10 Cheap Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value Before Downsizing

Did you know that up to 51% of retirees aged 50 and older decide to move into smaller homes after retirement? Bigger houses often mean more upkeep. Nobody wants stress, especially after retirement. If you’re part of the 51 percent of retirees looking to downsize, you’re already in the right place. Here are 10 cheap ways to increase your home’s value before downsizing.

1. Paint the front door.

Front doors add a lot of character to our homes. So, if you really want to make your home look as inviting as possible, consider giving the door a quick touch-up. A bright red door might attract potential buyers’ attention. Of course, yellow could also be a fun choice! Think about what color would really make the rest of your house pop, grab your paintbrush, and get to work.

2. Do a deep clean.

Deep cleaning is much more than sprucing up. It involves vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing, and mopping every surface of your home—including those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies. Don’t feel to a cleaning job of that magnitude? No worries! Find a local cleaning service and book a deep cleaning. Then you can sit back, relax, and let a crew of professional cleaners work their magic. Of course, if you’re trying to save money, you can always take on this task yourself, too!

3. Plant flowers.

Never underestimate the power of plants. Planting a few flowers along your walkway or next to your house can transform a pretty home to a beautiful one. You don’t have to go flower-crazy. A few brightly-colored plants ought to do the trick. Make sure to water your flowers to keep them looking their best!

Read Next: 11 Thrifty Landscaping Tips That Don’t Look Cheap

4. Power-wash your home.

Sure, you can always paint your door and plant some flowers, but if your siding is grungy, it’s not going to make much of a difference. The solution? A good, old-fashioned power wash! Not only can it clean your siding, but you can also use them on your driveway, garage door, and walls. Talk about a transformation!

5. Wash the windows.

Windows are a magnet for fingerprints, smudges, and pet nose imprints. So, if you want to get your house ready for the market, make sure you clean those windows! You’ll probably be surprised how much nicer your home looks afterward.

6. Remove old wallpaper.

Some wallpaper can really brighten a space. Other wallpaper can date it. If your wallpaper is from the same era as bellbottoms and disco balls, it’s time to remove it. Either hang up more fashionable wallpaper or give those walls a paint-based makeover. Don’t let dated wallpaper keep your home from reaching its full value or potential!

7. Upgrade your kitchen.

This doesn’t mean you have to run out and buy a new stove or fridge. After all, that can be costly! Instead, try to figure out smaller improvements you can make. Paint the cabinets or swap out your barstools for a more aesthetically pleasing pair. Reorganize your space and hang a new picture. Be creative!

8. Spruce up your bathroom.

Once again, giving your bathroom a makeover doesn’t have to be expensive. Consider changing the toilet seat or hanging up a brand-new shower curtain. Of course, a new rug might brighten the space, too. Or new hand towels. The possibilities are endless!

9. Declutter your space.

Sometimes, too much furniture or an abundance of knickknacks can make a space look busy and unappealing. If you want to raise the value on your home, one word: declutter. Make necessary changes and show potential buyers how much space your home has to offer. Put away personal effects and invest in a shoe organizer. There are countless ways you can declutter without spending a dime!

10. Buy some potted plants.

A few houseplants might be just the thing to make your home extra cozy and inviting. Nothing brightens a space quite like a plant, after all! Not sure which plant will be as low-maintenance as it is beautiful? Try out a spider plant. They thrive indoors or outdoors. Of course, you could also purchase a prayer plant. These leafy stunners enjoy indirect sunlight and moderate watering—the perfect choice for a novice green thumb.

Looking for more?

If you’re looking for more thrifty tips, then check out these articles:

• 5 Thrifty Ways to Have a Cheap Vacation
• 6 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money on New Clothes
• 7 Simple Thrifty Tips for Retirees Decorating the Patio This Summer
• 8 Thrifty Tips for Seniors to Save Money When Eating Out
• 9 Thrifty Gardening Hacks for Retirees Who Love to Play in the Dirt (that will save you HUNDREDS!)
• 10 Thrifty Decorating Hacks for Retirees