Yes, it’s difficult to do, but downsizing to a smaller space can be incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect opportunity to shed unnecessary baggage and surround yourself with what matters most. Downsizing isn’t an easy process. Many of your items will have memories (or aspirations!) attached to them. But you can downsize your home in 5 basic steps – and that will help make the transition as painless as possible.
1. Evaluate Everything
Take a walk through your current home and look at everything you own. Determine what you really need or can’t live without. If you haven’t used something in the past couple of years, now is the time to pass it on. Make a detailed inventory or “keep list” of everything you use and items you love.
Be realistic. Are you ever going to read those books? Would someone else appreciate using the silverware more than you? Don’t hold on to something you think you will use — because you probably won’t!
2. Assess Your New Space
Go into your new home (or get the plans if it’s being built) and measure all your spaces. This is the time to figure out what will fit before you move. Many new builds have tiny bedrooms, so your current bed may not work. Or your dining room set may need to be replaced with an extending kitchen table.
Measure everything, including your kitchen cabinets, storage areas and entryway. You don’t want any surprises on moving day! If you’re detailed, I suggest drawing out your rooms and furniture on graph paper. Also, apply painter’s tape on the floor in your new home to outline furniture placement.
With this new space knowledge, revisit your original “keep list” and re-evaluate your possessions before moving day.
3. Donate, Sell, or Store
If you have family heirlooms or special pieces you know won’t be coming with you, decide which family members or friends would appreciate them. (Remember: if you have lots of interested people, be sure to be fair!)
If there are items you wish to sell, there are lots of ways to do it with little effort. If you have “valuable” pieces, you can Downsize with the Help of Online Auctions. Or sell online with sites like Craigslist, Kijiji, or Facebook groups.
If you don’t wish to sell or donate, pick a charity that you wish to support. Check out our Resources page for additional information. Items not worth passing on can be picked up by removal companies who will deliver to charities, recycling, and land transfer stations.
Do you still have items you’re unsure about? I suggest finding a storage area and putting them away for a few months. If you don’t miss them, it’s a sign you can live without them! Bear in mind the cost of keeping a storage locker may outweigh the need to keep something you are uncertain about.
4. Pack and Move
Being as organized as possible before the big moving day can save you not only time but dollars. Plan ahead and mark each box for its final destination. Read our Top 7 Packing Tips for a Successful Move.
5. Unpack and Create Systems
Because of all that earlier measuring, you know exactly where everything will go. Furniture is easily placed and seasonal items are packed away into storage areas.
When it comes to smaller items, now is the perfect time to get everything in order before bad habits form. Set up your systems- including drawer and cabinet organizers for your kitchen and bathroom as soon as you can. Get your recycling centre and mail/filing systems ready so you can immediately manage incoming and outgoing materials.
As a Professional Organizer, I go through the downsizing process with many clients. It can be a very emotional process for many. But I suggest you look at the many advantages of living small. (In fact, check out my post on 4 Reasons to Move into a Small Living Space.)
Trust me, when all is said and done, it’s actually very liberating. Congratulations!
We can help you downsize your home in 5 basic steps! Out of Chaos move management services make it easy. Contact us today.
Image by Ben Garratt on Unsplash
