The Art of Downsizing

Downsizing can feel overwhelming. There is likely a story or a purpose behind almost every item in your home. When you’re moving to a smaller space, determining which things to keep and which to discard requires thought and planning. 

These four steps can take you from too-much to just-enough to promote a peaceful move.

Step 1: Work through your emotions.

There are multiple benefits to downsizing - if there weren't, nobody would do it. Benefits of downsizing include:

• Spending less time cleaning your home and getting more time back in your day to do the things you love the most.
• A potential decrease in your house payment and property taxes
• Reducing clutter and eliminating things that don't bring you joy or serve an essential purpose
• Helping others in the process if you sell your items for less than you paid or donate them to good causes
• Lowering your heating and air bill when you move to a smaller space

In many cases, downsizing is done either in anticipating aging or as a result of aging. In these cases, downsizing often comes with even more benefits - no stairs, full lawn service, closer to family, etc.

Even with all of these benefits, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions associated with the move. Remind yourself of the reasons you're downsizing and work with a counselor or therapist if you're struggling.

Step 2: Stop bringing new items into the home.

As soon as you know, you'll be downsizing shortly, stop bringing new items into the home. You'll never get ahead if something comes in every time something goes out.

• Avoid temptation by avoiding online shopping sites and visiting stores that sell non-essential items.
• Practice gratitude for the things you have; take time every day to journal or reflect on the things you're most grateful for.
• Unsubscribe from sales and marketing emails to remove the temptation to buy.
• Let the gift-givers in your life know that you're downsizing and encourage them to gift experiences or gift cards instead.

Step 3: Tackle the house one room at a time.

When you step back and look at everything you own, the project can feel overwhelming. Instead, make a list and tackle it one room at a time. As you sort through each room, make three piles: keep, sell, and donate.

To help reduce your clutter, use this guide:

• If it hasn’t been used or worn in a year, donate it. Return to an item at least twice before determining if you should put it in the “keep” pile. This includes everything from clothing to miscellaneous kitchen items.
• Donate all duplicate items and keep your favorite. 
• Consider renting equipment that you only use once or twice a year – like a carpet cleaner, camping equipment, lawn equipment, etc.
• Ask family members if they want any sentimental or special items or furniture that won’t fit in your new home. Give them a time limit to decide and collect it.
• Scan old paperwork to store it electronically.

Moving On

Downsizing can be a rewarding, life-changing decision when it supports your personal, professional, or financial goals - and it can be relatively easy to navigate when you break it down into bite-sized pieces.

Make your move easier; contact us. We can provide a quote and help your moving process be smooth and less stressful.