Downsizing For Dummies (eBook)

Ralph R. Roberts is a real estate expert, investor, and author of more than a dozen books, including Flipping Houses For Dummies and Foreclosure Investing For Dummies. As a real estate agent, he sold more than 10,000 homes, with a focus on helping his clients find the perfect living arrangements for their situation. Facing retirement and an empty nest, Ralph and his wife, Kathleen, recently downsized from a 7,000-square-foot home to a condo less than half its size. In Downsizing For Dummies, they share the tips and tricks they discovered through their downsizing journey.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Downsizing 7

Chapter 1: Downsizing in a Nutshell 9

Chapter 2: Deciding Whether Downsizing Is Right for You (or Your Parents) 29

Chapter 3: Envisioning Your Future: Lifestyle and Location 45

Chapter 4: Laying the Groundwork 67

Chapter 5: Rallying the Troops 83

Part 2: Protecting and Leveraging Your Assets 101

Chapter 6: Getting a Handle on Your Finances 103

Chapter 7: Planning Your Estate 125

Chapter 8: Using Your Home to Generate Income 149

Part 3: Decluttering: Sell It, Give It Away, or Trash It 161

Chapter 9: Sorting Your Belongings 163

Chapter 10: Digitizing Photos, Videos, and Documentation 183

Chapter 11: Selling Stuff You No Longer Want or Need 199

Chapter 12: Giving Away Some Stuff 217

Chapter 13: Storing Stuff You Can't Part With 229

Chapter 14: Disposing of Your Remaining Belongings 239

Part 4: Moving Out and Moving In 245

Chapter 15: Gimme Shelter: Choosing a Home 247

Chapter 16: Buying and Selling a Home 271

Chapter 17: Packing Your Belongings 287

Chapter 18: Executing a Successful Move 311

Part 5: The Part of Tens 325

Chapter 19: Ten Good Reasons to Downsize 327

Chapter 20: Ten Tips to Make Downsizing Less Stressful 333

Chapter 21: Ten (or So) Ways to Reduce Your Living Expenses 339

Chapter 22: Ten Ways to Supplement Your Income 345

Index 353