Downsizing 101
Are you planning to downsize your living space to sell? If so, you need to have a plan to make the process less emotionally difficult and overwhelming. The key is to start early, ideally 2-3 months before downsizing.
- Make a space plan that includes sorting items into categories like keep, toss, give away, or sell. It is essential to resist the urge to hold onto things that you haven’t used in a year. Instead, give keepsakes to your children, and allow them to take what they want, give away, or throw away the rest. By starting early and working one room at a time, you can avoid the overwhelming feeling of trying to do everything at once. Additionally, by negotiating with yourself and others about what to keep and what to toss, you can make the process less stressful.
Keep, Toss, Sell
Start with Keep
When downsizing, it’s important to consider what you really need to keep for your new home. One of the biggest challenges is deciding what furniture to keep and what to let go of. It’s essential to consider the space available in your new home and whether your current furniture will fit.
Before making any decisions, measure your furniture and the rooms in your new home. This will help you determine what pieces will fit and what won’t. It’s important to keep only the furniture you absolutely need and that will serve a purpose in your new home.
Consider the functionality of each piece of furniture. Will you really need that oversized sectional or that bulky entertainment center? If not, it may be time to let them go.
When deciding what furniture to keep, think about your lifestyle and the way you use your space. If you’re downsizing from a large home to a smaller one, you may not need as much furniture as you think. Consider multifunctional pieces, such as a sofa bed or a storage ottoman, that can serve multiple purposes and save you space.
Remember, downsizing can be a great opportunity to simplify your life and get rid of unnecessary clutter. By keeping only what you truly need and love, you can create a more functional and comfortable living space that fits your new lifestyle. One more thing, what will it cost you to move your furniture? It is not uncommon for the cost to move something exceeds the actual monetary value of it.
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Next, Toss (includes donating)
When downsizing your home, it’s essential to consider what items you should throw away or toss. Decluttering can be a challenging task, but it’s necessary to make the transition to your new home easier and smoother.
Here are some items you should consider getting rid of when downsizing:
- Duplicates: Check for duplicates of items you own, such as kitchen utensils, towels, and bed linens. Keep only what you need and what you use regularly.
- Broken or damaged items: It’s time to say goodbye to items that are broken or damaged beyond repair. Holding on to them will only take up valuable space in your new home.
- Outdated items: Clothing, electronics, and furniture that are outdated or no longer serve a purpose should be let go. These items will only take up valuable space in your new home.
- Unread books or magazines: If you haven’t read a book or magazine in the past year, it’s unlikely you will in the future. Donate them to a library or charity.
- Unused or unnecessary items: This includes old hobby equipment, unused exercise equipment, and other items that are no longer of use to you.
Remember, downsizing is an opportunity to simplify your life and get rid of unnecessary clutter. By letting go of items you no longer need or use, you can create a more functional and comfortable living space that fits your new lifestyle.
Sell, Facebook Marketplace
When it comes to selling items on Facebook Marketplace or other social media platforms, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a successful and safe transaction. First, make sure to take clear photos of the item you want to sell, and provide an accurate description of its condition and any flaws. Be honest and upfront about any issues, as this will help build trust with potential buyers.
Next, set a fair price for the item. You can research similar items on the platform to get an idea of what they are selling for, and price your item accordingly. Keep in mind that buyers may try to negotiate, so be prepared to haggle a bit.
When it comes to meeting up with potential buyers, always choose a public place, such as a coffee shop or mall, and bring a friend with you if possible. Avoid giving out personal information, such as your home address, and only accept cash or a secure payment method like PayPal.
Finally, if you’re not having any luck selling your item, consider donating it to a local charity or non-profit organization. This is a great way to give back to your community and ensure that your unwanted items go to a good cause.
Don’t Go it Alone
Family and friends can make the transition less burdensome, but not as a rule. Hiring professionals sometimes is a necessary course of action. If family members are not available or willing to help, then it’s vital to find alternative assistance.
- When family is not available or willing to help a person downsize, find a Certified Relocation Transitional Specialist. https://crtscertification.com/
Take Safety Precautions
It may be necessary to move the person to a new location and then begin the decluttering and downsizing process especially for safety purposes. People sometimes wake up at night and forget they are moving and someone might have placed an item in their normal path, this is a very common and avoidable. By taking safety precautions like removing fall and fire hazards and reorganizing items, you can safeguard your belongings and help ensure the process goes smoothly.
Fresh Start
The benefits of downsizing are significant, including a new sense of wellbeing and relief. Don’t wait until you’re ready to list your home on the market to start the process. Instead, start early, and take your time to make sure you have the best plan in place. By following these tips, you can ensure that your downsizing process is effective, safe, and satisfying.
