{"id":8125,"date":"2021-05-04T15:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-04T14:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/?p=8125"},"modified":"2025-09-19T09:35:10","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T08:35:10","slug":"downsizing-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Essential Guide to Downsizing House"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/moving-to-a-new-property.jpg\" alt=\"Couple looking to move into a smaller home\" class=\"wp-image-8133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/moving-to-a-new-property.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/moving-to-a-new-property-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/moving-to-a-new-property-768x449.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Downsizing your home means moving to a smaller property. To make more room, this involves getting rid of personal property and prioritising what\u2019s necessary to enjoy the benefits of smaller living. See your essential guide to downsizing a house here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Downsizing is for people:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-red-check\">\n<li><i class=\"icon-check\"><\/i>Wanting to have less responsibility, a smaller workload, and increased cash flow<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"icon-check\"><\/i>Moving due to work relocation<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"icon-check\"><\/i>Who have mobility problems and need to choose a home with greater accessibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a05e30b349db\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a05e30b349db\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Downsizing_your_home_and_making_the_move_easier\" >Downsizing your home and making the move easier<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Declutter\" >Declutter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Measure_up\" >Measure up<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Make_a_floor_plan\" >Make a floor plan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Structure_your_packing\" >Structure your packing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Pros_and_cons_of_downsizing_your_home\" >Pros and cons of downsizing your home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#When_should_you_downsize\" >When should you downsize?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/downsizing-guide\/#Is_downsizing_worth_the_effort\" >Is downsizing worth the effort?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Downsizing_your_home_and_making_the_move_easier\"><\/span>Downsizing your home and making the move easier<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Declutter\"><\/span>Declutter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you decide to downsize your home, you need to be hard-hearted when deciding what items to dispose of. Remember that if you haven\u2019t used or worn an item for 12 months, you can really do without it! Reducing duplicates is a good example of decluttering without too much effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you start to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-declutter-your-home\/\">declutter your home<\/a> the good idea is to make a plan with specific goals for all the rooms you want to tackle. Take one room or space at a time, and set a finishing date for each phase, with achievable deadlines. Work on areas that you know will take longer such as the garage or the loft, on a different day to avoid any additional stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Create a system that lets you sort as you work. Having containers that separate items are an easy way to ensure goods are thrown away, disposed of, or safely stored for moving. There are several options for getting rid of goods, including recycling, donations to your local charity, or even having a garage sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re disposing of large items that are unsuitable for sale or charity gifting, then hiring a skip is a sound option here. The skip can be delivered directly to your door and collected once filled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Measure_up\"><\/span>Measure up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a clear guide of how much space you\u2019ll have in your new property is key to determining what items you\u2019ll have to get rid of. Planning where your large pieces of furniture will go is a good starting point. If your downsized home plan is to move from a three-bedroom to a two-bedroomed property, you won\u2019t need three beds or three wardrobes, for instance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If items are too large to fit comfortably in given spaces, you may have to consider selling them and replacing them with smaller versions. If there\u2019s no designated area for specific items, don\u2019t take them. Bear in mind you may need to be creative in using space effectively under the stairs, on the walls, and in-room corners in your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_a_floor_plan\"><\/span>Make a floor plan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A good floor plan should be one of the first steps you take that help avoid simple mistakes when moving that can cause undue stress. Knowing that your furniture will fit through the doors is just one example!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you create a floor plan that contains the exact size and shape of your furniture, you\u2019ll be able to decide before your downsizing house move where all items will go. This accuracy will save you a great deal of time when you physically move, and if you make a copy of the plan, you can give it to your movers, so they know exactly where to place everything on arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Structure_your_packing\"><\/span>Structure your packing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"770\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/packing-boxes-for-moving-house.jpg\" alt=\"packing boxes for moving house\" class=\"wp-image-6879\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/packing-boxes-for-moving-house.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/packing-boxes-for-moving-house-300x175.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/packing-boxes-for-moving-house-768x449.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image source: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/moving-boxes-delivery\/\">Good quality moving boxes<\/a> are a real asset here, as strong outer cases will help protect the items inside. You can save time by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-label-moving-boxes\/\">colour coding these boxes<\/a> with coloured stickers that relate to specific rooms. This identification means that boxes can be out in the right location, to begin with, when you move into your new home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pack the boxes carefully without leaving empty spaces that can potentially cause damage &#8211; use linens, towels, or clothing to fill the gaps. Fill saucepans and other sealable containers with small items, and remember to safely wrap knives and sharp objects with cloths and use a rubber band to secure them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An alternative is to use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/packing-service\/\">professional packing service<\/a> where the task is carried out by skilled and insured packers. This is particularly useful when you need help with moving antiques or fragile items that need additional protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check also:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/get-free-boxes-for-moving\/\">Where to Get Free Boxes for Moving<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pros_and_cons_of_downsizing_your_home\"><\/span>Pros and cons of downsizing your home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The advantages of property downsizing include reducing your monthly outgoings as relocating from a four-bedroom to a two-bedroom property could save you money on tax, insurance and ongoing maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will result in increased money left over each month for things you would like to buy. Smaller homes also require less interior cleaning and exterior upkeep. Fewer rooms cut down on time spent on household chores, and less green space makes for easy gardening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By selling your house and buying a smaller property, you can benefit from equity release, using these funds to help pay off your mortgage or to receive an annual income to couple with a state pension. Moving to a smaller property also has health benefits. With less responsibility, fewer financial worries, and a smaller workload, stress is reduced and replaced with happiness and contentment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to take into account that there are some disadvantages too. You may be distressed when you have to sell or give away possessions that you\u2019re attached to, as you have less space and fewer rooms to enjoy quiet times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/storage\/furniture-storage\/\">Hiring storage for furniture<\/a> can help you keep some more cherished pieces that you&#8217;re not ready to let go of. They won&#8217;t be in your home but will still be in your possession. And you might not have room for guests as in your previous property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Downsizing also brings a lifestyle change, which can be initially hard to adapt to if you\u2019ve lived in the home you\u2019re moving from for many years. This natural resistance can often be enhanced if you\u2019re leaving behind family and friends and moving to a completely new neighbourhood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check also:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/storage-costs\/\">Cost of Storage<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_should_you_downsize\"><\/span>When should you downsize?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s nothing to say exactly when you should downsize. It could be brought about by changes in your life such as retirement, moving to be closer to family members if you\u2019re suffering from ill health and need fewer responsibilities, or wanting to be in a location that has better transport links with close proximity to amenities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check also:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/big-city-to-small-town\/\">How to Move Out from a Big City to a Small Town<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_downsizing_worth_the_effort\"><\/span>Is downsizing worth the effort?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need to consider the costs of selling your property before downsizing. These include estate agents and conveyancing fees, stamp duty, and moving costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/house-removals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Moving house<\/a> is considered to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-move-house-without-stress\/\">one of life\u2019s most stressful events<\/a>, so you need to be relatively fit and healthy to deal with completing your house move. But the effort will all be worthwhile as you benefit from many financial and practical aspects and get a huge psychological boost too!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"cta_container_holder obf\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"title\">Get a professional moving and packing service!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"sub-title\">Enter your postcode to view our rates and availability in your area.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"postcode-field-box\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"dynamic-helper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<form id=\"check-prices-form\" class=\"default-check-price-form\" action=\"\">\n\t                            <span class=\"the-postfield-wrap\">\n\t                                <input id=\"postcode-field\" type=\"text\" class=\"the-postfield\"  name=\"postcode-field\" data-default-service-category=\"Removals\"\ndata-default-service-type=\"Removals\">\n\t                                <div class=\"typewriter-box\">\n\t                                    <span class=\"typewriter\"><\/span>\n\t                                <\/div>\n\t                                 <span class=\"moving-label\">Enter your postcode<\/span>\n\t                                <label for=\"postcode-field\" class=\"error-message\">Add a valid postcode e.g. SE1 2TH<\/label>\n\t                            <\/span>\n\t                            <span class=\"submit-wrapper-with-loader active\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"load-holder-lds-eclipse\">\n                                            <div class=\"load-lds-eclipse\"><\/div>\n                                        <\/div>\n\t                                <input id=\"check-prices-submit\" name=\"check-prices-submit\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Check Prices & Availability\" rel=\"nofollow\" disabled>\n\t                            <\/span>\n\t                        <\/form>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"info_text\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>For questions about the services we offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/\">visit our main site<\/a> or you can always call us at <a href=\"tel:\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Downsizing your home means moving to a smaller property. To make more room, this involves getting rid of personal property and prioritising what\u2019s necessary to enjoy the benefits of smaller living. See your essential guide to downsizing a house here! Downsizing is for people: Downsizing your home and making the move easier Declutter When you&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":8133,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,617],"tags":[488,632,565],"class_list":{"0":"post-8125","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-home-moving-tips","8":"category-packing-tips","9":"tag-decluttering","10":"tag-move","11":"tag-property"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8125","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8125"}],"version-history":[{"count":33,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8125\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21001,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8125\/revisions\/21001"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8133"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8125"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8125"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fantastic-removals.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8125"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}