Is your home simply too large for your needs, or do you need to downsize due to financial issues?  Downsizing may seem like a daunting proposition but when it’s all over and done with, you’ll appreciate the simpler lifestyle.  Here’s our guide to help you downsize.

What is Downsizing?

Downsizing is all about moving from your larger home into a smaller one. It is generally done when you have no need for the extra space anymore – such as when the last of your children has flown the nest.  Downsizing is also popular amongst people that are trying to simplify their life and reduce their belongings so that they only have the things that they need.  It can also be done by people that are facing financial difficulties as a smaller home is generally cheaper and thus reduces the stress on your finances.

The beauty of downsizing is that it forces you to lead a simpler lifestyle which is a great thing in this ever increasingly busy world.  You are no longer working to buy things to fill up your home, or cleaning spaces that are hardly ever used. You don’t have to maintain a large garden anymore, or pay the electricity bills that are associated with heating, cooling and lighting a space that is larger than your needs.

Tips to Help You Downsize

Downsizing, and moving in general, can be one of the most stressful experiences of your life but there are ways to make your move easier and more stress free.  The first step is to sort out your belongings. To do this, assess your new space accurately. Don’t make the mistake of overestimating how much room you have for storage and the like.  Once you know how much room you have to work with, begin the culling process of your existing belongings.

The easiest way to do this is to go through your existing home room by room.  Divide your stuff into three piles – stuff that you’re keeping and moving to your new place, stuff that you can sell, and stuff that you can throw away.  Be as ruthless as you can in this process – decide what you really need versus what you don’t.  Generally speaking, if you haven’t used it for twelve months, you can probably do without it! (This obviously doesn’t apply to precious family heirlooms and other items with irreplaceable sentimental value).  Once you’ve gone through all your belongings and moved the “keep” pile to your new home, set up a garage sale.  This will help you get money from items that otherwise would have just been sitting there, and you’d be surprised at how much you could actually get!  All of the stuff in the toss pile can be put out for the council cleanup or can be taken to your local tip.

Once you are in your new home, think about how to use the space as effectively as possible. Creative storage solutions can give you ample amount of space.  Make use of “empty” space such as under beds, in corners and on the walls. There are plenty of racks, shelves, baskets and other solutions to help you do so. In some cases, it might be beneficial to sell your old furniture and buy new stuff.  For example, your old sectional sofa might have been perfect for your old open plan areas but in your smaller living area, a two seater and three seater combo will fit better and give you more flexibility.