#1 Piece of Advice When Downsizing a Home, According to Experts—Plus, One Thing You *Shouldn't* Do
Whether you’re trying to fit into a smaller space, or simply realizing you have more things around the house than you need, downsizing your home may have crossed your mind. But with years of gathering possessions, many of which have memories attached, getting rid of items can be easier said than done.
Maybe you just happen to be moving to a smaller house after relocating, or maybe you're choosing to downsize now that you're empty nesters (or retirees!). Whatever the case, we've got plenty of advice to share.
The hardest part can be getting started. Experts say that although downsizing your home can be a daunting task, the most important thing you can do takes place right at the beginning.
#1 Piece of Advice When Downsizing a Home
“The number one piece of advice that I would give is to take some time to create a plan for downsizing and be intentional about how you do it," advises Joshua Bartlett, owner and editor-in-chief at I'll Just Fix It Myself. "Without a plan or direction, you are likely to leave the project half finished, get rid of the wrong things by accident and end up worse off than you started."
But knowing you should plan and actually putting it into practice are two different things. We give you some help with this task and discuss the most important aspects to consider when downsizing, along with how to get the process started.
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Knowing when it’s time to downsize
Most of us have that closet at home where we stuff extra items when guests come over. Or instead, maybe you store things in the basement that go untouched for months or even years. Recognizing this type of clutter is just one of the reasons that people choose to downsize their homes.
You may just want to live a simpler lifestyle with fewer items, and a smaller space will provide you with that opportunity. Or, maybe your home is feeling too isolating and large with rooms you never seem to use.
“[One] reason people downsize is due to their life stage," states Julianna Poplin, professional declutterer and owner of The Simplicity Habit. "It’s common for empty nesters to want a smaller space that better suits their needs as a couple."
Downsizing can mean getting rid of things altogether, donating them to charity or storing them elsewhere for future use. Either way, you need to start with a plan.
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Decluttering and organizing in your current home
Experts agree that carving out a plan is the first thing you should do. Without a sense of direction or a path to follow, it becomes chaotic and can feel unmanageable. Your plan can include what area of the house you’ll tackle first, and how much you plan to give away, keep or throw out.
As you craft your plan, consider starting with small projects.
“Start with the easy stuff,” says Angela Brown, host of the Clutter Corner show. "Letting go of personal belongings will stir up lots of emotions and take more time than you expect. Starting with the things you don't care about will give you a boost of self-confidence and get you in the practice of letting go.”
Once you get comfortable with saying some of your items have to go, it can clear your space physically and mentally. You can then focus on bigger items and make more deliberate choices.
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Organizational Tips Before Downsizing Your Home
Your overall plan should include a list of priorities
“Identify your essential items and focus on keeping those that genuinely add value or are necessities to your life. This helps you stay focused and prevents decision fatigue,” Brown notes.
Work on clearing out one area at a time
Maybe you start with the kitchen, getting rid of old pots, pans and dishes. Or you may tackle the basement, knowing that this room holds several items you don’t use anymore.
Set goals for what you want to get done each day
This will keep you focused on the task at hand, and you’ll have a feeling of accomplishment when you finish.
Consider the "why" behind what you keep
As you go through your spaces, think about why you’ve been keeping certain items. Is it really something sentimental? Could you scan old letters and photographs to keep the treasured memory, while getting rid of the clutter?
Ema Hidlebaugh, founder of Minimize My Mess, offers tips for what to keep: “Things that make you grin every time you look at them, items that you’ve been saving for special occasions … [and] anything you really don’t feel ready to part with,” are things she says you may want to hang on to. However, duplicate items, things you’ve forgotten you had, or something you’re keeping out of feelings of guilt, should go.
What To Avoid Before Downsizing Your Home
“The biggest mistake I’ve seen people make with downsizing is trying to tackle too much at once," Poplin states. "It can then feel like an overwhelming challenge. The best way to prevent this is by breaking down the process into much smaller tasks and focusing on taking one small step at a time. With consistent focused effort, you can achieve big results"
Ultimately, downsizing a home where you’ve shared memories, laughter and love, is challenging. It’s filled with personal decisions, and you should give yourself the grace and compassion that you need to get it done.
With a well-prepared plan and determination, you will be able to make the choices to create the space you’re longing to have.
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Sources
Joshua Bartlett, owner and editor-in-chief at I'll Just Fix It Myself
Julianna Poplin, professional declutterer and owner of The Simplicity Habit.
Angela Brown, host of the Clutter Corner show.
Ema Hidlebaugh, founder of Minimize My Mess