The thought of packing up and leaving a home that you’ve loved for decades is an emotionally draining task. Then, there are the added pressures of downsizing, where you must fit all your beloved possessions into a smaller space. It’s no wonder that thousands of seniors dread the thought of downsizing.
While moving into a smaller home is stressful, it can be physically liberating, provided you plan and time it right. Here are the best tips to help you downsize without any hassles.
Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until after retirement to plan your next move. If you plan to downsize, start early, preferably when your children leave the nest. Make sure to discuss your plans with your partner and family so that everyone is on the same page. This communication helps to eliminate hurt feelings and conflicts down the road.
Consider Your New Lifestyle
Before you pack and move your possessions, you need to know what you plan to achieve from downsizing. Understanding the reasons for the move can help you stick to the plan and declutter accordingly.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before the move:
- Are you downsizing because you hope to save money to pass on as a legacy to your children and grandchildren?
- Are you downsizing to reduce the maintenance chores of your home as you grow older?
- Are you looking for a fuss-free home so you and your partner can do more of what interests you, like learning a new hobby or traveling?
If you have specific goals, you can be more effective when you move. These goals help you plan and choose the right items to take with you.
Declutter Your Possessions
Organize all your possessions into three piles:
- Keep
- Sell/donate
- Toss
This setup is the easiest and most efficient way of decluttering. All your possessions go into one of these three piles, and there are no second thoughts. Use sticky notes for bigger items that you can’t fit into boxes. Also, avoid tossing things in the garbage unless they cannot be recycled or resold. Look for clothing stores that purchase your old garments or donate them to charity.
Focus on One Room at a Time
The idea of decluttering your whole home can feel overwhelming. So, take it one step at a time. Start with one room or a specific type of item. Here are a few tasks that you can handle at one time:
- Sort through your old DVDs and video games
- Organize your clothing
- Tackle your kitchen cabinets
- Work your way through the linen cupboard
Know the Dimensions of Your New Home
Get the dimensions of your new home so you can decide which furniture and kitchen appliances to take with you and which ones to discard. Here are a few tips to help you pack when downsizing:
- Place items into cardboard boxes that are organized and labeled by room.
- Make sure to mark boxes as fragile when placing breakable items like glassware and decorations.
- Don’t overstuff packing boxes, as overpacked boxes are more likely to get damaged.
Finally, while downsizing, you might be wondering, “Can I sell my house fast in St. Louis, MO?” We have an incredible opportunity for an easy sale. Skip the traditional route of listing your home on the market and sell to the best cash home buyers in St. Louis, MO, for a quick and hassle-free sale. Cash buyers purchase your old home and can help you close within a month.
Whatever your reason for downsizing, following the five steps above can help you move and settle in your new home without over-exhausting yourself!