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Downsizing guide
A practical playbook for couples thinning out before a mission — without turning the house into a mystery for the next person who lives there.
Decide what stays with the renter
- ✓Walk each room and mark: leave for renter use, lock away, sell/donate, take with you
- ✓Photograph high-value items you store; keep a simple inventory
- ✓Label sealed boxes so a renter never needs to open them
Storage & insurance
- ✓If you keep a locked closet or room, note it on your listing and in the lease
- ✓Ask your insurer about coverage when the home is occupied by a renter
- ✓Confirm HOA rules about tenants and parking
Leave the house ready to manage from afar
- ✓House binder: wifi, shutoffs, appliance manuals, emergency contacts
- ✓Spare keys with a trusted local person
- ✓Mail forward or local pickup plan
- ✓Yard, snow, and trash plan written clearly for the renter