Having a large house is great for some families, but there comes in a time in every families life when needs shift, kids move out, the cost and workload doesn’t make sense anymore and it’s time to downsize. This is a reality for all parents at some point and it can feel very emotionally overwhelming. At the same time, the thought of having a smaller home, less work and maintenance, as well as lower monthly living costs is also exciting and some of the main reasons why people downsize and find a smaller space to call home.

When you downsize you’re going to need to declutter to help make the move easier, but also to ensure when you move into your new home it doesn’t look like an episode of Hoarders.

If it’s come time for you to downsize and you’re feeling overwhelmed and need some help, here’s 6 things you can do to reduce stress and enjoy your move:

  1. Sort: A reality of downsizing is that you’re going to be moving to a home with less space. As you go through your items, separate them into three categories, Keep, Donate and Store. The items you decide to Donate can be given to a local non-profit organization, shelter or to friends or family. By donating items you’ll also be moving less on moving day.
  2. Reduce duplicates: Over the years of owning a home, you’re going to collect things. And in some cases the same things. Kitchens are notorious for having duplicate items, do you really need 5 spatulas? 3 whisks? Or as much Tupperware as you have? By getting rid of duplicate items you’ll have less to pack and when you get into your new home, you’ll have already gone through one of the most frustrating rooms in a house to pack…the kitchen.
  3. Have a garage sale: As you sort and declutter your home you’re going to come across items you no longer need or want. Like the old cliché says, ‘one mans junk is another mans treasure’ and you just never know what people will buy. The items you don’t want will make for a great garage sale and even put some money in your pocket.
  4. Make the change to digital: As technology has improved and changed what we used to print and store in file cabinets or folders can now be saved as a digital copy. If you have papers, policies or documents in printed form, but could get digital copies sent to you via email, do it. It will save space and reduce clutter.
  5. Use storage spaces effectively: The home you downsize into is going to have storage spaces. Maybe the basement isn’t developed, or maybe you can use the closet in a spare bedroom to put some of your items. Consider purchasing furniture with built in storage such as bed frames with storage underneath or coffee tables with a table top that lifts for storage.
  6. Measure your new space, then buy furniture: When you downsize your home you’ll want to be mindful of the room sizes in your new space. Something to help make your new house feel like home is furniture. It’s best to measure your new living room, bedrooms and dining room before you go out and buy furniture because if the furniture is too big for the spaces it can feel cramped and uncomfortable.
  7. Be patient and give yourself time: Moving is stressful no matter what, but downsizing can bring up additional emotional stress because you’re having to make difficult decisions about what items to keep and what items you’ll be parting with. The sooner you start the process of decluttering, the less stress you’ll feel because it will be spread out over time and your won’t feel rushed.

Remember that decluttering to downsize is a process and it will take time. Set yourself up for success by having a plan and allowing yourself to feel everything that’s going to come up during the process.

If the time has come for your family to downsize, contact me and let’s work together to find you your next home. It might be smaller, but it’s still going to be home for you.

Have an amaZing day!

People First. Homes second. 

Garrett Zimmerman

Realtor

403.506.5795