Sometimes we realize that we have more space than we need — maybe the kids have moved out, or you could just have a couple of unused bedrooms and it feels wasteful. Whatever the case, if you’re planning to downsize, you might want some direction on how to do it as smoothly as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Decide What You’re Bringing with You

This is something to think about before you begin looking for a new living arrangement. When we decide to downsize our home, we often want to downsize our possessions as well. Packing everything and moving it to the new space can make the move-in unnecessarily unpleasant. You definitely don’t want your new home stuffed completely full, so instead spend some time thinking about what to bring with you. Once decided, you’ll have a clearer idea of the actual space you’ll need.

Will Your Current Furniture Work?

Depending on how much smaller the new space is, you may have to seriously assess your furniture situation. As I mentioned earlier, you don’t want a full-to-the-brim living space, so you may want to considerer swapping out any large or bulky furniture for something more appropriate for a smaller space.

List Your Challenges

In the case of downsizing, most of us will run into a few challenges. If you can, try to list these potential challenges in advance. Maybe it’s family heirlooms or sentimental items from when the kids were young that you can’t imagine living without. Think about which belongings are too big to take but you’re reluctant to let go of. You don’t need to embrace full minimalism to downsize successfully, but thinking about how you’ll deal with any obstacles in advance can prevent emotions from taking over.

Embrace Digital Tools

When we know our challenges in advance, it allows us to begin looking for a solution. Here’s an example: You have an enormous collection of framed family photos and there’s no way you’re going to be able to display them all in the new space. Choose the ones you can’t live without day-to-day, then digitize the others. They’ll be perfectly protected and preserved, and you can always print them again if you choose to. Digitizing also makes them easier to share. By embracing technology and saving your photos, you’re saving physical space in the new home while holding onto something valuable and irreplaceable.

Downsizing can be a breath of fresh air if our current living space has grown too big for us. With these tips, you’ll have an easier time making the move successfully.

If you need a recommendation for a local Realtor, a moving company, or you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage, please reach out. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.