Tips for Downsizing and Moving Into a Smaller Space

The need to downsize comes at different times throughout our lives. Sometimes it’s caused by a transitional life change like a divorce. As we age, retirement often creates the need to downsize treasured items in order to move into a smaller space. The kids have left the nest and seniors often don’t want or need an entire 4-bedroom home. Downsizing during these transitional times can feel daunting. How does one decide what to save and what to get rid of after a lifetime of accumulating things?

Is it Time to Downsize?

Downsizing can make life easier, even if you don’t plan on moving. Most retirees live on a fixed or limited budget, which means that reducing monthly expenses by moving into a smaller, less expensive space can help save on mortgage payments, home insurance, maintenance and property taxes. It also can mean lower repair and utility bills. For older adults, deciding when to downsize and move can be difficult. You may find yourself asking:

• How long can I afford to stay in my current home?
• Is my yard easy to maintain?
• Do I have unused rooms in my home?
• Do I have too much stuff to manage?

If you have a lot of extra, wasted space or too much clutter, it may be time to consider downsizing.

Downsizing can help simplify your lifestyle — the less you have, the less you have to maintain. For example, as you grow older, you likely won’t want to maintain a large lawn. Things like stairs and long walkways become more dangerous as we age, which prompts many older adults to move into a one-floor space that’s easier to navigate. Medical needs can also be a key factor in determining the downsizing needs for yourself or for a loved one.

Preparing to Downsize Treasured Items

Whether you’re planning to downsize after a breakup or as you age into a smaller home, remember to give yourself enough time to organize and plan this life-changing move. Sometimes people start with the question, “where am I going to move?” Asking this at least a year in advance gives you, or your loved one, more time to adjust to the idea. Having to rush at the last minute can add extra stress to the process.

The size of your new residence will most often dictate what and how you downsize treasured items. How big is your new home? Where is it located and what is the layout? For example, if you plan on moving into an apartment or a senior living community, you will have less space than in a detached house.

1. Start Small — Avoid diving into big rooms immediately. Get your feet wet by tackling an area with minimal emotional attachment, like the laundry room, for example. People often consider garages and basements the most difficult rooms to deal with, as these areas tend to accumulate clutter, and they’re more uncomfortable than other spaces in your home.
2. Eliminate Rooms that Won’t Be In Your New Home — If you’re moving to a senior living community or a small apartment, you will probably have fewer rooms. The home office and garage often fall into this category. Nearly everything in these spaces will need to be sold, donated, tossed or relocated to another room.
3. No Maybes —  It can be difficult to downsize an entire lifetime’s accumulation of possessions, and some items may have more of an emotional pull than others. Instead of creating a ‘maybe’ pile for things that you’d like to keep if you have space, only have two piles — A YES and a NO pile. You’ll have to take a hard look at what you use regularly and what has been sitting in a closet for years. Avoid having to pack and move things you still won’t use at your new home.
4. Allow Time for Memories — It’s important to start the downsizing process early in order to give yourself time to reminisce with items that evoke nostalgia. Sometimes you may want to look through old stuffed animals, drawings and other precious items from your children’s rooms. It’s OK to pause and reflect on these memories. Cry if you need to, just don’t let it prevent you from getting the job done.
5. Give Legacy Gifts Early — If you have items that you plan on leaving to your children someday, such as antiques or other heirloom pieces, consider giving them as gifts now. This helps you clear out space, and you will be able to enjoy seeing your loved ones infuse them with new memories.
6. Reduce Collections with Digital Photobooks — If you’ve been collecting certain items over the course of your lifetime – vinyl records, stamps, baseball cards, comic books, snow globes, or the like, it can be hard to let them go. These items tend to take up a lot of space and may end up stored in a box where you may never even look at them again. Try taking photos of your favorite pieces from the collection and having photo books made so they can sit on your coffee table and be enjoyed for years to come.

Do You Need to Rent a Storage Unit?

Downsizing can be especially difficult for seniors and sometimes renting a storage unit for treasured items may be the easiest solution. If you are downsizing into a smaller space temporarily, self storage offers the best option when size and security are a concern. Oversized items, such as large electronics, outdoor furniture and unused vehicles can easily be stored in a storage unit, as they are typically available on a month-to-month basis.

While a smaller space doesn’t usually have the capacity for all of a senior’s belongings, it can typically hold sentimental items. Storage units are great places to keep memorabilia and other personal items safe for the time being. This means you, or your loved ones, can take your time deciding on how to deal with the items that carry more emotional meaning.

Remember, antiques, wooden furniture, musical instruments and other temperature-sensitive items may require climate-controlled storage to prevent them from being damaged.

Take Time with Your Treasures

Downsizing is difficult, no matter at what point in life you may be. It’s hard for many of us to let go of items that have sentimental value and a lifetime of memories attached. As you downsize, remember that it’s OK to take time with your treasures and enjoy reflecting on the memories associated with them. Focus on what you’re gaining and how your life will improve with these changes instead of what you’ll be losing.

Emotions run high during these life transitions even when simplified, happier living is on the horizon. Downsizing and decluttering is one of the most difficult, but also one of the most rewarding processes someone can undertake. Be sure to ease into it, if possible, to allow yourself and your loved ones time to adjust to this big life change.