As a real estate agent here in Ventura, I regularly speak with homeowners who have lived in their homes for years, if not decades. Many of them raised their families there — watched their kids grow up, leave for college, and start lives of their own. And now, with the house a little quieter and the to-do list growing longer, the responsibilities of homeownership are starting to feel overwhelming. The sprinklers need work. The appliances are aging out. The roof might be next. And that neighbor’s tree? Still leaning over the fence line.
Eventually, they start wondering:
“Is it time for a simpler life?”
In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of downsizing, based on what I’ve seen firsthand in the local market. Whether you're looking to reduce your footprint, unlock equity, or simply enjoy more freedom, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
1. Is Your House Running You?
If you’ve reached the point where your home feels more like a burden than a sanctuary, you’re not alone. Maybe:
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The garage door keeps breaking
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Termites are dropping from the ceiling in summer
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The kitchen appliances are barely hanging on
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Your house needs to be repiped
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The backyard fence is leaning... again
When the maintenance list grows longer than your weekend, it’s only natural to ask:
“Would my life be better in a smaller, lower-maintenance home?”
2. Don’t Overprice Your Home in Your Head
One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make in Ventura is overestimating what their current home is worth. You’ve got a number in your head — and in your mind, you’ve already bought your next home.
But in this market, especially with high interest rates and tighter buyer budgets, your home might not sell for as much as you expect. When planning your next move:
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Be conservative with your pricing expectations
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Don’t fall in love with a replacement home before you sell
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Understand that your dollar may not go quite as far as it did 5–10 years ago
Downsizing starts with realistic math. Don’t skip that part.
3. Budget for the Move (It’s Not Cheap)
Another common oversight? Moving costs.
In Ventura County, the cost of hiring a reputable moving company can be surprisingly high. Before making any decisions, get a quote from a local mover so you know what you’re dealing with.
Also, be honest about your “stuff.” If you’re planning to keep everything but your square footage is shrinking, it might be time to rethink.
💡 Pro Tip: If you must store items, put a six-month limit on your storage unit. If you haven’t missed it after six months, let it go.
4. Know How You Actually Use Your Home
Downsizing is more than just reducing square footage. It’s a full lifestyle shift. Think about:
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Which rooms do you truly use?
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How much storage do you really need?
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Can you live with a smaller kitchen, garage, or backyard?
And here’s something most people overlook: build quality.
Many Ventura homes built before 1990 were made with better insulation and materials. Newer homes — or rentals — may feel less solid, and noise can be an unexpected adjustment. If you’re downsizing into a more recently built property, test how the space feels before making the move.
5. Declutter Like You Mean It
Every client I’ve helped in Ventura says the same thing:
“I didn’t realize how much stuff I had.”
Start early. One room at a time. Follow the 80/20 rule — you only use 20% of what you own regularly. The rest is taking up space.
Or use the 90/90 rule:
If you haven’t used it in the past 90 days, and don’t plan to in the next 90 — donate it, sell it, or toss it.
The last time I moved, I realized I had about 4 large boxes worth of clothes I hadn't worn in years. The next day they were at Salvation Army.
6. Avoid These Moving Mistakes
Let’s talk about hiring movers. I’ve seen it all — and I’ve learned the hard way.
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Don’t go with the cheapest bid. You get what you pay for.
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Don’t skip labeling your boxes. Know what’s in them and where they go.
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Create a “First Day” box. Include your toothbrush, chargers, snacks, medicine and anything you’ll need right away.
Cutting corners during a move can turn a stressful process into a nightmare. Don’t do it.
7. Prepare for the Emotional Side of Downsizing
Downsizing isn’t just logistical — it’s emotional. You’re saying goodbye to a chapter of your life.
Maybe you raised your kids in that house. Maybe you planted trees in memory of loved ones. You’re not just moving out of a building — you’re closing a door on years of memories.
I had a client who wrote a letter to her house before she left. She thanked it. She reflected on what it gave her and her husband. It sounds cheesy, but it provided closure.
Whatever you need to do — counseling, journaling, a quiet walk through each room — make space for those feelings.
8. Don’t Just Pick the House — Pick the Neighborhood
This one’s huge: Your new neighborhood matters.
I've had empty nester clients move into neighborhoods with other folks just like them. A few months into it, they realized they wish they had moved into a neighborhood with more kids and young families. They missed the energy, laughter and fun a neighborhood with families provides.
Ask yourself:
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Do I want to be near the beach in Ventura?
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Do I want walkability to shops and restaurants downtown?
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Do I want to be close to friends or grandkids?
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Do I need a vibrant community or peace and quiet?
Downsizing isn’t just about the house — it’s about building a life that fits.
9. The Upside of Downsizing
Here’s the good news: there are real benefits to downsizing.
✅ Less maintenance
✅ Lower utility bills
✅ Fewer large-ticket repairs
✅ More financial flexibility
✅ The freedom to travel
✅ More time to spend with family and friends
✅ A fresh start
Many of my clients who downsized here in Ventura have told me it was the best decision they ever made. Their weekends are freer, their stress levels are lower, and their lives feel lighter.
Final Thoughts: Is Downsizing Right for You?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your home — and ready for something simpler — downsizing might be exactly what you need.
Just take your time.
This is a major life decision, and you shouldn’t rush into it based on fear, headlines, or pressure. The housing market will always fluctuate. Your job is to make a decision that’s right for you — not just for today, but for the years ahead.
