Downsizing your home can be very beneficial no matter what stage of life you’re in. Having all that extra stuff can feel quite overwhelming. In this post we discuss some simple ways to downsize your home without all the stress. With every year that goes by, it seems that most of us end up with more and more stuff. Many of us have closets filled with items we don’t use and things stored away in the basement that never see the light of day. Many people buy a house when they are first starting their family, ensuring they have enough space for everyone. But as the years pass and the kids move out on their own, they find they are living in a house that is too big and filled with too much stuff to manage. Below, we offer some great tips for downsizing your home, making it easier to sell when you are ready.
Tip #1 – The One Year Rule
Maybe you’ve heard this rule for your closets. Turn all the hangers backward and anything still backward in a year should be given away. These are the items you don’t wear but that are taking up space in your closet. While you might have one or two sentimental items, try to keep these to a minimum. You can also apply this rule to other areas of your house. Think kitchen items, old electronics, books and so on. If you haven’t used it in the past year, the odds are pretty low that it will get any use in the future.
Tip #2 – Repurpose And Give Away
You likely have many things you are keeping due to sentimental value. While it is okay to hang on to some of this stuff, having too much can weigh you down. Maybe your kids or grandkids would love to have your old Christmas ornaments that are lying around in the closet. Things such as old toys and clothes can find new homes with people you love. This way you can find joy in knowing they are being used and loved without taking up storage space in your house.
Tip #3 – Rummage Through Old Boxes
Sure, this might seem like a lot of work but it’s a must-do when downsizing your home. But for many people, they will find that all kinds of random possessions have accumulated. They will only end up keeping one or two things, giving away or throwing away the rest. You might be surprised at what has piled up over the years.
Tip #4 – Analyze Your Furniture
Do you need the massive sectional sofa anymore? Is the giant coffee table still a necessity? Consider your future living space and what type of items will fit nicely. You can get rid of the entertainment center and instead, hang the TV up on a wall. You can opt for a smaller sofa or dining room table. You can sell these things and use the money to buy new furniture for your next living space.
Tip #5 – Go Digital Where It Makes Sense
Huge stacks of paper all over the house. Does this sound familiar? It seems like we all have a pile of paper that we are going to get around to dealing with. Make that time now and toss or shred anything that is no longer needed. You can scan in old bills and receipts if needed and opt to go paperless for future statements.
Tip #6 – Get Rid Of The Extras
This is a big one when downsizing your home in Detroit. Do you really need three sets of wine glasses or will one set do? Do you need two desks in the office or can you share one? There are many instances where people buy two of something, never using both at the same time. Take an inventory and keep your favorite items, giving away or selling the other items.
Tip #7 – Organize Everything
Prior to moving take the time to organize all of your belongings. Group the books, glassware, clothing and other items. This will make packing and moving simple when you decide to go. Label all the boxes and only pack similar items together.
Tip #8 – Hire A Professional
Yes, there is such a thing. You can hire a professional organizer to help you clear out the clutter. They can offer objective opinions if you are debating holding on to an unused item. They will help you get your belongings in order, making an eventual move a breeze.
