Downsizing Home Tips: 10 Things to Remember

Whether your kids have grown up and moved away, or you’re simply looking for a simpler, less stressful way of life, downsizing your home is a fantastic way to overhaul your lifestyle and save some money in the process. That said, the process can be challenging. Here are 10 tips to help you stay on top of it.

Downsizing 101: 10 Survival Tips

As you prepare to downsize your home, follow these 10 tips:

1. Write down a list of your must-have items

As you prepare for this big change, start by writing out a list of the things you can’t live without. In addition to guiding you through what you should get rid of and what you should keep, this will also help you avoid upset down the road that arises because of having given away things you love.

2. Start preparing for the move in advance

Moving, in any capacity, is stressful. To keep your anxiety to a minimum, start preparing for the move in advance. Three months before your scheduled move date, start thinning your items and getting rid of the things you don’t want. This will prevent you from getting overwhelmed as the move draws near.

3. Measure your new rooms

Since your new rooms will be much smaller than your old rooms, measure them to get an idea of whether your furniture will fit. This will allow you to trade out any unsuitable items beforehand and get a sense of how you’ll arrange your new home.

4. Get rid of anything that you don’t need or which doesn’t provide sentimental value

When editing items in preparation for downsizing, you’ll need to weed out anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or provide sentimental value. While it’s okay to keep some items that aren’t highly functional, but which offer deep emotional connection, you’ll want to get rid of anything that doesn’t fit into your new, smaller lifestyle.

5. Do your best to reuse, reduce, and recycle

As you edit your items, try not to toss anything in the trash. Instead, give unwanted items away to charity, family, or friends. This will make your move as eco-friendly as it is responsible.

6. Sell valuable items

If you have expensive items, like furniture, which won’t work in your new home, try to sell them rather than giving them away. In addition to giving you some extra money for your move, this step will also help you finance the purchase of new furniture for your smaller home, or artwork that makes the space happy and upbeat.

7. Make the most of storage space

Smaller spaces require more storage space. To maximize this, find small space solutions that work for you. Simple things like under-the-bed containers and behind-the-door storage will help you get the storage you need without sacrificing your extra space.

8. Draw out your floor plans beforehand

When you move into a smaller home, you won’t have the luxury of leaving boxes everywhere while you decide what to do with your belongings. To prevent this, draw out your floorplans beforehand so you can place items directly into the room’s they’re destined for.

Downsizing Made Simple

Downsize your home without losing your mind with these eight simple downsizing tips. In addition to helping you save money, downsizing your home can also help you enjoy a simpler, happier lifestyle.