Downsizing Ottawa

Making the Move to Condo Living

Downsizing is a monumental task that goes beyond selling real estate. Relax. At Condo613, we understand the emotional weight of leaving a home full of birthdays and holidays. As a result, we offer several services to make this transition a breeze.

Leaving your old neighbourhood for a smaller unit can seem like a headache. However, condo living is wonderful. Condominiums have grown popular for their investment potential and lifestyle. In particular, condo living encourages efficiency and lets you enjoy your golden years in a safe, central, luxurious home.

It is always wise to prepare for the future by understanding Ottawa’s condo market, even if you arenu0027t ready to buy just yet. For this reason, Condo613 created the Condo613 Cadillac Tour. Specifically, this tour brings groups of up to four seniors to several different condo buildings. The goal is to help you better understand what condo living is actually like.

Step 1: Sort Everything into Four Piles

First, designate four areas in your current home: keep, resell, re-gift, and remove. These will guide your sorting phase. Start by addressing the linen or clothes closet. Go through your belongings without emotion. If you aren’t sure about a single item, simply come back to it later.

Try not to hang on to unnecessary items by thinking about where they came from or when you wore them. These thoughts can become emotional mountains. In addition, they will keep you from donating items you no longer use. Instead, put the items in the appropriate locations.

Step 2: Donate What You Have Not Used in 2+ Years

Bag and box anything you have not used in two years or more. These items can find new purpose at shelters and agencies. Books, clothing, eight tracks, shoes, and blankets add up year after year. As a result, they close in on your available space.

This may not be noticeable in a large home. However, in a condo, too much of anything can create a house of too much stuff. Bread makers, old side tables, rugs, and lamps may overwhelm smaller living quarters. Instead, they are welcome donations to those less fortunate.

Step 3: Sell Items with Resale Value

Sell items on the Internet or in a consignment shop. You will be surprised at how many different items you can sell. For instance, clothing, linens, china, crystal, furniture, and artwork all have decent resale value. Just be sure to do some homework on the current value on the open market.

Although people often focus on the price ceiling, it helps to have a bottom price in mind. If you cannot get that price, you may be better off donating the items and taking the tax deduction.

Step 4: Gift to Friends and Family

Give to others and feel the joy. Sometimes a piece of artwork, a candle holder, or a set of china is admired by people in your life. Now is the time to share the pleasure of those items with friends and family. If you are not taking an item to your new condominium, consider gifting it to a friend or family member. In short, they will be thrilled, and you will have less to deal with in your new home.