Downsizing Your Home? Here’s Your Complete Checklist

Downsizing your home is an exciting experience. Regardless of whether you’ve made the decision to downsize in the name of saving money, or you’re simply looking forward to experiencing the simplified and unburdened life that a smaller home offers, the decision to downsize is a great one, and many people are finding that they enjoy their life in a small home more than they did in their large, former residences.

With that in mind, though, downsizing can also be stressful. This checklist is designed to help you stay organized throughout the process.

The Home Downsizer’s Complete Checklist

Before you start the downsizing process, take a look at this list to be sure you’re not missing any critical steps:

1. Take some time to consider your must-haves

Downsizing inherently means that you’ll be getting rid of a significant amount of your belongings. Whether is be clothing to household goods and beyond. There will be, of course, some things you want to hold onto, though, and now is the time to consider those. Things like family heirlooms, photos, favorite items of clothing, precious childhood toys, and keepsakes will all fall into this category.

Keep in mind that you may need to make some difficult decisions as you plot out your “must-haves.” If there are items that you can’t bear to get rid of but you know you don’t have the space to display or use in your new home, consider getting a small storage shed. One of the primary purposes of downsizing is cutting the clutter out of your life. So use this as a last resort.

2. Begin your downsizing process as early as possible

Any time you move, it’s wise to start early. This prevents the mad rush down the road and can help you stay organized and relaxed throughout the process. If you’re downsizing, plan to give yourself at least a few months to complete the process. This ensures you won’t make any rash decisions about what to keep and what to give away. This allows you to navigate the downsizing process intentionally.

3. Plan the layout of your new home

Again, downsizing is a big change, and it’s important to take some time right now to visualize how your current furniture, accessories, and home goods will fit into your new space. For example, if you have a large, sectional sofa meant to fill a massive living room, there’s a good chance that this will not work in your new, smaller home. If that’s the case, sell your existing sofa. Start searching for some furniture that will compliment your new space, rather than dominating it.

4. Have a yard sale

Once you’ve identified the things you want to keep and the things you’re going to get rid of, having a yard sale can be an excellent way to earn some extra money for your move while also getting rid of your clutter. Once the yard sale is over, give away or gift the items that didn’t sell.

5. Investigate smart space solutions

Living in a smaller home is all about efficiency and a smart use of space. If you’re finding that appliances like your dishwasher or clothes dryer won’t fit into your new space, investigate modern alternatives that take up less room and are designed to look great and function even better in a smaller space.

Downsizing: The First Step Toward Your Exciting New Life

Regardless of where you are in your life, downsizing is an exciting opportunity. It allows for more time, less expense, and more enjoyment of your family and friends. This simple checklist will help you stay organized and sane throughout the process so that you can enjoy every step of it more.