There comes a point when the home that once made perfect sense for your family starts to feel a little different.
The kids may be grown and building lives of their own. The extra bedrooms aren't used as often. The yard, maintenance, and everyday responsibilities may be taking more time than you'd like. Or perhaps you're beginning to imagine a different lifestyle—one with more travel, fewer obligations, and more freedom to spend time doing the things you love.
If you've started thinking about downsizing in Salt Lake City, I want to encourage you to begin planning before you feel pressured to make a decision.
And with the holidays approaching, this is actually a wonderful time to start.
Not because you need to move right away. Quite the opposite.
The best downsizing decisions are usually made when you have time to explore your options, understand your finances, prepare your home, and decide what you truly want your next chapter to look like.
Here's why I believe starting early can make such a meaningful difference.
1. The Holidays Have a Way of Making Us See Our Homes Differently
There's something about gathering with family during the holidays that brings our homes into focus.
You notice which rooms everyone gravitates toward. You think about how often the guest bedrooms are used. You may find yourself preparing a home that's become larger than your everyday life requires.
For some homeowners, those moments bring a realization: the house that served their family beautifully for 25 or 30 years may not be the home they want for the next 10 or 15.
That doesn't mean it's time to leave.
It simply means it's worth asking a few questions.
How much space do we actually use?
Are we enjoying our home, or spending most of our time maintaining it?
Would a smaller property give us more flexibility?
Do we want to stay close to family, friends, and the community we've built?
What would our ideal everyday lifestyle look like five years from now?
I think these are some of the most valuable conversations homeowners can have, especially before a move becomes necessary.
2. Give Yourself Time to Decide What Your Next Chapter Looks Like
One of the biggest mistakes people make when downsizing is focusing on the size of the next home before thinking about the lifestyle they want.
Smaller doesn't automatically mean better.
For some people, the right move is a beautiful townhome with lock-and-leave convenience. For others, it's a single-level home with a main-floor primary suite, a little outdoor space, and room for family to visit.
Some homeowners want to remain close to the neighborhoods they've loved for decades. Others are ready for a change of scenery.
Here along Salt Lake City's East Bench, there are several lifestyle considerations worth exploring.
Holladay: For homeowners who love established neighborhoods, mature trees, and a familiar sense of community.
Millcreek: An appealing option for those who want convenient access to the outdoors, local businesses, and the city.
Cottonwood Heights: Worth considering if access to the canyons, recreation, and everyday conveniences is important.
Salt Lake City's East Bench: A wonderful area to explore if you value mountain views, established neighborhoods, and proximity to the city.
You may discover that your next home is only a few miles away. Or you may decide that a completely different setting makes more sense.
The important thing is to give yourself permission to explore before making a commitment.
3. Understand Your Financial Position Before You Make a Move
For homeowners who have owned their properties for many years, downsizing can create some interesting financial opportunities.
You may have substantial equity in your current home. Depending on your mortgage, purchase history, and current property value, selling could provide additional financial flexibility.
But the numbers deserve a thoughtful look before you make decisions.
I'd recommend starting with:
An estimate of your home's current market value.
Your remaining mortgage balance, if applicable.
An understanding of potential selling expenses.
An estimate of what your next home might cost.
Property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees associated with your next home.
Potential moving, storage, and preparation expenses.
It's also worth considering how a move might affect your broader financial picture.
For example, capital gains considerations, property tax implications, and the timing of a sale and purchase may all deserve attention. A qualified tax professional or financial advisor can help you understand the implications of your specific situation.
My philosophy is simple: Life Rewards the Prepared.
The more you understand before making a move, the more confident you'll feel when the right opportunity comes along.
4. Start Decluttering Before You Have a Moving Date
This is often the part homeowners underestimate.
After living in a home for 20, 30, or even 40 years, belongings tend to accumulate. Closets become storage spaces. Garages fill up. Holiday decorations, family keepsakes, furniture, and everyday items all become part of the story of your home.
And deciding what to keep can be surprisingly emotional.
My advice? Start small.
You don't need to empty the house in a weekend or make every decision at once.
Instead, consider tackling one area each month:
October: Closets and clothing.
November: Kitchen cabinets and pantry.
December: Holiday decorations and seasonal storage.
January: Garage, basement, and storage areas.
February: Furniture, artwork, and larger belongings.
Give yourself time to decide what you want to bring into your next home.
For sentimental belongings, consider what deserves a place in your everyday life, what could be passed along to family, and what might be better preserved through photographs or a memory book.
The goal isn't to get rid of everything.
It's to make room for the life you want to live next.
5. Understand What Your Current Home May Need Before Selling
If you've lived in your home for many years, you may have become accustomed to things a buyer will notice immediately.
Perhaps the kitchen could use a refresh. Maybe the landscaping needs attention, or there are small maintenance items you've been meaning to address.
The good news is that preparing a home for sale doesn't necessarily mean taking on a major renovation.
In many cases, thoughtful improvements make the biggest difference.
I typically recommend starting with:
A review of deferred maintenance.
Fresh paint where needed.
Updated lighting or hardware where it makes sense.
Landscaping and exterior maintenance.
Decluttering and simplifying furniture arrangements.
A conversation about staging and presentation.
Before investing in improvements, it's helpful to understand what buyers in your particular neighborhood are looking for.
A home in Holladay may appeal to buyers for its mature landscaping, lot size, and established setting. A property in Olympus Cove may attract attention for its views and proximity to the mountains.
Every home has its own story and its own market position.
That's why I believe preparation should be guided by a strategy rather than a generic renovation checklist.
6. Explore Your Options Before You Sell
One of the biggest sources of stress when downsizing is feeling like you need to sell your current home before knowing where you're going.
I encourage homeowners to explore the next-home options early.
Think about the features that will matter most in your next chapter:
Main-floor living or a primary bedroom on the main level.
Fewer stairs and easier accessibility.
A manageable yard or outdoor space.
Less exterior maintenance.
Convenient parking and storage.
Proximity to family, healthcare, shopping, and recreation.
Space for visiting children and grandchildren.
It's also worth considering whether you want to purchase another home, explore a townhome or condominium, or rent for a period while deciding where you want to settle.
There isn't one right answer.
And you don't have to know everything today.
The advantage of starting early is that you can learn what is available, understand pricing, and recognize the right opportunity when it comes along.
7. Consider the Timing of Your Move
Many homeowners assume they should wait until spring to start thinking about selling.
But the preparation process can begin months before a home ever reaches the market.
Depending on your goals, beginning conversations in the fall or early winter can put you in a much better position for a spring or summer move.
You have time to:
Review your home's current value.
Discuss market conditions and pricing.
Make thoughtful decisions about repairs.
Coordinate estate sales, donations, or family distributions.
Research your next neighborhood.
Understand the logistics of buying and selling.
Build a timeline that works for your family.
In the Salt Lake County market, timing can vary considerably by property type, price range, and location.
A luxury property in Holladay may have a different buyer pool and marketing strategy than a townhome in Millcreek.
Rather than choosing a listing date based solely on the calendar, I'd rather help you build a plan around your specific home, goals, and next move.
8. Remember That Downsizing Is About More Than Square Footage
This may be the most important part of the entire conversation.
Downsizing isn't necessarily about having less.
It's about making sure your home continues to support the life you want to live.
Maybe that means spending less time maintaining a large property and more time traveling.
Maybe it means being closer to grandchildren.
Maybe it means having a home that's easier to manage while still offering beautiful spaces to entertain family and friends.
Or perhaps you're ready to simplify your surroundings and create more room for experiences.
I've always believed that living well starts at home.
And sometimes, living well means recognizing that your next chapter may look different from the one before it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Downsizing in Salt Lake City
When should I start planning to downsize my home?
Ideally, begin six to twelve months before you think you might move. This gives you time to evaluate your finances, declutter, prepare your property, and explore your next-home options without feeling rushed.
Is fall a good time to start preparing for a spring home sale in Utah?
Absolutely. Fall and winter can be excellent times to organize, complete smaller repairs, review your home's value, and develop a selling strategy. You can use the quieter months to prepare before the spring market.
How do I know if it's time to downsize?
Consider whether your current home still supports your lifestyle. If you're using less space, spending more time on maintenance, or looking for greater flexibility, it may be worth exploring your options.
Should I buy my next home before selling my current home?
It depends on your financial position, available equity, and the type of property you're purchasing. Some homeowners prefer to sell first, while others explore bridge financing, contingent offers, or other strategies. A conversation with your real estate and financial professionals can help you determine the best approach.
What areas around Salt Lake City are worth considering when downsizing?
Holladay, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, and Salt Lake City's East Bench all offer different lifestyle advantages. Your ideal location will depend on your priorities, including home maintenance, proximity to family, outdoor recreation, and access to everyday amenities.
The Best Time to Plan Your Next Chapter Is Before You Need To
If downsizing has been on your mind, consider this your invitation to start the conversation.
You don't need a moving date. You don't need to have everything figured out. And you certainly don't need to make a decision before you're ready.
What you do need is information, a thoughtful plan, and someone who can help you understand your options.
For homeowners considering downsizing in Salt Lake City, Holladay, Millcreek, Cottonwood Heights, or anywhere along the East Bench, I'd love to help you think through what comes next.
We'll look at your current home's value, discuss the possibilities, and create a timeline that makes sense for your life.
Because the goal isn't simply to move into a smaller home.
It's to create a next chapter that gives you more of what matters.
Living Well Starts at Home.
And the best moves begin long before moving day.
— Britt Kershner
Ready to Start Planning?
Whether you're considering downsizing, relocating closer to family, or exploring a different lifestyle, I'd love to help you understand your options.
Download my Salt Lake City Relocation Guide, complete my relocation questionnaire, or reach out for a personal conversation about your next move.
There's no pressure to make a decision. Sometimes the most valuable first step is simply knowing what's possible.
Let's start planning before you need to.