Downsizing is becoming increasingly common as people adopt the mentality of living a simpler life with fewer material possessions. While downsizing may be the right move, it can lead to stress and anxiety for people who love their belongings and are not used to space limitations. Many factors can influence the need to downsize, and we believe these tips will help anyone looking to transition to a more minimalistic environment, while still creating a comfortable and functional space.
- Declutter first. If you are downsizing, start by decluttering! Having too many things in your home can add extra stress when you are trying to simplify your life. You do not need to declutter your home all at once. It can be an ongoing process while you are planning to move. Each week, make it a habit to sort through belongings in each room and eliminate items you may not need or want. When you are finished, host a yard sale or simply donate the items.
- Prioritize your belongings. When attempting to downsize, consider a “starting over” approach. Think quality over quantity. Ask yourself how your new home will differ from your current home and decide what basic items you will need. If you are moving to a smaller home, you may not need to keep all your furniture. Then, consider which personal and household items you cannot live without, and plan to bring those items. While it may be difficult to choose some items over others, the primary goal of downsizing is to eliminate non-essential belongings taking up valuable space.
- Take your time. Downsizing is a lifestyle change and you should not rush to make it happen. Go at the pace you are comfortable with and consider what downsizing will mean for you. You may be moving to a smaller home in the same city or selling your home to travel the world. No matter your downsizing goals, taking the necessary time to plan will help make the process seamless and keep your anxiety at a minimum.
- Think practically and put function first. Downsizing traditionally means moving to a smaller home. In this transition, space can sometimes feel limited. To make the space feel larger, buy furniture with built-in storage space, install floating shelves, use mirrors and natural light and keep items off the floor. If you do not eat in your kitchen, get rid of the kitchen table. These tweaks can keep your space from feeling cluttered and wasted.
- Live minimally. Once you have downsized, it may take awhile to get accustomed to your new lifestyle. You can easily accumulate clutter in a smaller space, so be mindful of what you are bringing into your home and declutter every few months. Going paperless, keeping a staple wardrobe, and not buying in bulk are just a few minimalist tips to adopt when downsizing. Looking for more tips? Here are 7 Ways to Sample Living with Less.
No matter your reason for downsizing, these tips will help you transition to a simpler lifestyle. If you need storage space while downsizing, contact Dependable RELO! We have storage plans to fit every need.