Bigger isn’t always better. Downsizing can rid you of clutter, give you a better mindset, and save you money. There isn’t one kind of person who downsizes. Many millennials do this to save money for travels and other endeavors. Parents who are now empty nesters may downsize for a perfect place for two. Seniors are the most common group to downsize. Between most being empty nesters and on a fixed income, buying a smaller home can satisfy their needs well. Here are our tips for downsizing your home and keeping everything you need.
Create a Timeline
It is easy to get overwhelmed when you have to go through your entire house—starting as soon as you can gives you a good jump so you do not get stuck. Generally, starting the declutter process three months before moving will get you out on time. However, if you can get started sooner, then that is better. Then, using your start date and move-out date, you can develop an excellent plan for a successful move.
Have a Plan
Once you know how much time you have, build a strategic plan. Set a goal like hitting one room per week. This schedule will give you time to comb through everything in your rooms and prevent you from not getting stressed. As you go through each room, consider the Four-Box Method. Set up four boxes with the labels keep, donate, throw away, and sell. You will be surprised to see how much you can get through once you start building these piles.
Consider Your New Place
After you go through everything, consider what your new place will look like and how much space you will have. There is no use in downsizing if your new home will be just as cluttered as before in a smaller space. Take a second look at your keep pile. Is there anything you don’t need? Consider the KonMari method and ask yourself, does this spark joy?
Sometimes it can be hard to let go of precious keepsake items. If that is the case, you may want to create a fifth box for storage. Baby clothes, children’s artwork, photographs, and other mementos would be best placed in a self storage unit where they will not be stacked in the middle of your hallway. Our top-notch security systems and free heating and cooling put Mini Price Storage above the rest. Check out a facility near you to tour today!