7 Tips for Downsizing
Reasons for downsizing into a smaller home range from saving money, to bringing the family closer, to trying to reduce upkeep and maintenance. Whether you’re moving to an area where a smaller home is inevitable or you’re just looking for something a little bit cozier, downsizing can be scary. Here are seven tips for clearing out clutter and making the most of your new, smaller space.
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Make sure your new space is the right fit for your family.
Before you decide on your new, smaller home, make sure to consider who else could potentially share the space with you. It’s important to assess how often you entertain or host guests/travelers when you move into a smaller home. You want to make sure your space can accommodate company. If you have pets, consider looking into a house with an adequate yard. Measuring your furniture beforehand is also a good way to make sure you don’t move into a space that’s too small for your family.
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Take an inventory.
Taking note of everything you already own can help kickstart your planning (and purging) process. Making an organized list of your possessions will also help you decide how you will organize your new space and what will go where.
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Measure your new storage space.
Before moving day, it’s important to assess and measure the storage space in your new home. This will help you get an idea of what storage you can install and how much you need to get rid of.
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Organize before you pack.
Shoving everything in random boxes may make moving out a lot easier, but it will cause more harm than good when it’s time to unpack. By organizing your belongings beforehand, moving into your new home will be easy and stress free. Each of your possessions will be easy to place in its designated area, and you won’t spend hours searching for any misplaced items.
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Purge.
This is easily the hardest part about downsizing into a new home. It can be difficult to find the balance between maximizing space and sacrificing personal possessions, but getting rid of unused and old items is essential to successfully downsizing. Get rid of the obvious items first, and the rest should come easier. When sorting through your things, ask yourself, “When was the last time I used this?” If you haven’t used it in the last four to six months, it’s probably time to say your farewells. The same applies for any “just in case” items you can’t seem to part with. It is also important to get rid of duplicate items you may own and any old office files or papers you no longer need.
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Sell or give away items you are leaving behind.
Yard sales are an excellent way to make money and part with belongings you aren’t bringing to your new home. If a yard sale proves unsuccessful, try utilizing social media or reaching out to friends and family who may be in need of furniture or other household items. If that fails, donating the items is your best bet.
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Make the most of your new space.
Organization is key when downsizing. Find out the most efficient ways to store your belongings, and install as much storage as possible. Closet and drawer organizers are a great way to save space. If you’re still in need of space for belongings you can’t let go, think about renting a storage unit.
