Is it time for you to downsize? Are you feeling emotional about it? It’s normal to feel stressed and emotional when downsizing, especially if you have lived in the same place for a long time.

 

These Nine Tips May Make the Process Less Daunting

 

1 Create a Plan

Be sure to give yourself enough time to make an organized, informed plan. Once you’ve gotten used to the idea, it’s easier to adjust.

As a result, you can prioritize your belongings and make the process easier for yourself.

In addition to prioritizing your belongings, it’s essential to gather information and build a plan:

 

These are helpful items to consider:

 

Floor plans

Measurements

Door and elevator size; and

Any community policies

 

Who will be helping with the move?

What is being moved?

When can you move into your new home?

Where is the new place located?

What are the best directions?

 

Packing possessions frantically or making last-minute decisions can lead to anxiety and stress.

 

2 Assess Your Needs

 

Determine what to let go of and what you need to keep.

Make four categories: Keep, Sell, Donate or Throw away

Look at what will be needed in your next home Will you have a garage, be cooking or entertaining?

 

3 Prioritize and Select

 

Make a list of the five or six possessions you value the most before starting the process. These may not be the most valuable — they should be the ones that are dear to you such as photo albums, etc.

Be sure to place these items in a safe location and let your family and friends know those items will be moving with you.

 

Start with the rooms with the least used items. Toss any damaged or deteriorated items.

After this, start sorting the items you find most challenging to part with, like sentimental items and family heirlooms.

 

Additionally, if you have any collections, take photos of them to frame and hang in your new home. Give a family member or friend the collection as a gift. By doing this, you can keep the memories while still decluttering.

 

4 Take Inventory

After sorting, take an inventory. By doing this, you will be able to see what you have and what you need. 

By creating an inventory, you can identify if something has gone missing or been misplaced during the moving process.

 

5 Don’t Be Afraid To Let Go

 

Your unwanted items can be donated to many organizations. There are even some organizations that will pick up your donations.  Family, friends and neighbors may also like some of your items.

 

6 Downsize Gradually

 

Downsizing is a process — not an event.

It is better to take your time, so you don’t experience a great deal of stress and upheaval.

 

7 Be Patient

The process of downsizing is long, and finding the right balance may require some time. Make the transition as smoothly as possible by being patient and sticking to your plan.

 

Letting go of your belongings and home can be difficult if your identity is entwined with them. It is a good idea to reevaluate these feelings before you move to remain confident.

Don’t rush through your treasures when decluttering. Instead, give yourself ample time to enjoy your belongings while remembering their memories. Remember, the downsizing transition isn’t meant to remove independence but rather to encourage it.