It’s a great time to Downsize and Simplify your life!

The Hallmark
Apr 16, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Apr 17, 2020

1. START EARLY. END HAPPY!

If you are looking for something to keep your mind and body busy and off of the news of the day, it’s never too early to begin the downsizing process.

2. MAKE YOUR GOALS REASONABLE.

Don’t push yourselves too hard, if you do, you won’t get it done.

Keep sorting sessions to two hours, unless you are on a roll!

3. START WITH THE ROOMS YOU USE THE LEAST.

Make sure you have all the necessary items to get to work – boxes, markers, stickers, scissors, tape and trash bags.

4. DON’T BECOME OVERWHELMED.

If a room is too much to tackle, go through a drawer a day and once the drawers are done start on a closet a week.

5. REMEMBER THE MORE YOU GIVE AWAY, THE LESS THERE IS TO EVENTUALLY MOVE!

Ask yourself how often do I use this item? Be realistic – If you only use the electric carving knife at Thanksgiving dinner – pass it off to a family member and let them carry on the tradition.

6. CLOTHES AND LINENS:

We wear only 20% of the clothes in our closet.

To begin, turn all the clothes hangers backwards in your closet. As you wear something put it back normally. At the end of the year you will be able to see what you do and do not wear.

Also think about:

What kind of entertaining will you truly be doing once you move? How many sets of sheets will you realistically need?

7. PURGE EARLY AND PURGE OFTEN!

Trash costs a lot of money to get rid of in bulk – so start taking a few things out to the corner each week. Watch for your community’s HAZMET days – these are important for getting rid of chemicals, paints, etc. Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Big Brothers and Big Sisters will sometimes come to the house to pick up items you want to donate (don’t forget to get a receipt).

8. FAMILY.

Start a conversation with your family. Do this far in advance. Some people put off moving because they don’t want to deal with dividing things among children. Don’t let this stand in the way of having a new home and don’t be too disappointed if they are not interested in your things – everyone has different decorating styles and lifestyles! This generation does not necessarily want all the good china, crystal, silver – they won’t use it if it won’t go in the dishwasher. Let them tell you what THEY are interested in.

9. MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT “STUFF”.

Not all old things are antiques. Not all antiques are collectible and only items that are wanted or collectible will have value.

10. TELL EVERYONE.

Tell everyone you know that you are moving and getting rid of things – friends might have children or grandchildren that are moving into an apartment or college dorm and need things.

11. FINANCIAL RECORDS:

Old financial and tax records are items that are best shredded before they are disposed. Check with your accountant or lawyer to find out which papers they advise keeping for legal and tax purposes (Anything that needs to be saved should be compiled, boxed and clearly labeled for storage or put into Important Documents Notebook.

12. MEMORY BOX:

Great way to save all your special treasures – letters, pictures, mementos – that you can revisit at any time.

13. PICTURES:

If you have a lot of pictures that you don’t want to part with – they can be converted to a CD or DVD – there are companies that can help you with this (although this can be expensive).

Success will be yours!

Downsizing tips and information provided by