One in four Americans admits to having a clutter problem. In fact, the average American has over 300,000 possessions in their household.
It’s easy to accumulate knick-knacks and unnecessary items over your lifetime. But how do you separate the unnecessary from the necessary?
Whether you’re moving to a smaller place or moving in with a partner, sometimes you need less stuff. Keep reading to learn how to downsize your home and start living smaller.
1. Start with a Plan
One of the most essential tips for downsizing possessions is to start with a plan. Downsizing isn’t’ something that can be accomplished on a whim or within a day. It takes a lot of forethought and planning to do it right.
First, start by figuring out your end goal. Are you downsizing from a home with a full basement of storage to a studio apartment? Knowing your end goal will help determine how much you need to get rid of.
Then, create a checklist of all the rooms you plan to downsize. Concentrate on the top checklist room first before moving on to the next room. This will help maximize your efforts and energy.
2. Decide Whether to Donate, Trash, or Keep
Once you’ve decided where to start, it’s time to downsize and declutter. One of the best methods for this is by designating donation, trash, and keep piles.
Go through every single item you possess. Pick up the individual item, hold it in your hand, and decide whether to donate, trash, or keep. This is a long process, but it’s the best way to ensure that you make the right decision.
You can create a maybe pile for thinks you’re unsure about giving up. Consult a trusted family member or friend for their opinion on the item. Sometimes you need a little outside help to make the right decision.
3. Organization Is Key
Knowing how to downsize your life involves a lot of organizational skills.
To keep yourself from acquiring new clutter over time, organize your possessions in a way that they are easily visible. Use clear bins with labels for your storage area and keep like items together.
Use small boxes or organizing cubes for your closet spaces and drawers.
If organization isn’t your strong suit, we suggest reading Marie Kondo’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.
4. Consider a Storage Unit
Once you’ve decided which belongings to keep and organize them, you may still have too many belongings. This is where storage units come in handy.
Storage units are great for things that you don’t need right now but may need again in the future. This includes baby items if you plan on having more children in the future or seasonal decorations.
If you plan on storing items that are sentimental or valuable, consider Climate Controlled Storage Units. These will ensure that your items are protected while in storage so they’re ready for when you need them.
Knowing How to Downsize Your Home
Now that you know how to downsize your home, it’s time to put these tips into action.
Keep in mind that all your decluttering efforts are useless if you don’t start with a plan. Identify your end goal and work in chunks to stay motivated.
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