Thinking of downsizing your home?
You’re not alone. In a recent survey, 60% of Americans living in homes over 2,000 square feet say they’d choose a smaller house next time. Of course, there’s also the surge of people moving into tiny homes or transitioning to full-time RV living.
Before you can downsize a house, though, you have to think about what you’ll take with you — and what needs to go. Here are five moving tips to help you make the transition.
Table of Contents
1. Create a Downsizing Plan
Start by comparing the square footage of your current home to your new one. If possible, get the specs, size, and measurements of each room so you can visualize what will fit — and what won’t.
It might help to compare different rooms of your existing home. For example, your new living room might be about the same size as your current guest bedroom. If you’re wondering whether your couch or armoire will fit in your new space, trying moving it into the guest room and see how it looks.
2. Make an Honest Assessment
Understandably, downsizing does involve getting rid of some of your things. The key is to be honest about the things you truly need (and use) versus the items you can reasonably part with.
Do you really need four frying pans that are basically the same size? You haven’t been skiing since your knee surgery, so is there any need to keep that old ski equipment? What about arts, crafts, and toys that your kids have long since outgrown?
3. Divide Your Possessions
With your assessment complete, it’s time to divide your belongings into four categories:
- Keep
- Sell
- Donate
- Toss
It might help to dedicate different rooms for different piles. Or your could color-code items for easy reference as the move gets closer. Sell any items of value online or at a garage sale and donate other items to your favorite local charities.
4. Digitize Photos & Papers
In the digital era, there’s simply no reason to have boxes of paperwork and old photos cluttering your space.
Invest in a scanner or send off your photos to a professional scanning company to digitize those old prints. You can do the same with your tax records and other important documents.
5. Ask for Objective Opinions
Not sure what you should keep and what you should toss? Don’t make the decision alone — ask your friends or neighbors for an objective, unbiased opinion.
Should you keep a certain dress, suit, or coat? Are your shoes or boots still in fashion? Will that painting in your kitchen fit into your new home decor? What about items of sentimental value — is it time to part ways with at least some of them?
Start Downsizing Your Home Today
Downsizing a house may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Follow the tips outlined above and you’ll soon be on your way to downsizing success.
Now that we’ve discussed downsizing your home, what’s next? Keep browsing our blog for more great lifestyle advice!
Read Also: 7 Things to Consider Before You Begin Zeroscaping