Downsizing

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Are You Up For Downsizing?

Downsizing is not easy and usually comes with stressful life transitions like changing careers, kids moving on, or relocating. Learning to let go of non-essentials can be challenging, but can also be liberating. Imagine experiencing life without all the things you own, owning you! This is an opportunity for a fresh start. Here are some tips to help you navigate this process.

How-To’s for Moving:

Picture It: Visualize the rooms in your new home and how they can be set up to serve the needs of your family. The rooms will be fewer and smaller, and may not function as they did in your previous home. They may need to serve more than one purpose. What pieces are missing in the new home and what are some possible solutions or alternatives? Get creative! Shelves may need to be installed in a laundry room to serve as a pantry. A dresser may be a solution to hold linens.

Plan It: The Space Plan is essential! Using the dimensions of the new rooms, determine where the furniture will be placed. Once the big items are in place, decide which activities and zones are appropriate for each room. A room may need zones for an office, crafts, and reading. Develop an Action Plan to determine what packing supplies are needed, to schedule time for packing, and to enlist help from friends or family.

Sort and Treasure: Everything from your current home will not fit in your smaller space. It’s best to downsize your possessions BEFORE you move and find yourself engulfed and overwhelmed in a small space. Sort all your like items together and decide what will go into the new space. Keep what you love, use, and need. Donate the rest to others in need.

Packing and the Move: Begin packing the items you don’t use on a daily basis and label each box with the room it will be moved into. This small task will make moving day much smoother, as it gets items directly into the room where they are needed. Keep a list of what is packed in each box so you can find something quickly when needed. No one wants to be in the midst of moving in and not be able to find the toilet paper!