Downsizing Made Easy: 10 Genius Hacks for a Cozier Home!

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Going smaller on your living space? It’s not always a walk in the park. Yup, you might have to part with some stuff, and yeah, decisions will need to be made. But think about the freedom of having less clutter – pretty sweet, right? Dive into this blog for 10 nifty tips to kickstart your cool downsizing journey!

Start Early

So, you’re considering the idea of downsizing? 

Good choice! But here’s the best advice: Start sooner rather than later. Honestly, it’s the secret sauce that makes the whole process smoother.

Kicking things off early gives you the luxury of time. There’s no rush to hastily sift through your belongings. You can methodically review each item, relive a few memories, and make thoughtful decisions about what to keep.

And it’s much more manageable. Picture a calm sort-through of your spaces, instead of a hurried shuffle. It’s the difference between a leisurely weekend activity and the mad rush we all know too well.

Plus, starting ahead of the curve lets you plan out where to sell or donate your items. Gone are the days of last-minute garage sales or donation drop-offs.

Create a Plan 

Think of it like planning a big vacation. You wouldn’t just pack a bag and jet off without some idea of where you’re headed, right? The same goes for downsizing – you need a plan.

First off, figure out your goals. Why are you thinking of downsizing? Maybe it’s to cut costs, declutter, or even get ready for a more relaxed retirement. Knowing your ‘why’ helps guide your choices.

Set yourself a timeline too. How long do you think this will take? Say you’re hoping to move into a snug new place by the time the leaves change colors – that’s your target.

And, get detailed. What steps will get you to that goal? Break it up to make it less daunting. Like, if the garage is on your list, pencil in a weekend to sift through those old boxes you’ve been meaning to tackle.

Declutter With Determination

Approach your downsizing room by room to maintain focus. Perhaps begin with spaces you frequent less, like that guest room which somehow became a catch-all storage spot over the years.

As you sift through items, prompt yourself with a straightforward question: “Is this truly essential?” If you find yourself wavering or realize you haven’t engaged with it in quite some time, it may be the right moment to part ways.

Adopt the 6-Month Principle: if an item hasn’t seen use or wear in the last half-year to a full year, it’s likely not integral to your daily life. Streamline by eliminating redundancies; for instance, a single efficient can opener suffices, as does one trusty spatula.

For items with sentimental value, exercise discernment. While retaining a couple of cherished keepsakes is understandable, it’s prudent not to accumulate an expansive collection. If parting with something feels challenging, consider capturing its essence with a photograph, offering the nostalgia without occupying tangible space.

Categorize Your Items

Before diving into decluttering, it’s best to have a system. Here’s a straightforward way to sort your stuff:

Essentials: These are items you absolutely want in your new space. Think of daily use items like your favorite armchair, essential kitchen gadgets, or beloved books.

Donate: Items in good shape but no longer needed can find a new home. This might include clothes that aren’t your style anymore or redundant household items.

Sell: If you’ve got valuable items collecting dust, consider selling them. Electronics, furniture, or collectibles can bring in some extra funds to support your move.

Discard: Anything that’s worn out or just isn’t useful should go here. For example, damaged goods or that pile of magazines you’ll never reread.

Undecided Box: For those items you’re on the fence about, give yourself a set time (like a week) to decide. If they haven’t been used or missed, consider moving them to ‘sell’ or ‘donate.

Measure Your New Space

Here we go, diving into one of the nitty-gritty details of downsizing: getting the lay of the land in your next spot. It might sound mundane, but trust me, this step is a game-changer.

Before the moving frenzy starts, it’s a smart move to whip out that measuring tape and get familiar with the dimensions of your upcoming digs. That means scanning from room to room, not overlooking closets or those sneaky storage nooks. And hey, if you’ve got tall bookshelves or cabinets, do a quick ceiling height check too. If you’re up for it, sketching out a little floor plan with those dimensions can be a lifesaver for mapping out where your belongings will land.

Next, give your bigger pieces of furniture a quick measure — we’re talking width, depth, and height. It’ll help ensure everything finds its rightful, comfy place in the new setup. Oh, and a pro tip? Check the size of entrances, stairwells, and those tight corners, especially if you’re moving chunkier items.

At the end of the day, remember it’s not just about playing real-life Tetris. You’re crafting a new, comfy space that fits your way of life. So if you’re making the jump from a sprawling house to a chic apartment, some of your current furniture might just need a rethink.

Prioritize Sentimental Items

Navigating the emotional side of downsizing can be tricky, especially when it comes to those keepsakes that tug at your heartstrings. Each item is a chapter in your story, a memento from your journey. Holding that box of memories, it’s natural to ponder, “How do I decide what makes the cut?”

Here’s a little tip: set some guidelines.

Decide upfront how much space you’re willing to allocate for your treasures. Whether it’s a designated memory box, a curated scrapbook, or even a special shelf, make sure it fits within the boundaries you’ve set.

Now, the fun part. Dive into that box and let the memories flood in. Relive those moments. And you know what? Sometimes, after a trip down memory lane, you might find that some items don’t tug at your heart as much as they once did. That’s okay – it might make parting with them a tad easier.

Remember, downsizing isn’t about tossing memories aside. It’s about cherishing them in a way that doesn’t let them dominate your space. So give your keepsakes the spotlight they deserve, and ensure they have a place that’s both special and manageable in your new home.

Invest in an Offsite Storage Solution

Tackling those sentimental keepsakes or the items you’re just not quite ready to part with? Consider self storage as your trusty sidekick.

You’ve got two main routes here: the good ol’ self-storage units or the swanky pickup and delivery storage.

Traditional self-storage? Think of it as an extra closet or garage you can duck into anytime. It’s like adding an annex to your house without the hefty mortgage. Pop in, grab what you need, and jet out. Easy peasy.

Now, if you’re more of a “let someone else handle it” type, there are services that offer storage pick up and delivery service. You pack, they pick up, store, and drop your stuff back when you give them a ring. Zero heavy lifting on your part.

Both paths lead to the same destination: giving your cherished items a safe nook while keeping your new space spick and span. Think of these storage options as your secret weapon in mastering the downsizing game.

Digitize Media

Alright, who else has a mini-tower of CDs, a mountain of DVDs, and maybe one too many photo albums? I know, I do. Downsizing them? Kind of feels like cutting ties with an old friend. But here’s where digitization saves the day (and space).

CDs and DVDs: Start with that soundtrack of your youth and those DVDs you only watch when nostalgia hits. Pop their contents onto your computer or an external hard drive. And yep, there’s software out there to make it a breeze.

Photo Albums: For those memory-packed albums? A scanner’s gonna be your new BFF. Convert those photos into digital files. Or, hey, there are some neat smartphone apps that can snap, store, and even sort those pics for you. Digital scrapbook, anyone?

Documents: Got stacks of paper? Bills, contracts, that doodle from 5th grade? Scan ’em. Store them on the cloud or an external drive. And for those super-important, can’t-lose docs, consider tucking them safely in a [storage unit]. No more sifting through drawers to find that one paper.

Sell or Donate

Got stuff that’s too good to toss but not quite right for your new place? Maybe make a bit of cash or pass on the love. Here’s the scoop on how:

For Selling:

• Craigslist: The go-to for local finds. Perfect for shifting that sofa or that blender you never really used. Click a pic, jot down some details, and watch the magic happen.
• eBay: Got something quirky or kinda old-school? eBay’s like your online yard sale with an international audience. Cha-ching!
• Facebook Marketplace: Facebook’s not just for spying on your high school mates. Their Marketplace is ace for local deals. Plus, you can totally snoop on who’s buying.
• Good Ol’ Garage Sale: Sometimes, the classic way is the charm. Set up shop in your driveway, and let the neighborhood come shopping.

For Donating:

• Goodwill: From that sweater you never wore to those extra dishes, Goodwill’s a solid choice. And hey, you’re helping folks get job training.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Wave goodbye to old furniture and say hello to helping others get a roof over their heads.
• Salvation Army: Much like Goodwill, they’re game for a range of items. And the cash? It goes to some pretty cool causes.
• Local Love: Think shelters or local charities. Your once-loved items could be just what someone needs right now.

The bonus? Selling and donating aren’t just about clearing space. It’s a green thumbs-up and a feel-good move rolled into one.

Pack Efficiently 

As moving day inches closer, packing smartly is the name of the game. Make sure to slap clear labels on your boxes, and maybe sort them by room or type—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when unpacking.

And hey, before you lock in those moving plans, give your stuff another once-over. Doing a final declutter can save you from hauling things you don’t really need. By packing the right way and cutting down on excess stuff, not only will your move be a breeze, but you’ll also step into your new place with ease.

These tips? They’re your golden ticket to downsizing like a pro. And remember, this isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about shaping a space that feels just right for you. Dive into the joys of a sleeker, more tailored home today!