Downsizing your home can be beneficial no matter what stage of life you are in. Having all that extra stuff can feel cumbersome and overwhelming. In our latest post, we discuss easy ways to downsize your house without all the stress.
With each year that passes, it seems that most of us gain more and more stuff. Many of us have closets filled with items we aren’t using, and things stored away in the attic that never see the light of day. Many people buy a home when they are first starting their family, ensuring they have enough space for everyone. But as the years pass and the kids eventually move out on their own, they find they are living in a house that is too large and filled with too much stuff to manage. Below we offer some great tips for downsizing, making it easier to sell when you are ready.
Tip #1 – The One Year Rule
You may be familiar with the widely circulated advice regarding closet organization. The concept entails reversing all hangers, and any garments that remain in this orientation after a year should be considered for donation. These are the articles of clothing that, despite occupying space in your closet, seldom see the light of day. While it’s understandable to retain one or two sentimental pieces, it’s advisable to minimize their presence to prevent unnecessary clutter. Furthermore, this principle can be extrapolated to other clutter-prone areas within your household, such as the kitchen stocked with various gadgets, craft supplies, or collections of old DVDs. If an item hasn’t been utilized within the past year, chances are slim that it will serve any purpose in the foreseeable future.
Tip #2 – Repurpose And Give
Chances are, you possess a multitude of items that hold sentimental significance to you. While preserving certain belongings for sentimental reasons is entirely understandable and acceptable, an excessive accumulation of such items can become burdensome. Consider the possibility that your children or grandchildren might derive immense pleasure from inheriting some of these cherished possessions, such as the Christmas ornaments currently nestled in your closet. Objects like vintage toys, clothing items, and artworks could discover newfound appreciation in the homes of your loved ones. By entrusting these items to individuals who hold them dear, you not only cultivate joy in their continued use and adoration but also alleviate the strain of storage constraints within your own household.
Tip #3 – Look Through All The Boxes
Undoubtedly, embarking on this endeavor may initially appear daunting to some. However, numerous individuals may soon discover the accumulation of an assortment of miscellaneous possessions over time. Upon closer inspection, they may realize that they only retain a mere fraction of these items, opting to part with or discard the majority. It’s quite conceivable that one might be taken aback by the sheer volume of possessions that have amassed over the years!
Tip #4 – Assess Your Furniture
Have you taken a moment to reconsider the necessity of retaining the substantial sectional sofa in your possession? Similarly, is the presence of the expansive coffee table still warranted? It’s essential to deliberate on the requirements of your forthcoming living environment, envisioning the type of furnishings that would harmonize seamlessly. One viable option could involve parting ways with the entertainment center, favoring the alternative of mounting the television onto a wall. Downsizing to a more modestly sized couch, dining table, and other furnishings might be conducive to optimizing the available space. Additionally, you have the opportunity to liquidate these surplus items, leveraging the generated funds toward the procurement of new furniture items that align more suitably with your evolving living arrangements.
Tip #5 – Digitize Where It Makes Sense
Are you acquainted with the sight of scattered papers strewn throughout the entirety of your household? It appears to be a ubiquitous phenomenon, wherein each of us harbors not just one, but perhaps multiple stacks of papers awaiting our attention. Seize the opportunity to address this accumulation promptly by discarding or shredding any documents that have outlived their utility. Consider the digitization of old bills and receipts if necessary, and contemplate transitioning to a paperless approach for future statements. Implement a household rule to handle incoming mail promptly, thus averting the formation of chaotic paper heaps in every corner.
Tip #6 – Get Rid Of The Dupes
Is it necessary to acquire four sets of wine glasses, or would possessing just one suffice? Is it imperative to have two desks allocated in the office, or could the space be efficiently utilized by sharing just one? There exist numerous occasions wherein individuals procure duplicates of certain items, seldom utilizing both simultaneously. Thus, it is advisable to conduct an inventory assessment, retaining the preferred items while considering the disposal or sale of redundant ones.
Tip #7 – Organize Everything
Prior to your move, allocate sufficient time to organize all your possessions meticulously. Categorize your belongings such as books, glassware, clothing, and other items to streamline the packing and moving process when the time comes. Ensure each box is properly labeled, and pack only similar items together to facilitate a smooth transition.
Tip #8 – Hire A Pro
Indeed, such a service exists. You have the option to enlist the assistance of a professional organizer who can aid you in decluttering your space. These experts provide impartial perspectives, assisting you in making decisions about whether to retain unused items. Their expertise ensures that your belongings are organized efficiently, streamlining the process of any future relocation.