Planning Your Next Chapter in Fair Oaks, CA: A Guide to Downsizing, Aging in Place, and Making Life Easier
A Sweet Moment That Made Me Rethink How We Prepare for the Future
The other day, I was at Kaiser for a doctor’s appointment when I saw the sweetest elderly couple. They were probably in their 80s. The wife sat in one of those Kaiser-provided wheelchairs so she wouldn’t have to walk the long distances, and her husband found a seat, gently pulling her close in front of him.
She reached into her pocket, pulled out an orange, and asked him, “You want an orange?”
He chuckled, and so did she, before tucking it back away. Then he noticed it almost fell out and said, “You almost lost it.”
She didn’t hear him. “What? What did you say? I didn’t hear you.”
So he leaned in closer to repeat himself, and as he did, they both just grinned at each other. It was one of those quiet, knowing smiles that only comes from a lifetime together.
Then she looked at him and asked, “Are you seeing the doctor today, or am I?”
It was the cutest thing—one of those small, everyday moments that remind you what real love looks like.
And it got me thinking.
I meet so many people in Fair Oaks, CA who have lived in their homes for 20, 30, even 40 years. They’ve raised their families, built their lives here, and made so many memories within those walls. But as life shifts, so do our needs. Maintaining a big house, keeping up with a yard, or simply managing all the stuff we accumulate over the years can start to feel overwhelming.
Maybe you’re in that stage now, or maybe you have aging parents in Fair Oaks who are. Either way, the best time to prepare for change isn’t when things become urgent—it’s before.
Why It’s Important to Plan Ahead
I recently downsized myself, moving into a condo in Rollingwood, and let me tell you—I thought I had a good handle on my stuff, but I had so much more than I realized. And that was just moving after 14 years! Imagine what it’s like after decades in the same home.
Sorting through memories, deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to let go of is an emotional process. And when a move is unexpected or happens under stressful circumstances, it can be even harder. We don’t want our children to have to deal with an overwhelming amount of stuff.
That’s why starting early, taking it in small steps, and having a plan makes all the difference.
Where Do You Even Begin?
The thought of downsizing, decluttering, or preparing for a move can feel overwhelming. But the key is to start small and take it at your own pace.
1. Start with One Space at a Time
Don’t try to tackle the whole house at once. Pick a single drawer, a closet, or a room and go through it at a comfortable pace.
- Keep what you love.
- Donate what no longer serves you.
- Toss what’s broken or unnecessary.
2. Think About What Your Future Looks Like
Do you want to age in place in Fair Oaks and make modifications to your current home for safety? Would you prefer a single-story home in Fair Oaks or a low-maintenance condo? Maybe a 55+ community near Fair Oaks is a better fit.
Whatever the answer, knowing your options before you need them gives you the most control.
3. Take Your Time Saying Goodbye to Sentimental Items
Letting go of belongings isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about processing memories. This part can be emotional, and that’s okay.
A great trick? Take photos of sentimental items before donating or passing them on. That way, you still have the memories without the clutter.
4. Understand Your Home’s Value in Fair Oaks
If you’re considering selling, it helps to know what your home is worth in today’s market. Fair Oaks home values have remained strong, and understanding your equity can help you plan for your next chapter—whether that’s moving into something smaller or setting up a financial plan for the future.
5. Get Support—You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
You don’t have to sort, pack, or make decisions all by yourself. Whether it’s:
- Hiring a home organizer in Fair Oaks
- Finding a local estate sale company
- Working with a trusted Fair Oaks REALTOR®
There are resources available to make this process smoother.
How I Can Help as a Fair Oaks REALTOR®
As a Fair Oaks REALTOR® with Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International Realty (DRE# 01118449), I specialize in helping people through major life transitions—whether that means downsizing, selling, or relocating.
I can:
✅ Help you assess your home’s value so you can make informed decisions
✅ Connect you with local services to declutter, organize, or prep your home for sale
✅ Walk you through the steps of selling and buying in a way that feels manageable
✅ Connect you with trusted REALTORS® anywhere in the world if you’re moving out of the area
But most importantly, I can be a resource and a guide—someone to call when you’re just thinking about it, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or when you’re ready to take the next step.
You Don’t Have to Rush—But You Can Start Preparing Now
The best part of planning ahead is that you get to be in control. You get to choose how and when you make changes instead of scrambling during a stressful time.
If you or someone you love is thinking about:
- Downsizing a home in Fair Oaks
- Moving into a single-story or 55+ home
- Selling a longtime family home in Fair Oaks
- Making a real estate plan for the future
Let’s have a conversation. No pressure, no rush—just a friendly, helpful chat about your options and what makes the most sense for your situation.
—Chrysti Tovani ?
Your Fair Oaks REALTOR® & Community Connector
Let’s Chat Over Coffee (or Zoom—your call!)
? Local to Fair Oaks, backed by world-class marketing
? Call or Text: 916-320-2663
? Email: chrysti@ilovefairoaks.com
? Visit: ILoveFairOaks.com
Chrysti Tovani, REALTOR® | DRE#01118449
Nick Sadek Sotheby’s International Realty
Global Reach. Local Expertise.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. All transactions are subject to market conditions and local regulations. Always consult with a licensed professional before making real estate decisions.
