Top tips when you downsize your house

You may decide to downsize your living arrangements for a number of reasons. It may be that the children have grown up and moved away and you can’t bear the thought of rattling around what was once the family home, or that you want a more manageable property with a smaller garden that doesn’t take as much time and energy to maintain.The cost of running a house is also a factor in decisions to go smaller, particularly if you’re on a pension or are separated, divorced or widowed.Once you’ve made the decision to move it’s best to get on with it rather than waiting for a few more years when you may not be in the best of health - although you should do your research and spend time looking for the ideal home rather than jumping in on a whim.According to property guru Phil Spencer, there are a few things to take into consideration. He says: “The typical downsizer lives in a four-bedroom house, but wants a two-bedroom property. But, a note of caution. A home half the size won’t be half the price in the same neighbourhood, and your expected ‘cash windfall’ might not be as much as you initially think.”You’ll also need to factor in the cost of moving including stamp duty, estate agents and removal fees, and solicitors. You will probably want to splash out on new curtains, carpets and furnishings - particularly if you’re moving to a much smaller property.Downsizing also works best If you are open-minded about regions, as a more affordable location, sometimes within a few miles of where you live now, could ultimately allow you a cheaper new home and leave you more disposable income.But, conversely, don’t move too far away from family and friends and make sure there are good public transport links and easy access to amenities like shops, doctors and dentists.You’ll need to decide which belongings and which pieces of furniture you are going to take with you and what you’re going to have to sell or give away.The garage, shed and loft of a house that’s been a family home is probably going to be full of things you really should have got rid of years ago, but hadn’t the heart. Now’s the time to get ruthless and start de-cluttering.