HomeRise planning guide
Downsizing With Less Stress
A practical starting point for simplifying your home and planning the transition.
Define the goal
- Decide what you want less of: stairs, yard work, repairs, cost, distance, or unused space.
- Identify what you want more of: convenience, family access, travel flexibility, community, or one-level living.
- Consider housing, moving, storage, and transition costs together.
Compare housing options
- One-level home or condo
- Townhome or planned community
- Smaller home near family or services
- Age-qualified community where appropriate
- Rental or temporary housing during the transition
Sort belongings gradually
- Begin with low-emotion spaces and duplicate items.
- Create keep, give, donate, sell, recycle, and discard categories.
- Measure furniture and storage in the future home.
- Digitize selected records and photographs.
- Ask family members to collect items by a clear deadline.
Build the transition plan
- Coordinate the sale and purchase timing with realistic buffers.
- Get help for packing, hauling, repairs, estate sales, or donations as needed.
- Update mail, utilities, insurance, medical providers, and important records.
- Keep medications, documents, keys, and essentials separate on moving day.