Smaller Can Be Better! A Downsizing Guide for Seniors

Many people choose to buy a smaller home when they get older. There are many good things about owning a small house! Little homes are easier to maintain, easier to navigate, and easier to clean. 

However, anyone who owns a lot of furniture and years of accumulated belongings will tell you that downsizing isn’t easy. Making your things fit into a small space after living in a large area for many years can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging. After all, letting go of your beloved objects can be tough! 

Here’s what you need to know about making downsizing your stuff easier and faster before your move.

Declutter the Right Way

Decluttering is one of the most challenging parts of downsizing your home. It’s time-consuming! You can make it less time consuming by handling it in an organized and decisive fashion. Here’s what you need to know.

Give Sentimental Items to People You love

Getting rid of sentimental items can be much harder than getting rid of everyday objects. Giving your sentimental items to people you care about, like family members and friends, can help you maintain a connection to those items.

Make Two Piles Only

Some people make three piles when they’re decluttering: a pile for keeping, a pile for throwing away, and a maybe pile. The maybe pile only makes problems because it draws out the decluttering process and forces you to make more decisions later. Take a keep or get rid of approach to keep the decluttering process faster and more cut and dry.

Get Started Early

You didn’t accumulate all that stuff in a day, so you probably won’t be able to get rid of it in a day either! Give yourself several weeks or months to declutter your home. If you have distant plans to move in two or three years, start the decluttering process now, so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

Declutter in Manageable Chunks

Declutter one room at a time, or one closet at a time, as you declutter your home. Decluttering in manageable chunks makes the process less overwhelming and can help ensure that no part of your house goes untouched.

Getting Rid of the Room? Get Rid of the Stuff!

If you’ve already bought a home and know that you’ll be losing some rooms in your house, get rid of the furniture and other items that no longer have a place to go.

Know When to Get Help

Decluttering and downsizing can be hard on the body. Know when to get help from friends or relatives to make your downsizing experience more manageable, less stressful, and safer. Don’t try to drag all the boxes out of your attic on your own! Get help from a family member who can help.

Focus on Multi-functional Furniture and Spaces

During the home buying process, look for a house that has a lot of storage space. A shed, walk-in closet, or a loft area in the garage are all potential storage areas. If you must buy furniture for your new home, look for furniture with hidden storage compartments to help you stay organized in your small space.

Get Help Moving from a Professional Moving Company

Make your upcoming move a positive experience by working with a professional moving company. Call movers today to get a quote and put your relocation on the schedule.