Downsizing can be extremely tough. Whether you have already downsized or preparing to do so, there are some key important steps you can take to make the process a smooth transition. Like most people, your home is probably filled with items that you have accumulated over time. Follow these seven steps and I promise it will make the experience a much more positive one.
1. Take Inventory In Your Current Space
Start by taking inventory in every room of your home. Transition into pantries, closets and take note of the items you currently have in your home. This will help with planning for your new space. Prioritize how important each items is.
2. Analyze Your New Space
Analyze the new space you will be moving into. What closets and storage options do you have? Write these spaces down. Every inch is going to matter when you are planning to downsize. Areas that you might not think you would use before can creatively be used for storage of items. Start to think of where you can put things in your new home.
3. Get Rid Of Things
Now that you have taken inventory and analyzed your current space start to go through items in your home before you start packing. Choose the items that are necessities and honestly look at how often you use an item before you decide to keep it. If you haven’t used it in some time then it’s probably best to get rid of it. If you aren’t going to use it then it is time to get rid of it. Host a moving sale or take items to donation prior to moving.
4. Packing
Start by packing each room at a time. Do not move on to the next until you have fully completed the particular room you are working on. Color-code which room or space where these items will go to make the moving process more organized and clear of where boxes and items should be placed.
5. Organize
Once you have moved into your new space it is time to get unpacking and organized. Organization is key when downsizing. There are a lot of items that are space savers and can truly help you fit more items into a smaller space. Start by going through each room and creating a space for every item you are going to be storing in that room. The key is that everything needs to have a specific place. Tight on space in certain areas? Look for items at local stores that make your space more functional i.e., pantry organizers, hangers that allow you to hang multiple items in a smaller space, back of the door shoe organizers. Make sure everything has a place.
6. Storage
If you have seasonal items or clothes that you don’t use on a regular basis throughout the year those are great things to store away. Utilize a closet or storage space within your home and mark the season that item will be used. Rotate those items out throughout the year.
7.Get Creative
Get creative with items in your home that can be multipurpose. If you are sacrificing a guest room yet still have guests frequently consider looking into a sofa bed that is multipurpose and a space saver. There are so many items that you can utilize to simplify your space and not give up some of the luxuries you had previously. Utilize these seven steps to keep things simple and organized. Each season do inventory of items in your home to see how necessary it is to keep in your space and enjoy your newly organized home!
