9 Things to Consider When Downsizing

Thinking About Downsizing? Here’s What Every Eau Claire Area Home Seller Should Know

Life changes — and so do our homes. Maybe the kids have moved out, or the big yard you once loved is now more of a chore than a joy. Maybe you’re craving a simpler lifestyle, a fresh start, or a house that fits where you are today, not where you were 20 years ago.

If you’ve been tossing around the idea of downsizing your home here in Eau Claire, and the Chippewa Valley, you’re not alone. A lot of local homeowners are making moves to smaller, more manageable spaces — whether it’s a cozy condo on the south side, a townhouse near the river, or a one-level home with fewer stairs and more convenience.

But before you list that big home for sale, it’s important to have a game plan. As a local Eau Claire Realtor, I’ve helped plenty of folks navigate the ups and downs (and sometimes sideways turns) of downsizing. So today, I’m breaking down my best tips for sellers who are ready to right-size their living situation.

Let’s get into it.

1. Get Clear on Why You’re Downsizing

First things first — it’s important to understand what’s motivating this move. Downsizing isn’t just about square footage. It’s about lifestyle.

Are you hoping to:

Cut down on maintenance and yard work?
Lower monthly expenses like utilities and taxes?
Free up cash for travel or retirement?
Move closer to grandkids or a golf course?
Simplify your day-to-day routine?

Knowing your “why” will help you stay focused when decisions get tough (and trust me, there will be a few tough calls). It’ll also help your Realtor — hey, that’s me, Brad Bemowski — narrow down the best options for your next home.

2. Start the Decluttering Process Early

If you’ve lived in your current home for decades, chances are you’ve collected a few (or a few hundred) extra things along the way.

One of the biggest hurdles homeowners face when downsizing is sorting through all their belongings. It’s not just physical — it’s emotional too. That box of old concert t-shirts, the kids’ art projects from second grade, Aunt Helen’s tea set… it all tells a story.

My advice? Start small and start early.

Pick one closet, one cabinet, or one room at a time. Use the classic four-pile method:

Keep
Donate
Sell
Toss

And remember: if you haven’t used it, worn it, or thought about it in the last two years, you probably don’t need it. Eau Claire has plenty of great donation spots like Hope Gospel Mission, Goodwill, and the Habit For Humanity Restore if you want your stuff to go to a good cause.

Pro tip: Hosting a moving sale or listing items on Facebook Marketplace can help you declutter and pad your moving fund.

3. Understand the Current Eau Claire Real Estate Market

Before you list your home, it’s smart to get a feel for what’s happening in our local market.

Is it a seller’s market right now in Eau Claire? Are homes in your price range moving quickly? What features are buyers looking for in your neighborhood? How does your home stack up against other listings in the area?

As a full-time Realtor serving Eau Claire and the surrounding Chippewa Valley, I make it a point to stay on top of these trends. For example:

Homes in desirable school districts tend to move faster.
Ranch-style homes and properties with home offices are in higher demand post-pandemic.
Well-maintained homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms typically sell more quickly.

If you’d like a free, no-pressure market analysis on your home, just reach out. I’m happy to give you a snapshot of what your home might sell for in today’s market.

4. Work With a Realtor Who Knows Downsizing Moves

Not every real estate agent is well-versed in downsizing transactions. It’s a unique type of move that involves both selling a property and, usually, finding a new home that meets a very specific set of needs.

When you’re downsizing, you want a Realtor who understands:

The timing logistics of selling and buying simultaneously.
The emotional side of leaving a long-time family home.
How to market your property to the right buyers.
What local neighborhoods offer low-maintenance living, HOA options, or one-level homes.

That’s where I come in. I’ve worked with plenty of Eau Claire homeowners on their downsizing journeys, and I’d be happy to help you navigate yours.

5. Have a Solid Pricing and Marketing Strategy

When it comes to selling your home, pricing it right from the start is crucial — especially if you’re aiming for a smooth transition into your next chapter.

Price too high: You risk sitting on the market and chasing buyers with price drops.
Price too low: You leave money on the table.

As your Realtor, I’ll help you find that sweet spot by analyzing recent comparable sales, current inventory, and buyer demand in your neighborhood.

And while pricing is key, so is marketing. Your home deserves more than just a quick snap on a smartphone and a For Sale sign in the yard. I use professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, video walkthroughs, and targeted online advertising to get your home in front of the right buyers — fast.

In fact, many Eau Claire buyers start their home search online, so it’s essential your home looks its absolute best from the first click.

6. Consider the Costs of Moving (and Living Small)

A lot of people assume downsizing automatically saves money. And while it often does, it’s important to factor in the full financial picture:

Moving expenses: Movers, packing supplies, storage units.
Home updates or repairs: To get your current home ready for market.
Closing costs: Both when selling your old home and buying your new one.
New home costs: Even a smaller home may come with HOA fees, property taxes, and utility bills you’ll want to calculate.

If you’re moving to a condo or townhome in Eau Claire, be sure to ask about association dues and what they cover (some include lawn care, snow removal, even some utilities — others don’t).

I can help you compare potential homes not just by purchase price, but by overall monthly expenses so you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

7. Don’t Rush the Process (Unless You Want To)

One of the perks of downsizing when you’re not in a time crunch is flexibility. You can sell now and rent for a bit while you look for the perfect next place. Or you can list your home with a contingency that you’ll need time to find suitable housing.

That said, if you’re eager to make a move before winter hits or want to capitalize on Eau Claire’s typically stronger summer and fall markets, we can absolutely make that happen too.

The key is creating a customized game plan that fits your timeline — not mine, not the market’s, but yours.

8. Focus on Features That Matter Now

When choosing your next home, it’s easy to get caught up in what you’ve always wanted. But downsizing is about what you actually need.

Consider things like:

Single-level living or main-floor bedrooms.
Minimal yard maintenance.
Proximity to friends, family, healthcare, or recreation.
Wide doorways or walk-in showers (future you will thank you).
Storage solutions for those non-negotiable keepsakes.

9. Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Selling your long-time home can stir up all kinds of emotions — excitement, relief, sadness, nostalgia. That’s normal.

It’s okay to feel a little bittersweet about closing this chapter. But remember: you’re not losing your memories. You’re carrying them with you to a home that fits the next version of your life.

And with the right team in your corner (hint: me), this transition can be smoother, simpler, and even fun.

Ready to Downsize in Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing but aren’t sure where to start, let’s connect. I’d be happy to answer your questions, share a few available listings, or swing by your home for a no-commitment market analysis.

Brad Bemowski | Local Eau Claire Realtor
📱 Call/Text: 715-598-9900
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more at homcentric.com

Whether you’re ready to list next week or just dipping a toe in the water, I’m here to help however you need.