How do you successfully downsize your life? By keeping in mind you’re actually making room for something much bigger: the freedom to live lighter, less stressed, and more inspired to make every day count!
Downsizing tips to help you keep your eye on the prize
You can split downsizing tips into two parts: for your house, and for your stuff. Start with your house so that you have enough time to take care of everything on your list.
Start early. Don’t wait for an official inspection to make improvements to your home. Conduct your own. Not only note what you can see that needs updating or repair, but try to uncover hidden issues. What did you never get around to doing? It might be replacing a hot water heater. Painting the front porch. Clearing out a shed. If you are not sure what to do, consider a one-year home warranty plan so any repairs or replacement will be covered.
See it from someone else’s eyes. Put your family photos, souvenirs, grandchildren’s artwork and other personal mementos in a box. When someone walks through your home, you want them to picture themself there, making their own memories.
Downsizing tips also include taking a good look around…are there things that have always annoyed you, but you got used to them? For instance, a crooked drawer? Outdated light fixture? Tilted mailbox? Imagine you are a buyer just walking in for the first time: if you’d notice these things right away, they need your attention now.
Small can make a big difference. Sure, big things are important. But so are the details. Look around your home. It might be past time to replace outlet covers or light switches. Replace a faucet. Do some fresh painting. Add a new ceiling fan. Remembering that small can be very big to a buyer is one of the most important downsizing tips.
Stage it. You want your home to look its absolute best. Think of what draws your eyes when you walk through a beautiful home, or furnishings store, hotel lobby. Great lighting. New pillows. Fresh flowers. Forget the family photos or knickknacks. Just think crisp, clean, inviting.
Downsizing tips for your belongings
Stuff’s gotta go. It may not be the easiest thing you’ve ever done. But downsizing can have many benefits. You’re giving away items that no longer fit your new lifestyle. Often your items can have a new life with someone who needs them. You’re setting yourself free from worrying about having so many things you don’t use anymore. It’s a new beginning—it’s your fresh start.
Slow is better. Be organized before you actually start going through your stuff. Get your packing supplies and focus on one area, or one room of your house at a time. Maybe it’s just one closet at a time. Consider making a plan of how you want to approach the project. Downsizing tips always include pacing yourself.
Sort it out. Each room could have three piles: definitely not, maybe, and keeping. The first time you are going through things, don’t dwell too long on each item, just put it in the corresponding pile. You can re-examine the “maybe” pile later—perhaps it is the one that goes to a charity or library.
Start early. Talk to family members in advance and see if anyone wants anything. If no one wants your grandmother’s doll collection, then consider donating it to a museum or charity. Take photos of it so you can enjoy seeing it later. Same with any collections or items that you need to part with but want to remember.
Share the experience. Downsizing tips are great, but family support is what really count. Invite the grandkids over and share some memories with them. Have friends join you. Turn it into a positive experience, take breaks, and keep looking forward.
Downsizing tips that lead you to a new start
Even as you go through the process, don’t forget what it’s all about—freeing some space in your new home for a life of comfort and enjoyment.
All the benefits of a fabulous lifestyle, plus seamless access to future care options. Download our free guide, Successful Transitions to Senior Living.We’d love to hear from you! Contact us to learn more or schedule your tour.
