9 Tips For Downsizing to a Smaller Home

While downsizing offers countless benefits (the chance to save money and pursue your retirement dreams, for example), making the move to a smaller home can be altogether overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are nine helpful tips to make your downsizing process easier:

1. Have a Plan

Reduce downsizing stress by planning ahead. Start by making a list of manageable goals with a commitment to stick to them – even if it’s as simple as tackling one drawer a day, over time, every little bit helps.

2. Start With the Obvious

Begin by clearing out the rooms you won’t have in your new home. Recreation or family rooms, additional bedrooms and bathrooms and home offices are all good places to start.

3. Practice the Rule of Three

Separate your belongings into three categories” “to keep,” “to sell,” and “to donate/give away.” Avoid throwing anything in the trash as you may be able to generate a little extra cash or give items to someone who will appreciate them.

Pro Tip: Get rid of duplicates and/or items you haven’t used in six months (with a few exceptions)

4. Get Rid of the Big Stuff

When it comes to furniture, think small. Large, bulky items such as your oversized bedroom set or eight-person dining room table are sure to take up valuable space. Opt for smaller, more compact pieces instead.

5. Know Your Storage

Knowing how much storage you’ll have to work with ahead of time will help you downsize more effectively. Create more space in your home by investing in storage-friendly furniture (i.e. couches, beds or ottomans), and considering a few helpful home organization solutions in advance.

6. Go Digital

Another great way to free up space is to start thinking digitally. Scanning personal documents such as receipts, home and property information, personal records, old photos, etc. will lighten your load while providing secure storage at the same time.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to paperless statements and consider downloading books on a tablet instead of keeping physical copies

7. Extreme Measures

Avoid unpleasant surprises by measuring both your new space and the furniture you plan to take with you. Not only will this help you determine what will or won’t fit, but you’ll also be able to configure your furniture layout in advance. 

Pro Tip: Plan your space with graph paper

8. Avoid Accumulating

While it’s not to say you can’t buy anything new, don’t bring additional items into your home without letting something go. If you need a new pair of shoes or set of dishes, be sure to get rid of your old ones (first, if possible).

9. Ask For Help

When in doubt, ask for help. If you’re unsure as to whether you should keep a particular item, seek a second opinion from a friend or family member. For instance, they might suggest ditching your old CD and DVD collection in favour of an online streaming service instead.

Are you thinking of downsizing your Edmonton home? Learn everything you need to know with the help of our FREE Downsizer’s Guide! We also invite you to see our previous posts:

• Three Must-Have Styles When Downsizing to Your Next Home
• How Do I Know When It’s Time to Downsize?
• Four Signs it’s Time to Downsize

Photo credits: shutterstock.com

Categorised in: Downsizing

This post was written by Terry Paranych Real Estate Group