Signs you may be ready
Sign 1
Empty, unused space
Guest rooms that collect dust and a garage full of things you no longer use still cost time and money to maintain.
Sign 2
Rooms you only enter to clean
Count the rooms you use more than twice a week. Formal dining rooms, dens and spare bedrooms are common clues.
Sign 3
Upkeep feels heavy
Yard work, stairs, repairs and cleaning take more of your week than you would like.
Sign 4
You feel overwhelmed by your stuff
Think about what you want to keep, not only what to let go of.
Sign 5
Your life has changed
Kids have moved out, you are retiring, or you want to live closer to family or a new community.
House, condo or something else?
- Smaller house
- More privacy and outdoor space, but you still handle the yard and exterior maintenance.
- Condo or townhome
- Usually less upkeep and shared amenities, with HOA dues and rules to review before you buy.
- 55+ or active-adult community
- Social activities and low-maintenance living; check age rules, fees and resale restrictions.
- Renting first
- Lets you try a new city before buying. Compare rent with ownership costs in your own budget.
Your timeline
6–12 months before
- Decide what you want from your next home
- Research destinations and visit your top choices
- Talk with your CPA and financial advisor about your plans
- Start sorting rooms you rarely use
3–6 months before
- Get a market opinion on your current home
- Measure furniture you plan to keep
- Sell, donate or gift large items
- Schedule any repairs needed for a sale
1–3 months before
- Book movers and confirm dates
- Transfer medical records and prescriptions
- Update your address with banks, insurance and agencies
- Pack room by room, labeling boxes for the new layout
Moving week
- Pack an essentials box
- Do a final walkthrough
- Keep important documents with you
- Take photos of meter readings
The sorting system
Keep
Items you use regularly, that fit the new space, or that you truly love.
Gift
Heirlooms and keepsakes to pass on to family and friends now, so you can enjoy sharing them.
Sell
Furniture, collectibles and items of value; consider consignment, estate sales or online marketplaces.
Donate
Usable items that someone else will appreciate.
Let go
Broken, expired or unused items. Work one room, or one drawer, at a time.
Housing cost worksheet
Compare what you pay now with your next home. Try the move budget tool to fill it in online. For tax questions, consult your CPA.
- Mortgage or rent
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA dues
- Utilities
- Maintenance and repairs
- Yard and pool care
- Transportation
- Other monthly costs
The emotional side
- Give yourself time; this is a big transition
- Photograph meaningful rooms and items before you let them go
- Share stories as you sort with family
- Focus on what the next chapter makes possible
- Plan how you will stay connected to friends in Los Angeles