Collaborative Post
There are many reasons for downsizing your property. Perhaps you’re moving, or the kids have finally moved out and there’s too much space. One thing’s for sure, it’s difficult to get a lifetime’s worth of items into a smaller space. After all, you don’t want to feel too cramped and cluttered in your new space.
Accept that things are changing
People react differently to moving into a smaller property. Some people feel pressured into abandoning their possessions and way of life, especially if it is not a planned downsizing. Others see it as a fresh start, a chance to unburden themselves of unimportant things and only take those that are truly wanted with them.
If you fight the process, you aren’t going to do a very good job of it.
Create a plan
Rather than see downsizing as emptying one house, look at it as filling another. Create a plan for each room and what you’ll have in it. By doing this, you’ll be able to quickly determine what you need and what you want. If you’re only moving temporarily, perhaps to be closer to an older relative or a new job contract, then you can put many of your items in a storage service, ready and waiting for you when you return.
Go digital to save space
Every inch of space is going to count in your new home. Let technology help by digitizing your photos and paperwork. If you’re worried about losing them, you can buy inexpensive cloud storage to ensure you always have a safe copy.
You can extend this to books and DVDs too. Donate any that you probably won’t read again and buy the digital copies of those you love. Any special editions you can then keep the original copies of.
Get rid of duplicates
Do you have five pairs of almost identical shoes that only you can tell apart? Or perhaps there’s a garage full of spare appliances you couldn’t bring yourself to throw out when you redecorated the kitchen. They will all be taking up precious space that you’re going to need.
Be creative with new furniture
Furniture that has more than one use is perfect for a smaller property. Look for storage options inside tables, coffee tables, and ottomans. Invest in a good sofa bed so that you can still have people stay over if you have fewer bedrooms than before.
Make some extra money
There’s money to be made from selling any unwanted items. When sorting through your things, keep aside anything that you might want to sell on. You can do this through a yard sale, eBay, or any local Facebook buy and sell groups.
Conclusion
Most people will end up downsizing at some point in their lives. It can be a complicated process, you won’t believe just how much stuff you have in your house. Careful planning can make the process a lot easier for you, allowing you to create a clean, clutter-free new space with only the items you need or love in it.
