You're nearing retirement, your children have left the nest, and you're tired of maintaining your big yard. Suddenly, the idea of downsizing makes a lot of sense.

But such a life-changing move inevitably creates stress. You face tough choices as you go from having more space to living with less. Do you sell a piece of furniture that is a family heirloom because it won't fit in a smaller home? Will a smaller home still have the extra bedroom or large dining room you'll want when your kids and grandchildren visit? How will you spend or invest proceeds from the sale of your home?