Senior Spotlight: Downsizing Tips From Full-Time RVers

Happy (Almost!) Summer! For decades, our tv & radio programming, newspaper articles & blog have focused on downsizing. It’s possibly THE biggest challenge that adults aged 50+ struggle with when making the decision to move. This week we have some additional tips for those who want & need to minimize from a unique perspective – that of a couple sold their home and became full time RV travelers!

We encourage you to read the original article from RVTravel.com; and until then – here are a few tips that we thought you might enjoy!

#1: Start Early. It’s true – waiting until the weeks before you list your home to downsize can be extremely overwhelming. It can be done of course, but often not without help! Even if you don’t know when you want to sell, you can (and should) still start downsizing at any time.

#2: Online Exposure. The couple featured in the article utilized Craigslist and also suggested the use of Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up and Next Door to get rid of items. There are many online avenues you can use, however, we do encourage caution as scams DO happen and the process of responding to countless inquiries can be cumbersome. So we really only recommend selling home goods online if you are experienced at it or know someone who is.

#3: Host A ‘Take-What-You-Want Day’. Getting rid of stuff is never easy, but it can be easier if it’s going to a good home! Consider hosting a day or weekend in which you invite friends, family & neighbors to come take what they want from your home and give it new meaning in theirs! (For ease of labeling, create a $5, $15, $20 and FREE room.)

#4: Think Endless Photos. Taking photos of items for sentimental reasons is a timeless space saving trick, but did you know that photos can also help you track and document donations for tax purposes? You will still need receipts per IRS code, but the photos can help you along the way!

#5: Emotions vs. Physical Space. One of the poignant moments in the article was when the sellers were asking after the fact if they missed their home. Their reply: “Did I love raising a family there? Yes! Did I love our family gatherings? Yes, but I don’t miss the house we did it in.” Often the emotions that arise with leaving a space are tied to place in time that has passed. You can always miss that stage of life and be ready for the next one.

Note: Downsizing is never a one size fits all process. Some people need 3 years to complete the process, others need 3 months. Some individuals would greatly benefit from emotional support, while others need help with the physical tasks of sorting, storing & donating.

Please, please do not hesitate to reach out if you need help with any aspect(s) of the downsizing process. From move managers to estate professionals to personal cheerleaders (that’s us!), we can help you create the support system you need to get where you hope to be. 

Resource Used: 'Tip: Different ways to get rid of all that “stuff” to downsize'

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

Bobbi Decker & Associates fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. For more information, please visit: http://portal.hud.gov/