Downsizing your home can be beneficial no matter what stage of life you are in. Having all that extra stuff can feel cumbersome and overwhelming. In our latest post, we discuss easy ways to downsize your house without all the stress.
With each year that passes, it seems that most of us gain more and more stuff. Many of us have closets filled with items we aren’t using, and things stored away in the attic that never see the light of day. Many people buy a home when they are first starting their family, ensuring they have enough space for everyone. But as the years pass and the kids eventually move out on their own, they find they are living in a house that is too large and filled with too much stuff to manage. Below we offer some great tips for downsizing, making it easier to sell when you are ready.
Tip #1 – The One Year Rule
A simple yet effective rule for decluttering is to apply the backward hanger technique to your closets. By turning all the hangers backward, you create a visual cue of what you’ve actually worn over the course of a year. Anything left hanging backward after twelve months is a clear indication of items that no longer serve a purpose in your wardrobe. While sentimentality may tug at a few pieces, it’s essential to prioritize practicality and minimize the emotional attachment to objects. This principle isn’t confined to closets alone; it extends to all clutter-prone areas of your home, including the kitchen, craft room, and entertainment space. Applying this rule helps streamline your belongings, ensuring that only the essentials remain, while freeing up space for the things that truly matter.
Expanding this minimalist principle beyond closets, consider its application to various aspects of your home. Take the kitchen, for instance, where an array of gadgets may accumulate over time, many of which go untouched for months or even years. By adopting a similar mindset and evaluating each item’s utility within the past year, you can trim down excess clutter, making meal preparation a more efficient and enjoyable task. Likewise, delve into other spaces like the craft room or entertainment area, where old DVDs and unused supplies may gather dust. Embracing the philosophy of simplicity and functionality allows you to curate your surroundings intentionally, fostering a sense of clarity and tranquility within your living space.
Tip #2 – Repurpose And Give
You likely have many things you are keeping due to sentimental value. While it is more than ok to hang on to some of this stuff, having too much can weigh you down. Maybe your kids or grandkids would love to have your old Chrismas ornaments that are lying around in the closet. Things such as old toys, clothes, and artworks can find new homes with people you love. This way you can find joy in knowing they are being used and loved, without taking up storage space in your house.
Tip #3 – Look Through All The Boxes
Certainly! It may seem daunting at first glance, but decluttering can be a transformative process for many individuals. Over time, people often accumulate a myriad of possessions, some of which hold sentimental value while others simply take up space. Sorting through these items allows individuals to evaluate their priorities, letting go of unnecessary belongings and keeping only what truly adds value to their lives. In the end, the act of decluttering not only creates physical space but also fosters mental clarity and a sense of liberation from material burdens.
As individuals embark on the journey of decluttering, they may uncover a plethora of forgotten items that have accumulated over the years. From old trinkets to unused gadgets, the process can reveal the extent to which possessions have quietly amassed in their living spaces. However, amidst the surprises and discoveries, there’s an opportunity for introspection and intentional living. Letting go of excess belongings can be a cathartic experience, allowing individuals to make room for new experiences and priorities while shedding the weight of unnecessary clutter. Ultimately, the act of decluttering becomes a symbolic step towards simplicity and mindful consumption, leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle.
Tip #4 – Assess Your Furniture
Do you need the massive sectional sofa anymore? Is the giant coffee table still a necessity? Think about your future new space, and what kind of items will fit nicely. You can ditch the entertainment center, and instead, hang the TV up on a wall. You can opt for a smaller couch, dining table, etc. You can sell these items, and use the cash toward new furniture for your new space.
Tip #5 – Digitize Where It Makes Sense
Piles of papers all over the house. Does this sound familiar? It seems we all have a stack of papers (or 5) that we are going to get around to dealing with. Make that time now and toss or shred anything that is no longer needed. You can scan in old bills and receipts if needed, and opt to go paperless for future statements. Make a rule to deal with mail as it comes in instead of letting it pile up everywhere.
Tip #6 – Get Rid Of The Dupes
Do you need 4 sets of wine glasses or will one set do? Do you need two desks in the office or can you share one? There are many instances where people buy 2 of something, never using both at the same time. Take an inventory and keep your favorite items, giving away or selling the other items.
Tip #7 – Organize Everything
Before moving, take the time to organize all of your belongings. Group books, glassware, clothing, and other items. This will make packing and moving simple when you decide to go. Label all boxes and only pack similar items together.
Tip #8 – Hire A Pro
Yes, there is such a thing. You can hire a professional organizer to help you clear out the clutter. They can offer objective opinions if you are debating holding on to an unused item. They will help you get your belongings in order, making an eventual move a breeze.