9 Downsizing Tips

Whether you’re fleeing an empty nest or just want to live a more minimalist life, moving to a smaller home takes planning and preparation. Follow these downsizing tips to help set goals, declutter, start living with less.

Downsizing Tips

Whatever your reasons for moving from a large home to a smaller space, downsizing takes physical and mental strength. Even if you have enough room for your belongings now, downsizing requires letting go of some items—especially large furniture that may not fit in the new home. It may seem like a monumental task, but having a plan of action can simplify the process. The earlier you start, the better. Start here:

1. Make a plan. As soon as you decide to downsize, set some realistic goals and timelines for decluttering and organizing what’s left.
2. Take inventory. Go room by room and decide what you want to keep (keeping the size of furniture and amount of new space in mind), donate, and discard. Just make a list for now. It can help streamline the decluttering process later.
3. Digitize. If you haven’t already, scan digital copies of photos and paperwork to take up less physical file space.
4. Donate. Start by clearing out large items that won’t fit in your new home. Offer furniture and other treasured items to friends, family, or local organizations and see if they’ll come pick it up.
5. Discard. Reference your list of items you plan on getting rid of that can’t be donated or recycled. If there’s a lot of stuff, consider renting a dumpster to handle the amount of trash.
6. Store. If you’re considering putting certain items in storage, ask yourself if you really need to hold on to it?
7. Optimize new space. Invest in multifunctional, space-saving furniture that offers storage solutions. Keep your smaller space organized with shelves and bins.
8. Take it easy. Parting with belongings, especially sentimental items, can take an emotional toll. Allow yourself time and space to process letting go of possessions.
9. Ask for help. You don’t have to do it alone. Enlist a team of family and friends to assist with sorting, packing, and moving. Professional movers and companies like JDog Junk Removal & Hauling can also help when it comes time to clear out rooms.

The key to downsizing is focusing on the essentials. Be honest with yourself about what you really need for daily life. While it may seem hard at first, take time to celebrate the freeing feeling of letting go of all the stuff that no longer serves a purpose. Then enjoy your new, smaller space.