Downsizing for a move is both an exciting and daunting process. You may be ready for a smaller space and less stuff, but sorting through your belongings is a serious undertaking. Thankfully there are ways to take the stress out of downsizing. Just follow the tips below.
Take your time.
Downsizing will likely take longer than you think. Avoid the temptation to cram your downsizing process into a couple of days. Give yourself plenty of time to decide what items to donate, sell, give to family, and take with you to your new home. Feel free to stop and reminisce as you come across sentimental items.
Learn about your new home.
Before you start packing up for the move, learn about the place you’re moving to. If your future home comes with amenities, find out about the amenities. You may not need some items you previously found essential, such as yard care equipment.
Obtain floor plans with measurements of rooms. Then make sure you pick items that will fit in your new space. For example, in a smaller living area a sofa may be too big but a love seat would be just right.
Consider your future lifestyle.
At one time you may have used the standing mixer on a weekly basis, but now you rarely touch it. Would a hand mixer be enough? Do you still need 10 casserole pans or will 1 or 2 suffice? Consider what you’ll need in your future location.
Pick the keepers first.
Start your downsizing process by determining which items you want to keep. After you’ve decided what you want to keep, then decide if you have room for anything else.
Ditch any duplicates.
After years and years in the same home, you’ve likely accumulated duplicates of common household items. Choose your favorite of each item, then donate the rest.
Pass on special pieces.
Give away heirloom-worthy pieces to your family members now, instead of moving them with you. However, prepare for the fact their tastes in décor may differ from yours.
Get the family involved.
You’ll likely have several sentimental moments as you pack up your home, and you may enjoy sharing those with your family. Ask for help packing up, dropping off items to be donated, dividing pieces among family members, or selling any valuables.
Tackling the downsizing is often cited as a reason people put off considering a move to a retirement community. Parkway Village can put you in contact with downsizing experts who can lighten the task for you. To learn more about Parkway Village, call 501-202-1600.
