Downsizing the family home can be a big job! Between sorting, packing, dealing with belongings, and moving, most people have their hands full even without the additional tasks created by putting their homes on the market!
If you’re planning ahead for a downsizing move, you may be able to head off some of the delayed maintenance and projects that are recommended before listing your home. Of course, most larger jobs are best left to the professionals, but if you have enough lead time and a little know-how, you may decide to tackle some handyman projects you can do yourself.
Handyman Projects You Can Do Yourself
Our favorite handywoman Carmen Hendricks of TruBlue Home Care in Vienna, Virginia offers these suggestions for common home maintenance tasks you may be able to do on your own, and those best left to the Pros:
Projects You Can Do Yourself (In Less Than a Weekend)
- Swap out your incandescent lightbulbs for LEDS, which can last up to 50 times longer.
- Repaint one or two bedrooms in a neutral color. Home stagers love Benjamin Moore “Muslin” for beige undertones, and “Coventry Gray” for gray undertones.
- Assemble an inexpensive desk in an underused room to create a home office.
- Pressure wash outdoor furniture.
- Replace interior doorknobs.
Projects To Leave To The Professionals
- Upgrade your existing bathroom vanity with a new one.
- Give your shower or bathtub a makeover with new tile.
- Create a formal look by adding decorative trim to your living room.
- Replace kitchen cabinets (yes, even if you plan to keep your existing layout!).
- Replace electric switches, outlets, and switch plates.
Tools You Can (Probably) Do Without after you Downsize, and What to Use Instead
- Lawn Mower; Use a lawn service instead
- Leaf Blower; Use a lawn service instead
- Chain Saw; You should always hire someone to do this type of work!
- Ladders over 6 ft; You should hire out for “high” jobs like cleaning gutters.
- Pressure Washer; You can easily hire out for this task.
