Downsizing and Declutting Your Home

Downsizing? If you are moving into a smaller space you may have realized by now that you need to pack, organize, throw out, give away or possibly sell some of your possessions.

Easy, right?

For most it is one of those things that is easier said than done. Actually, for many just the thought of downsizing is terrifying.

Over the years, the team and I have worked with many sellers that fit into that group. It’s actually a part of our staging services. We are called in by a wide range of people; families asking us to help downsize an aging relatives house, clients who are ready to move to a smaller house or condo, estates sales, just to name a few.

Whatever the reason, we navigate the downsizing process with them. We help to decide what to keep, throw out or give away and then actually do the packing up, throwing out or giving away for them.

All of this is a long way of saying; we have a vast amount of experience in downsizing.

So for today’s post, I thought I would share some tips from the team on downsizing for your move. Check out the list below.

For those of you have decided to sell and want us to come in and help you or (for those that prefer) just come in and do it for you – give me call, the team is always ready to help.

downsizing

DOWNSIZING & DECLUTTERING TIPS

1. Start As Soon As Possible And Pace Yourself

Do not wait to start! Give yourself as much time as possible to properly sort through your house without feeling overwhelmed. If you try to do it all in one day it will seem impossible. Which leads nicely to tip number two.

2. Focus On One Room At A Time

You’re more likely to complete the whole process if you break it into multiple, more manageable projects. Try creating a plan or schedule broken down by room or smaller projects within a room to make sure that you stay on track but don’t get overwhelmed.

3. Set Clear Decluttering Ground Rules

Once you start decluttering and going through items, it often becomes easy to make exceptions here and there. Before you know it, all you’ve done is taken items from one place and moved them to another.

The best way to avoid this is by sticking to a strong set of ground rules and options for sorting your items. A common set of options could be:

  • Keep
  • Donate or sell
  • Trash or recycle
  • Pass it down or memorialize (through a photo)

4. Box up seasonal clothes and decorations

This is the easy stuff to start with. If it’s spring, box up those winter boots and coats. If it’s fall, box up your extra swimming suits and shorts. Getting these items packed up and out of the way can really be a satisfying project when you first start decluttering.

5. Stop buying new stuff

At the very least temporarily stop buying new stuff! I think this one doesn’t require alot of explanation. However, it needs to be said. If you keep buying new stuff getting rid of the old stuff won’t make a difference!

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help

If you find yourself afraid to start or already started and feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether its a family member or a professional. I think many people find themselves embarrased with how much clutter they have or how a space looks. Don’t be. Clutter is way more common than you think – you are not alone!

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