6 Costly Mistakes Des Moines Seniors Make When Downsizing in 2026 (and How to Avoid Them)

Hi there! I’m Sarah Ingles, Realtor® and SRES®, helping Central Iowa seniors and their families downsize with clarity, compassion, and a steady plan.

If you’re navigating a move in Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, or Grimes, you’re in the right place.

Downsizing should feel lighter, safer, and smarter—not chaotic. With the right plan, your next chapter can be a fresh start that fits your lifestyle today and supports your future.

Last fall, for example, I helped a Johnston couple move from a 3,200 sq ft home to a Jordan Creek-area condo. Because we created a clear downsizing plan early, they avoided storage fees, sold strong, and settled in one day—with everything they loved and nothing they didn’t.

📱Pro Tip: Download the Smart Move Des Moines app for AI-powered property search, instant market alerts, and 24/7 access to your personal Des Moines agent — the only app of its kind in Central Iowa.
👉https://bk.homestack.com/smartmovedesmoines

Quick List: 6 Mistakes Des Moines Seniors Make When Downsizing

Let’s protect your time, health, and budget. Here are the six costly mistakes to avoid in 2026.

1. Starting Without a Clear Plan

   • The problem: Treating downsizing like a weekend project.

   • The cost: Rushed decisions, missed tasks, extra trips—extra money.

   • How to avoid it:

     • Define your “why”—lower costs, fewer stairs, closer to kids?

     • Create a 6–12-month timeline.

     • Use a room-by-room plan and shortlist of target neighborhoods.

     • Save listings and schedule tours in the Smart Move Des Moines app to stay organized.

2. Trying to Tackle Everything at Once

   • The problem: Decluttering the whole house in a weekend.

   • The cost: Decision fatigue, burnout, paying to move items you don’t need.

   • How to avoid it:

     • Start small—one closet or one category.

     • Use simple labels: Keep, Donate, Sell, Family, Memory Box.

     • Limit sessions to 90 minutes.

     • Move “maybe” items out of sight for a month—you’ll likely forget them!

3. Underestimating the Emotional Impact

   • The problem: You’re not just moving items—it’s your story.

   • The cost: Paralysis, family conflict, and stress.

   • How to avoid it:

     • Acknowledge the emotions—it’s normal.

     • Sort meaningful items early.

     • Photo-scan mementos or create a “Memory Box.”

     • Need help? As an SRES®, I guide seniors through every decision with care and calm.

4. Keeping Too Much for a Smaller Space

   • The problem: Planning your new home around old furniture.

   • The cost: Storage fees and cramped rooms.

   • How to avoid it:

     • Measure first, decide second.

     • Prioritize current needs like a main-floor bedroom or reading nook.

     • Only rent storage short-term.

     • Right-size your kitchen—keep your best dishes and donate the rest.

5. Going It Alone

   • The problem: Managing vendors, movers, and packing alone.

   • The cost: Fatigue, injuries, and missed opportunities.

   • How to avoid it:

     • Involve family early.

     • Partner with pros who understand senior moves.

     • Work with an SRES® REALTOR® experienced in Central Iowa’s 55+ options—from Urbandale villas to Jordan Creek condos.

     • I’ve partnered with Golden Concierge, who handle everything from movers to utility setup, so you can relax.

6. Overlooking Hidden Financial Costs

   • The problem: Budgeting only for sale and purchase price.

   • The cost: Surprise bills and post-move stress.

   • How to avoid it:
     Build a realistic budget that includes: Use our Home Affordability Calculator to see exactly what you can afford in your next Des Moines home, including all these costs.

     • HOA dues or condo assessments

     • Moving costs and supplies

     • Utility deposits

     • Accessibility upgrades

     • Furniture that fits your new layout

     • Ongoing maintenance fees

💡 Check Iowa’s senior homeownership incentives through the Iowa Finance Authority.

The Bottom Line: You Don’t Have to Carry This Alone

You deserve a calm, clear path to your next home. Downsizing in Des Moines can be simple and kind—to your budget, your schedule, and your heart.

Here’s what you can expect when we work together:

• Personalized timeline and room-by-room plan.

• Local housing options across Waukee, Urbandale, West Des Moines, Johnston, Ankeny, and Grimes.

• AI-powered search and move tools inside the Smart Move Des Moines App.

• Stress-free move-in coordination through Golden Concierge.

Get the Smart Move Des Moines app

📱 Download the free Smart Move Des Moines app for AI-powered property search, instant market alerts, and 24/7 access to your personal Des Moines agent—the only app of its kind in Central Iowa: https://bk.homestack.com/smartmovedesmoines

From First Keys to Final Chapters — Let's Make a Smart Move.

Sarah Ingles, Realtor® | SRES®
Smart Move Des Moines | Powered by CHASE. Collective Real Estate
Partnered with Golden Concierge
📞 (563) 513-8771
✉️[email protected]
🌐smartmovedsm.com

📱Download the Smart Move Des Moines App:
https://bk.homestack.com/smartmovedesmoines