Whether you want to fit in to a smaller space or just realize that there’s more to it around your house than you need, shrinking the size of your house may flash through your mind. But with years of collecting items, many of which carry memories, throwing them away is easier said than done.
Maybe you just happened to move to a smaller house after relocation, or maybe you choose to downsize now because you’re an empty nester (or retiree!) In any case, we have a lot of suggestions to share.
Probably the hardest part is the beginning. Experts say that while shrinking your home can be a daunting task, the most important thing you can do is in the beginning.
The First Tip When Reducing the Size of Your Home
Joshua Bartlett, owner and editor-in-chief of I’ll Just Fix It, advises,”The first piece of advice I give is to take some time to develop a downsizing plan and think hard about how to implement it. “Myself.” Without a plan or direction, you’re likely to drop halfway and accidentally throw out the wrong thing, and the end result will be worse than it started,”
But knowing what you should plan and actually put into practice are two different things. We give you some help with this task and discuss the most important aspects to consider when downsizing, and how to get started with the process.
Know When It’s Time to Scale Down
Most of us have a wardrobe at home where we store extra items when guests come over. Or maybe you store things in the basement and haven’t touched them for months or even years. Recognizing that this clutter is just one of the reasons why people choose to shrink their homes.
You may just want to live a simpler lifestyle, using fewer items, and a smaller space will give you that opportunity. Or maybe your home feels too isolated and huge, with rooms in it that you never seem to use.
“One reason people shrink their living space is their stage of life,” says Julianna Poplin, a professional organizer and owner of The Simplicity Habit. “Empty nesters often want a smaller space that better suits their couple’s needs.”
Downsizing can mean throwing things away altogether, donating them to charities or storing them elsewhere for future use. Either way, you’ll need to start with a plan.
Declutter and Organize Your Current Home
Experts agree that making a plan is the first thing you should do. Without a sense of direction or a path to follow, things can become chaotic and unmanageable. Your plan can include which area of the house you will dispose of first, and how much you plan to give up, keep, or throw away.
When making a plan, consider starting with small projects.
“Start with simple things,” said Angela Brown, host of the Mess Corner. “Giving up personal belongings can stir up a lot of emotions and take more time than you think. Starting with something you don’t care about boosts your self-confidence and allows you to practice letting go.”
Once you get used to saying that some of your items must be taken away, it cleans up your physical and mental space. You can then focus on bigger projects and make more deliberate choices.
Organizational Tips Before Downsizing Your Home
Your Overall Plan Should Include a List of Priorities
“Identify your essentials and focus on keeping those that really add value or life to you. This can help you stay focused and prevent decision-making fatigue,” Brown notes.
Clean up One Area at a Time
Maybe you start in the kitchen and throw away old pots, pans and plates. Or you might go into the basement because you know there are some items in this room that you no longer use.
Set Goals for What You Want to Accomplish Every Day
This will allow you to focus on the task at hand and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re done.
Consider the “Reason” Behind Keeping These Things
As you browse your space, think about why you keep certain items all the time. Is it really a matter of feelings? Can you scan old letters and photos to preserve precious memories while getting rid of clutter?
Ema Hidlebaugh, founder of Minimize My Mess, offers some advice on what to keep:”Things that make you laugh every time you see them, items you save for special occasions… [And] anything you don’t really feel that she says you might want to stick with. However, duplicate items, things you forgot to have, or things you kept out of feelings of guilt, should be removed.
What to Avoid Before Downsizing Your Home
“I’ve seen the biggest mistake people make when laying off jobs is trying to solve too many problems at once,” Poplin said. “It can feel like a huge challenge.” The best way to prevent this is to break down the process into smaller tasks and focus on taking one small step at a time. With sustained and focused efforts, you can achieve great results”
Ultimately, shrinking a home where you share memories, laughter, and love is a challenge. It is full of personal decisions, and you should give yourself the grace and compassion you need to complete it.
With a well-prepared plan and determination, you will be able to make choices to create the space you aspire to have.
