The Rules of Downsizing (Part 5): Building Your “Non-Negotiables” List When Downsizing
If you’ve followed this series so far, you’ll know that downsizing isn’t just about selling one home and buying another. It’s about redesigning the next chapter of your life.
And the truth is, the people who end up happiest after downsizing are the ones who were clear from the start about what really matters to them — their non-negotiables.
Because when emotions, agents, family opinions, and logistics all come into play, it’s surprisingly easy to lose sight of what’s essential.
That’s where your “non-negotiables” list comes in.
It’s not a wish list. It’s not a dream board. It’s your personal rulebook for what you will and will not compromise on as you make this transition.
Let’s talk about how to build it.
1. Start With How You Want to Live, Not Where You Want to Live
Most people start by asking, “Where should I move?” But the better question is, “How do I want my days to look?”
Do you picture walking to the beach each morning? Hosting dinner for the grandkids? Having a low-maintenance garden? Or being close to medical care, shops, or community clubs?
Once you’re clear on how you want to live, the “where” tends to reveal itself.
2. Define Your Must-Haves and Deal-Breakers
This is the heart of your non-negotiables list.
Write down everything that feels essential, not just nice to have, but truly necessary for your lifestyle, health, and happiness.
For example:
Single-level living with no stairs
Access to public transport
A second bedroom for guests
Low strata or maintenance fees
Pets allowed
Equally important: note your deal-breakers. Maybe it’s shared parking, long travel times to family, or lack of outdoor space. Knowing what you do not want can be as powerful as knowing what you do.
3. Be Realistic About Space and Storage
Almost everyone underestimates how much “stuff” they own. And it’s not just about furniture; it’s memories, hobbies, tools, and the things we’ve collected over a lifetime.
Downsizing doesn’t mean stripping life bare. But it does mean thinking carefully about what fits both physically and emotionally.
Ask yourself:
How much storage will I really need?
Will I keep seasonal items or let them go?
What do I use regularly, and what am I holding onto out of sentiment?
Being honest here prevents the regret of feeling cramped or cluttered later.
4. Think Beyond the Property Itself
A home isn’t just walls and floors. It’s also the neighbourhood, the community, and the support network around it.
Before committing, spend time in the area. Visit at different times of day. Talk to locals. Test the drive to the shops, the walk to the café, or the distance to the doctor.
Remember that location influences lifestyle more than layout ever will.
5. Make a Financial Non-Negotiables List Too
It’s not just about the home’s features; it’s also about financial comfort.
Consider:
What’s my absolute upper budget limit?
How much do I want left over for lifestyle, travel, or investments?
How much maintenance can I afford annually?
Sometimes clients fall in love with a property that ticks every emotional box but strains their budget. That can undo the very peace of mind downsizing is meant to bring.
Clarity here protects you from future stress.
6. Involve the Right People at the Right Time
Family will often have opinions. Friends will share advice. Real estate agents will have strong views.
Listen, but don’t let those voices drown out your own.
If you need perspective, talk to a financial planner or property adviser who can look at the numbers objectively and help you align your choices with your lifestyle goals.
7. Revisit and Refine Your List Over Time
Your non-negotiables might shift as your health, family, or finances change, and that’s okay.
The key is to treat your list as a living document. Check in with it every few months as you research and visit properties. It keeps you grounded in your priorities rather than swept up in emotion or urgency.
Final Word
Downsizing can feel overwhelming, but clarity creates calm.
When you know what truly matters, not just what looks good on paper, the decisions get simpler. The options get clearer. And the process becomes less about loss and more about choice.
Your “non-negotiables” list isn’t just about property. It’s a reflection of how you want to live this next phase of life, with comfort, freedom, and peace of mind.
At Financial Wellness Hub, we help clients define what matters most before they make big decisions like this. Because the best downsizing decisions aren’t just practical; they’re personal.
Book a complimentary 20-minute session to talk through your own downsizing plans and how to make them work for you.