
Ever heard the saying, “In every difficult situation there is a door to opportunity for which optimism is the key”?
Considering the global challenges we are facing at the moment, now more than ever we need to remember that every cloud has a silver lining. And with the growing pressure to stay at home, now is the perfect time to focus on downsizing. Now’s the time to do things we never have time to do. And now’s the time to do those tasks we have had every intention to complete on our To-Do lists.
Here’s our top five tips to downsizing to help you get started
1. Know your physical space
Analysing how much space you currently have and comparing it with what you have to play with when downsizing will help to understand what will fit in that space and what will be able to stay. It may indicate a need for a storage facility for excess items of value such as large tools, stock for your home business or family heirlooms.
TIP: If you’re able to visit a similar size home before downsizing, in particular for when moving in to a tiny house, it’s recommended to do so.
2. Work towards the end goal
Having a common goal with those you live with (even the kids!) is very important to ensure you’re all on the same page and everyone has their needs and wants met – or, at the very least, feel they have been heard.
During the downsizing process, those involved can experience a flurry of emotions (overwhelm, frustration, sadness, anger, confusion) however, refocusing on the end goal will help get them back on track. Other activities or support networks are crucial during this time eg, counsellors, sporting activities, meet ups with friends and extended family. It is healthy to have an outlet and a break from the process.
TIP: Create a vision board with your end goals clearly illustrated and add to it as you need to.
3. Mark out your areas for distribution
Get the skip bins ready, some cardboard boxes or plastic tubs, gloves, notepads, pens and markers and sticky tape. Now you’re ready for marking out your areas of Keep, Rubbish, Recycle, Donate, Give Away and Sell!
It can be easy to just donate everything, but donating items that possibly should be recycled or thrown out can be a hinderance to charities. And don’t forget our furry friend charities as well! It can also be easy to give items away to friends and family – but they don’t want your clutter either, especially if they’re downsizing also.
TIP: If you are going to recycle items you already have for alternate purposes, write down what they will be used for in your new space.
4. Create and be inspired by a to-do list
You know when you’re lying in bed, trying to fall asleep, but have a million different tasks running through your head? Using your phone’s Notes app is perfect for jotting down those niggling tasks you need to do before moving and depending on timeframes, you may be able to set weekly or monthly reminders.
With home schooling or entertaining the kids indoors more prevalent than ever before, why not turn your tasks into some family bonding time. For example, go through the ski gear box. See what fits, is it in good condition, can younger siblings reuse older siblings gear etc? Or maybe the kids can sort through their toys or school stationary (are all the pens working, pull out used pages in notebooks that can still be used, clean out school bags).
TIP: You may have just sold your house? Settlement is in 30 days. A to do list is crucial (and motivating) as time depends on whether you can move happily into a smaller home or not.
5. Maintain and enjoy this new life
You’ve done so well to get to this point – you’re ready to move into a downsized home! But, remember this is an ongoing process that is ever-changing. Set weekly, monthly, half yearly and annual refresh declutter sessions. If you do schedule this, the sessions will become very easy to complete as you will have created your own routine and method and won’t be dealing with the same number of items.
You don’t need to feel like you’re living within a magazine lifestyle or display home, but removing any unused or items which no longer serve their purpose from your house can have a huge impact.
TIP: A typical schedule may be: every month go through the pantry, every 6 months go through the kid’s toys (Can you donate some or give them away?), every 12 months go through the bathroom cupboards. That way it’s not such a big and overwhelming process.
Without much certainty or control over many aspects in our life currently, what you can rely on is having a steady, constant, decluttered home ready to downsize during these difficult times.
And while we may be in cocoons now, we’re coming out the other end as butterflies!
Have you seen our FREE online workshop on downsizing? If not, click here to receive the tutorial and enjoy viewing in the comfort of your own home.