Downsizing: Everything You Need to Know
What is downsizing?
In real estate, downsizing usually means moving into a smaller home. This may come near retirement age, for example, after children are grown and have moved into their own homes and a larger house is no longer needed. Individuals and couples realize that they need less space and thus decide to make a move. Rightsizing is similar, and just means evaluating what you and the people you live with need and moving into a home that fits.
Why downsize?
As folks prepare for retirement, many are looking at their fixed costs of living and may want to reduce expenses. Living in a smaller house can mean savings on bills and utilities. Depending on what type of home you move into, it can also mean reduced upkeep and maintenance. For example, many people choose to move into communities where the homeowners association handles the lawn and yard work.
Downsizing your things
Many folks have lived in the same home for years as they have raised children. After 20, 30, or more years in a home, you likely have accumulated a lot of items. It happens slowly over time. We routinely go to the store or shop online, but do we have frequent and regular episodes of getting rid of items? Many times, I am called to help someone who has downsized their home but has forgotten to downsize their things!
Downsize in place
Whether or not you are actually ready to take the plunge and move to a new home, you can begin downsizing right where you live now! Begin by targeting a small area and making decisions about what you want to keep. If you are struggling with decision-making, start with items that are easy for you to let go of, such as broken items, duplicates and easy to replace things. Make sure you take them to a local donation place or actually throw them out in the trash. After doing this a few times, you will realize that you were able to get rid of some things and you did not miss them, you probably even forgot what you got rid of. Then you will be ready to get rid of more and more. If you continue to struggle, call a friend or a professional organizer to help!
Reduce clutter
When you are downsizing in place, you do not need to have a specific plan beyond a goal to decrease the items you own. Sometimes asking yourself some questions will help, such as, “would I buy this item today?” Or, “what is the reason I am keeping this item?” When you are feeling stressed, less is almost always the answer. If you spend time reducing clutter right where you live now, if and when you are ready to downsize your home in the future you will be well on your way to a successful move! It is also cheaper to declutter before you move so you do not have to pay to move items that you don’t want or need!
Consider how your lifestyle has changed over time. As an example, you may have acquired many items for hosting and entertaining guests. If you are no longer hosting much, can you pass down or pass on those items to someone else who might need them.
Create a downsizing plan
If you have a specific smaller home or goal in mind, you may want to create a plan. If you already know where you will be moving to, you can measure and draw out how your furniture and other pieces will fit into your new home. This is called space planning. Many professional organizers can help with this aspect of moving. You can identify what items you want to bring with you as well. Then discard the rest. Of course, it is much easier to say than to do. After decision-making for each of your items, you must discard of them and this takes time and effort.
How to declutter and discard
If you are truly downsizing, you will have many items to discard throughout the process. Often, sentimental items are the most difficult. Sometimes you are able to offer them to your adult children, or other family members to see if they would like items from their childhood or other family heirlooms. Do not take it personally if they do not want the items, many folks are finding this to be true. Instead, this a moment to celebrate the clarity that these items are truly unwanted. If you have items that are of significant value, you may want to sell them. Beware the trap of setting aside so many items to sell that it just becomes a new overwhelming pile! If you have many items to discard, I usually recommend donating them to a nearby charity. Let go of the desire to find the “perfect” home for each item and embrace an easy charity as “good enough.” Remember, it is more important to make progress with such a large project!
Storage units & professional organizers
Don’t fall into the trap of downsizing your home and then figuring you’ll deal with items later by placing them in storage. Except in the most rare of circumstances (for example, my friend is moving abroad for 6 months and is putting all her belongings into storage until she returns), this is usually a bad idea. I know from personal experience that storage units quickly become an overwhelming emotional burden of their own. Barbara Hemphill says, “Clutter is postponed decisions” and I agree. Once items go to storage, you will dread going there and will feel frustrated by continuing to pay monthly fees for items that you clearly aren’t using, seemed important enough to keep, but you can’t really remember what they are. It will not get any easier later, go ahead and make the difficult decisions now - before paying someone lots of money to store your items for you. If you are considering storage options, it is definitely in your best interest to hire a professional organizer to help you, you will save money in the long run!
In Conclusion
While downsizing can be a major undertaking, many people often feel relief after the transition is complete. By following my advice, you can have a smoother and easier time despite going through this overwhelming process. If you find you need assistance, please reach out as we would be happy to help!
