Are you thinking of selling your house and purchasing a condo? Whether you’re planning for a more affordable lifestyle, your kids have moved out of the nest, or you’re simply looking to streamline your life, downsizing has its advantages. Moving from a house to a condo can provide a fresh start—and help you focus on what matters. Of course, it can also come with some challenges—but planning for them will help ensure that you make the most of a major transition.

If you’re moving from a house to a condo, here are five things you should know…

1) Decluttering takes time

If you’re like most homeowners, your house probably contains a lot more clutter than you think. Clearing it out is going to take longer than a three-day weekend. First, you’ll need to sort through your belongings and decide what you want to keep, toss, and donate. You’ll need to find a donation centre that can help you, consider whether to rent a storage space, and determine the best way to pack up and label the things you want to keep.

The bottom line is, you’ll want to set aside some serious time to declutter. For most people, it takes a lot of thought. The process can take weeks, and even months.

2) You’ll want to do the math

Your costs will likely go down when you move into a smaller place. Calling a condo home almost always means less square footage to heat and cool—and fewer appliances to repair. On the other hand, you’ll need to factor in your maintenance fees. This monthly cost can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars (depending on the size of your unit and the building you settle on).

Fortunately, a local agent with condo expertise can help you find a place with fees that work for your budget—and ensure you understand all the costs involved.

3) You should measure everything carefully

It can be one of the more stressful aspects of downsizing. The truth is, the couch, loveseat, and dining room that serve you well may not work in your new, smaller space. That’s why it’s so important to measure these items—multiple times. Once you’ve noted all relevant dimensions, you may want to create floorplans mirroring the rooms of your condo (handy apps like Magic Plan and Room Scan Pro can help).

Make sure you consider furniture spacing—the last thing you want is to be cramped. Remember to measure any doors, hallways, and staircases your furniture will have to pass through during the move!

4) You’ll have more time to yourself

One of the biggest advantages of moving from a house to a condo is the opportunity to enjoy a lower maintenance lifestyle. You can say goodbye to your snow shovel, rake, and lawnmower. A caretaker will handle all of that—it’s part of what you’ll pay for through your maintenance fees. Some, though not all, costly fixes that you’d otherwise have to perform will also be covered (think roof repairs).

Homeowners often get used to the amount of ongoing maintenance they do to take care of their houses. If you fall into this camp, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the freedom of condo ownership.

5) The purchase process is different

Having purchased a house before, you might think you know what it’s going to be like to buy a condo. The truth is, there are some pretty significant differences between the two processes. Knowing what they are can help you prepare for a smooth and seamless purchase.

As just one example, condo inspections require some explanation. New units automatically come with one, but resale options don’t. That said, many buyers of older condos opt not to get one, given that their condo corporation will cover the cost of many major issues that arise. Instead, they depend upon a careful review of their unit’s status certificate (a document that offers in-depth information about the condo, and the financial health of the building where it’s situated.

Downsizing can be a pleasant experience, so long as you work with a professional who knows the lay of the land. Are you ready to make your move from a house to a condo?

For over 36 years, our clients have trusted us to minimize risk, offer unbiased opinions, and ensure their best interests are served. Contact us today to talk about your needs, by emailing us at info@christensengroup.ca or calling us at 416-441-2888 ext. 772.