Downsizing will happen to most people at least once in their life. Whether it’s because you no longer require the extra rooms and space, affordability issues or you simply just no longer want to manage the maintenance associated with owning a large home.

Initially, you may feel that downsizing is a bit overwhelming, stressful, emotional and time-consuming. Ultimately you’re working towards creating a simpler life for yourself, but if you’re preparing to sell a home or move out of a large family apartment you’ve lived in for what seems like a lifetime already, your emotions might be all over the place.

It may seem challenging now, but in the long run, downsizing and decluttering will actually help you live a less stressful life. You’ll have fewer possessions to maintain, clean, repair and, potentially, stumble over.

Here are some tips that can hopefully help you R-E-D-U-C-E the stress and make downsizing an enjoyable and easy process.

R-E-D-U-C-E

One of the most difficult parts of preparing to move into a smaller space is undoubtedly deciding what to ged rid of and what to keep. In fact, the tortuous process of sifting through all the trinkets and keepsakes you’ve accumulated over the years can sometimes make you feel like the move isn’t even worth it. But, never fear! There are a few incredibly easy things you can do help ease the pain.

First off, when deciding whether or not to keep an item, ask yourself the following questions with the aid of this easy-to-remember acronym “R-E-D-U-C-E.”

Relevance — Does this item hold any sentimental or monetary value?

Edit — Did you use it this year? If Not, Bin It!

De-clutter — Will it physically fit into my new space?

Useful — Will I use this item? Is it handy? Can it be used for more than one reason?

Change — Do you have the time or resources to change the item into something more suitable or purposeful ie. Recovering a lounge or chair, or would it be more cost effective or suitable to change it for another item?

Eliminate — recycle, reuse, donate anything that you don’t need. We know its hard, but you don’t want to bring things that you are never going to use or aren’t going to suit your new home.

Although this applies to anyone who is moving home, not just downsizers, it’s always best to start this process at least three months prior to moving to your new home. During this time, you might want to create a floor plan to help visualise where you are going to place items.

The basement or garage is always a good place to start as those areas are likely to be storing a lot of things which you don’t use anymore or have forgotten about. It’s also a good idea to get family members involved to help you with the clear out. The support alone will be beneficial but there may also be items that they would like for their homes.

Once the process is completed and you’ve eliminated the belongings that were weighing you down, you will more than likely notice that the process has been quite therapeutic.

Downsizing is a big life change, but there are so many exciting experiences that will come out of it. Take a deep breath and get ready to downsize, de-stress and begin living your simpler happily-ever-after.