MOVING FROM A HOUSE TO AN APARTMENT?

There are several tell-tale signs that it might be time to downsize… empty, unused rooms. Overwhelming home maintenance. A big lifestyle change. Whatever your situation may be, when you’re ready to downsize and start moving from a house to an apartment or condo, try these downsizing tips.

TIP #1: SELL OR DONATE EVERYTHING YOU NO LONGER NEED

When you’re moving from a house to an apartment or condo, your mantra should be “let go.” Let go of things you don’t need, host rummage sales, and make use of Madison’s awesome consignment and thrift stores to make a little extra money. You can also use Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor to post items for sale. Donate everything else! (One Madisonian’s trash is another’s treasure!)

TIP #2: CONSIDER YOUR STORAGE OPTIONS

One of the biggest perks of living in a single-family home is ample storage. If you live in a house now, you likely have one or more of the following: an attic, a garage, or a basement. When you move into an apartment or condo, you will likely be limited to closets and whatever extra storage space your complex offers. We recommend checking out long-term self-storage for the functional stuff you need to keep or sentimental stuff you can’t part with.

TIP #3: KEEP TRACK OF WHAT YOU USE

Not sure what you should store, sell, or keep? Keep a list of everything in your home that you use over the course of a month. Stuff you use should be kept or stored. Everything you don’t use during that month (if there’s no sentimental value) should be considered for the “sell” or “donate” pile.

TIP #4: PLOT OUT SPACES

An apartment means fewer rooms. So, decide on what spaces you need and want. Draw out a floor plan with your desired number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and recreation or social spaces. If you want a bar area, include that in your drawing. This exercise will help you master the filters on any apartment search engine, visualize your packing checklist, and help you communicate what you want and need to your realtor.

TIP #5: PLAN FOR MORE NOISE

Apartments and condos are great for social butterflies! You’ll be closer to your neighbors, so party planning will be easier than ever. On the other hand, you will likely have a little more noise. You may even share walls with neighbors. We suggest putting your drum set in storage and investing in some nice noise-canceling, wireless (Bluetooth) headphones for the family.

Ready to start your downsizing journey? We can help you get your current home on the market and sold at the price you want, in no time! Contact our team of real estate experts today.

Need help picking your new neighborhood? Check out our handy Madison, Wisconsin neighborhood guide.