Downsizing in Canby and the North Willamette Valley: From “Too Many Stairs” to “Just Right”

Downsizing isn’t just about moving to a smaller house. It’s about choosing a home that fits the season you’re in now—not the season you were in 20 years ago. If you’re in Canby or elsewhere in the North Willamette Valley and feeling like your current home is more work than joy, this one’s for you.

Start with your “why” (and be honest)

Downsizing can stir up a lot: nostalgia, relief, fear, and even a little guilt. Before you think about square footage, get clear on why this is on your mind.

Common reasons:

• Too many stairs or maintenance projects

• Wanting to be closer to everyday conveniences or community

• Freeing up time, money, or energy for other priorities

Naming your “why” helps you evaluate options later. A good next home should support the life you want now, not the life you used to have.

Define what you actually want in the next chapter

“Smaller” is not a plan. Try to define:

• Single‑level vs multi‑level

• Yard size you realistically want to care for

• Proximity to certain activities, people, or routes

You might discover that what you really want isn’t “tiny”—it’s “right‑sized”: functional, comfortable, and easier to live in day‑to‑day.

Keeping it real (estate): From split‑level to single‑level

A Canby couple I worked with had loved their split‑level home for years. But over time, all those stairs stopped feeling charming and started feeling like a daily obstacle. Instead of waiting for a crisis moment, they decided to proactively look for a single‑level home that would serve them better long‑term. We talked through what “ideal” looked like, prepped their current home with a clear plan, and timed the sale and purchase so they could move fairly seamlessly. The end result wasn’t just fewer stairs; it was a home that felt calmer, safer, and more aligned with the way they actually lived.

That’s the heart of downsizing done well: not giving something up, but trading for something that fits better.

Make a plan for your current home

Your existing home is usually the key to funding your next one, so a thoughtful plan matters.

That often includes:

• A realistic value and net‑proceeds estimate

• A simple, focused prep plan (repairs, updates, decluttering)

• A timeline that fits your energy level and any health or family considerations

You don’t need to move at a breakneck pace. The right agent will help you balance “let’s get this done” with “let’s not burn you out.”

Decide how much overlap you can handle

Downsizing often involves some version of:

• Selling first, then buying (sometimes with a temporary rental or staying with family), or

• Coordinating the sale and purchase so you move once, with tightly managed timing.

Which path makes sense depends on your finances, support system, and stress tolerance. There’s no shame in choosing the option that is easiest on your body, your schedule, and your nervous system.

As always, decisions around timing, borrowing, or using proceeds should be made in conversation with a lender and, when needed, a financial or tax professional. This is general education, not individualized advice.

Want a gentle, practical downsizing conversation?

If you’re even thinking about downsizing in Canby or the surrounding North Willamette Valley and want to talk through what it might look like—with zero pressure to commit—reach out here:
Connect with Jennifer

We’ll keep it real (estate), honor the emotions, and build a plan that respects both your memories and your next chapter.