After 25 years helping families in Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, and Saratoga move out of large, long-held properties, I’ve learned that downsizing goes far more smoothly with a clear roadmap. Here’s the checklist I personally walk clients through — the same process I use hands-on with every downsizing client.
1. Start With a Walkthrough, Not a Dumpster
Before anything leaves the house, I walk the property with you, room by room, to understand what’s there and what matters most. Rushing straight to “get rid of everything” is how families lose things they actually wanted to keep.
2. Sort Everything Into Four Piles
- Keep — comes with you to the next home
- Gift — family, friends, or someone who would specifically treasure it
- Sell — via Facebook Marketplace, a collector, or another appropriate channel
- Donate — local charities and organizations that can put it to good use
3. Handle Antiques and Collectibles Separately
Fine china, art, antique furniture, and collectibles deserve more care than a generic estate sale. I maintain relationships with collectors and buyers who appreciate specific categories of items, so a piece that matters gets a fair price or the right home — not a bargain-bin price tag.
4. Bring in Help for the Heavy Lifting
Large furniture, appliances, and bulk hauling need a trusted crew, not a family member with a bad back. I coordinate this directly so nothing sits around waiting.
5. Refresh the Garden Without Buying Anything New
If the property has a large yard, my gardener specializes in reshaping what’s already there into something beautiful — a “garden within a garden” — rather than an expensive overhaul. Tree trimmers come in as needed to get the grounds market-ready.
6. Stage for the Market
Once the home is cleared, staging makes the difference between a home that sits and one that sells quickly at the right price.
7. Price and List With Local Expertise
Large, one-acre-plus properties in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno don’t price like a standard subdivision home. Accurate, local comparable data matters more here than almost anywhere else in the market.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Every one of these steps is something I do personally, alongside my clients — not a checklist I hand off. If you’re considering a move out of a large family property, I’d welcome the chance to walk through it with you. Learn more about my downsizing services, or reach out directly at (408) 859-5881 or aseaborn@cbnorcal.com.
