Downsizing:
Happiness doesn’t have just one address
There can be many mixed emotions when it comes to downsizing and moving on. Your home is imbued with life long memories and milestones you may feel like you’re saying goodbye to, making your move feel emotionally quite challenging.
I met Mary (79) when she was at such a crossroads, stuck between her three-generation home she loved and had made so many memories and the next chapter of her life. Without much family, around, Mary had spent the previous 6 years of her life feeling lonely and had made the decision to move to a retirement village.
I loved working with Mary helping her downsize her belongings and make her life changing move into a retirement village where she discovered a community she loves. “You have made my new house my lovely home and created space for me to waltz with my friends”
Room to make downsizing a breeze
My biggest piece of advice when it comes to downsizing is not to leave things until the last minute. You will fall into the trap of either packing too much and overwhelming yourself with boxes on the other side, or you’ll let go of too many things and may feel downsizers remorse.
When it comes to downsizing, I like to think of the process in two parts, pre-downsizing where you make the most of your time to prepare and the act of downsizing itself to make moving as simple as possible.
Pre-downsizing
- Make a plan and start early
- Declutter and donate first
- Create a floor plan of your new space Consider any lifestyle changes you’d like to make
During downsizing
- Sort items into categories
- Digitise what you can
- Label boxes properly
- Stay positive and have breaks along the way
Step by Step ‘How to”
- Start with a vision: Before you begin downsizing, envision the lifestyle you want in your new space. This will help you determine what items are essential and what can be let go of more easily.
- Take it one room at a time: Trying to downsize your entire home at once can be overwhelming. Instead, tackle one room at a time, focusing on decluttering and organising that space before moving on to the next.
- Use the four-box method: As you sort through items, use four boxes labelled “Keep,” “Sell,” “Donate,” and “Bin.” This method will help you categorise items efficiently.
- Limit sentimental items: Sentimental items can be the most challenging to part with, but try to set a specific limit on how many you will keep. Consider creating a memory box for the most cherished items.
- Digitise physical media: Digitise old CDs, DVDs, and documents to free up physical space while preserving memories and important information.
- Measure your furniture: Measure your furniture and compare it with the floor plan of your new home. Only bring furniture that fits well in the new space.
- Consider multi-functional furniture: Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed or a dining table with storage compartments.
- Prioritise essential items: Start by packing and moving the essential items you use daily. This way, you’ll have the essentials in place while you continue downsizing.
- Generate Money: Sell items you no longer need through local groups, online platforms or local selling services. Not only will this help you downsize, but it will also put some extra money in your pocket.
- Donate to local charities: Donate usable items to local charities, community centres or organisations that can benefit from them. Knowing that your belongings will go to a good cause can make parting with them easier.
- Ask for input: If you’re downsizing with family members, involve them in the decision-making process. Their input can bring fresh perspectives and help you make choices more efficiently.
- Practice the “One in, One out” rule: After downsizing, adopt the practice of bringing in new items only when you let go of something else. This will prevent clutter from building up again.
- Focus on experiences, not possessions: Embrace the opportunity to simplify your life and focus on experiences rather than accumulating more belongings.
By incorporating these practical and friendly tips into your downsizing journey, you can make the process smoother and more enjoyable, ultimately creating a space that feels comfortable and clutter-free.
