Thinking About Downsizing Your Home?

Are You Thinking About Downsizing?  This question evokes fear in many people, who are considering a downsize. After all, moving is never an easy task. The thought of cleaning and going through each and every item in your home is painstaking. Thoughts of reducing belongings down to fit into a smaller home or condo is often overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when you’re thinking about downsizing.

Take An Inventory: Consider each item in your home to decide whether you’d like to keep, donate, throw away or sell. Tackle one room at a time and spread this task over several days. This will allow you to work at your own pace and feel less overwhelmed. 

Wants vs. Needs:  It is important to know the difference between what you “want” and “need” since it is unlikely that all your belongings will fit into your smaller home. The attachment you feel toward many possessions is not really about the item itself, but rather the memories associated with the item. Consider sending treasured pieces to family and friends, who also have an emotional attachment. Other items may be bulky or unnecessary and can be replaced with smaller items.  

Avoid Duplicates:  You will become aware of what you have multiples of and identify favorites after taking inventory. The kitchen is a likely place for duplicates. Now is the time to get rid of the extras. Be sure to sort through your pantry and spice cabinet as well. Remove any items that have passed their expiration date or that you simply do not use anymore.

Check Your Space & Make The Most of It: Moving to a smaller home means making the most of the space you have. Be creative with organizational efforts. Buy hanging shoe racks, ottomans with interior storage compartments, sliding bins that go underneath the bed and built-in shelves.

Make Money: If you have extra items, sell them. Host a yard sale or list the items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Remember, things that seem useless to you may have value for someone else.

Take Measurements:  Before moving into your new home, consider the amount of space you’ll have. Check to see if your current furniture will fit into your new home by measuring your current belongings. This will allow you to plan the lay out of your new home and you’ll know what you can and cannot take.

We know downsizing is stressful.  Just take a deep breath and remember that there are also several financial and lifestyle benefits that come with downsizing your home. One great benefit is there is less area to clean and maintain!  Utility bills often are lower because it requires less energy to heat and cool a smaller home. Mortgage payments, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance premiums may be lower.