We are often asked by potential clients and their families: When is the best time to downsize (we prefer to call it resizing) from the family home?
People’s opinions differ greatly. It is a deeply personal choice and an emotional time for all involved. However, having recently been through the experience with my own parents, if you ask me, the best time to move is while you still have the energy to build a life in your new space.
A personal account: Helping My Parents Find Their Next Home
Our latest blog is a personal account by Carol, about helping her parents sell their family home and make a new start in their next chapter.
My parents spent over 30 years in our family home in rural Hampshire, with a deep-rooted connection to their local village. Mum was a happy fixture in the community, taking her daily walk to the village shop and chatting with everyone along the way. Dad was usually found in the garage with the door wide open, helping friends, family, and neighbours fix everything from lawnmowers to grandchildren’s bicycles.
Knowing When the Time Is Right
They always said they wanted to move before they turned 75. When they finally put the house on the market, Dad was 77 and Mum was 74. They knew exactly what they wanted: a cosy two or three-bedroom home with a small garden, within walking distance of town.
Finding the Right Property
The process wasn’t entirely smooth sailing. Their initial purchase fell through due to probate delays, but with our industry positioning, they quickly found an alternative property, one that Mum had secretly admired for years.
Stephen stepped in to guide them, negotiate the purchase price, and connect them with Lucy Spollin at Trethowans Solicitors. It was the perfect partnership, completely taking the stress out of the paperwork. Following a swift conveyancing process and a short seven-week stay with my sister while new carpets were laid and rooms freshly decorated, my parents moved into their new home.
Life in Their New Home
Today, they live in a warm, three-bedroom terraced house overlooking a lovely community green. Mum still walks into town daily. Dad still has a garage to tinker in, and he’s already earned the title of neighbourhood “Mr Fix-It”. They spend Friday evenings sipping wine on the green with new friends, while their old neighbours still pop round for afternoon tea.
They made this move while they still had the vigour and energy to renovate the kitchen, update the bathrooms, and truly make the space their own. The house is completely future-proofed, right down to being ready for a Stannah stairlift, should they ever need one.
Looking back, I am deeply grateful they took the leap when they did. Today, I find myself squarely in the “sandwich years”, juggling our young adults’ university timetables, caring for elderly family pets, and coordinating my parents’ ongoing medical appointments, from Dad’s visits to the memory clinic to Mum’s rheumatology care. Knowing that my parents are safe, warm, and settled in a manageable home brings our whole family immense peace of mind.
Resizing is rarely just about property; it’s a profound emotional milestone. I am so pleased that Stephen and I were able to support and guide my parents through this transition. By providing objective, professional advice, Stephen removed the friction, helping my parents make decisions with clarity instead of feeling overwhelmed.
Could We Help You or Your Family?
Whether you are exploring a move for yourself or trying to help your parents or clients navigate their options, having an experienced professional who is detached from family emotions makes all the difference.
Book a call with our team today to talk through your options at your own pace.