The decision to downsize, whether it is for yourself or a loved one, can bring up many emotions. You may feel overwhelmed, wistful, relieved — or most likely, some combination of these. Follow these tips to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
1. Only use a storage unit if absolutely necessary. It’s all too easy to store items you will never use again, or worse, will have to move in the future. It’s also an additional expense you will keep incurring.
2. Follow the rule — “Everything I bring with me must have a place for it.” This takes time, but plotting out what will go where in your new home will save you time, money and heartache.
3. Regarding major appliances or furniture — ask yourself, “Should I keep this and pay to have it moved? Or does it make more sense to buy a new one?”
4. Recruit an impartial friend to help you make objective, practical decisions about what to keep, donate or toss.
If you have “good” things you never used because you didn’t want to ruin them, now is the time to enjoy them! On the other hand, if you were holding onto things you didn’t love but felt guilty not using, part with them now and start off with a clean slate in your new home.
-Liz