing and selling. I’ve done it myself and helped many families over my career. So give me a call; I’m here to help.