Downsizing your home can be helpful no matter what phase of life you are in. Having all that additional stuff can feel troublesome and overwhelming. In our first post of 2019, we go over easy methods to downsize your home without all the added and unnecessary stress.
With each year that passes, it appears that most of us get increasingly more stuff. A lot of us have full walk-in closets filled with items we aren’t utilizing, and things saved away in the attic or basement that never ever see the light of day. Many people purchase a house when they are very first starting their family or career, ensuring they have enough space for everybody. However as the years pass and the kids ultimately move out into the real world by themselves, they find they are residing in a house that is too large and filled with too much stuff to handle. Below we offer some great ideas for downsizing, making it much easier to offer when you are prepared.
Tip #1 – The One Year Guideline
You might have heard this rule for your closets. Turn all the hangers backward, and anything still backward in a year ought to be handed out. These are the products you do not wear, but that are taking up valuable real estate in your closet. While you might have one or two sentimental items, attempt to keep these to a minimum. You can likewise apply this guideline to other clutter-prone locations of your home. Things such as kitchen gizmos, craft materials, old DVD’s, and so on. If you haven’t utilized it in the past year, the odds are quite low that it will get any use in the near future.
Tip #2 – Repurpose And Give
There are more than likely, things you are keeping due to sentimental value. While it doesn’t hurt to hold on to some of this stuff, having too much can cloud your priorities and weigh you down. Maybe your children would love to have your old Chrismas decorations that are lying dormant in the closet. Items such as old toys, clothing, and artwork can find new homes with people you love. By doing this, you can find joy in knowing they are being used and loved elsewhere, without taking up precious space in your home.
Tip #3 – Look Through All The Boxes
Sure, this might seem like a lot of work. But for lots of people, they will find that all sort of random possessions has been collected. They will only wind up keeping a couple of things, handing out or discarding the rest. You may be amazed at what has piled up throughout the years!
Tip #4 – Assess Your Furniture
Do you need the enormous sectional couch any longer? Is the huge coffee table still a need? Think about your future brand-new space, and what sort of products will fit nicely. You can ditch the home entertainment center, and rather, hang the big screen up on a wall. You can go with a smaller sized sofa, dining table, and so on. You can sell these items, and use the money towards brand-new furnishings for your new home.
Tip #5 – Digitize Where It Makes Sense
Piles of documents all over your home. Does this sound familiar? It seems we all have a stack of documents (or 5) that we are going to get around to handling. Make that time now and toss or shred anything that is no longer needed. You can scan in old costs and invoices if needed, and choose to go paperless for future statements. Make a rule to deal with mail as it arrives rather than letting it accumulate everywhere.
Tip #6 – Get Rid Of The Dupes
Do you really need 4 sets of red wine glasses or will one set do? Do you require two desks in the office or can you share one? There are lots of instances where individuals buy 2 of something, never using both at the very same time. Take stock and keep your favorite items, handing out or selling the other items.
Tip #7 – Organize Everything
Prior to moving, take the time to arrange all of your possessions. Group books, dishes, clothes, and other products. This will make packing and moving simple when you decide to go. Label all boxes and only pack comparable products together.
Tip #8 – Hire A Pro
Yes, there is such a thing. You can employ an expert organizer to help you to clear out the clutter. They can provide unbiased viewpoints if you are discussing hanging on to an unused item. They will help you get your personal belongings in order, making an eventual move a breeze.
