Do you sometimes feel like you just have too much stuff? When we live in a house or apartment overtime we begin to accumulate more and more things.
You may have drawers or closets full of things you haven’t used in years and probably never will. Sometimes we keep these things just in case we might need them but never end up really using them.
If you’re planning to move sometime in the future, then you may also be looking to declutter your house so it is easier when you move.
Now is the best time to start downsizing and getting rid of unnecessary things that you don’t really need. But where do you begin?
Keep reading for ten tips on how to downsize your life and clear your clutter.
1. You Can Keep Some Things
When it comes to downsizing and decluttering you don’t need to get rid of everything in your home. You should keep the things you want, use, need or like to look at. If an object gives you pleasure or has sentimental value, then you can keep it.
Even when downsizing, you still want your house to feel like home so you don’t need to get rid of everything. But if something sentimental is broken or doesn’t give you happiness, then your best bet may be to toss it out.
2. Go Through Everything
When you start decluttering you need to go through every cabinet, closet, and shelf in your house. Look at each item and determine when the last time you used it was. If you only use it once in a while and don’t really need it, then you should think about donating it.
3. Get Rid of Duplicates
You should also look at items you have duplicates of and decide how frequently you use them. If you have five spatulas, but only ever use two at a time, then get rid of the other three. This will help to give your home much more space when downsizing.
4. Don’t Save Too Much
Some people like to save things for their children but that doesn’t always work when you’re trying to downsize. If you think your child or grandchild may use your old living room set, then you may want to put it in storage until then. But if you’re child or grandchild isn’t even a teen yet, then that’s going to wasting a lot of space and money.
Although they’re grateful, a lot of time kids don’t even want your old stuff. Don’t hang on to things just because you think someone else could use it in the future.
5. Get Rid of the Big Stuff
If you’re planning on downsizing to a two-bedroom home from a three-bedroom home, then there’s no need for you to take all three of the bedroom sets. Give one away so you only have to move two.
Another great way to downsize and get rid of your big stuff is to look for a furnished apartment. With Corporate Keys Australia you can get a furnished apartment for a small price. This will also help you to decide which of your big items are essential to your life and which are not.
6. Plan out Your Storage Options
There is nothing worse than downsizing and renting a storage unit just to cram it full of your useless junk. Before getting that storage unit go through and decide which items are important to keep. It is better to get rid of things completely instead of storing them somewhere else for you to deal with later on.
7. Get Organized and Keep It That Way
When you’re moving you’re going to be thanking yourself if everything is organized. Start by organizing your house now, so it will be easier when you move.
If you’re organized you can pack each box by where it is going to go in your new house. When you have items that have no specific place, then these are the ones you should be getting rid of before you more.
8. It’s Not Just Stuff
You may find that you enjoy downsizing and start throwing away or donating everything in your home. But before you become an extreme minimalist you should think about what you’re getting rid of.
If your items are something that you would save in a fire such as photos or your favorite book, then make sure to create space for them when you’re downsizing. You don’t need to get rid of everything even though you may think it is just stuff.
9. Start Now But Start Small
If you aren’t downsizing because you’re moving soon, then you can still start today. Downsizing will help you out tremendously in the future if you do ever move. It can also help to make you happier and live a more productive life.
So start today but start small. Pick one drawer or closet in your house to tackle at a time. This way it won’t feel like a chore but rather something fun to do to pass the time.
Downsizing is something that you should try to do every so often to keep your home feeling fresh and clean. It’s a great way to help you stay organized.
10. Throw out Before You Get New
When you downsize you may think that you can never get something new again but that isn’t the case. You can essentially still buy whatever you want but make sure to get rid of something so you can replace it.
If you’re going clothes shopping for a new dress, then make sure to donate an old dress at the same time. This will give you more closet space and you’ll make someone else happy with the things you donate.
Tips on How to Downsize Your Life
When it comes to downsizing there are many tips and tricks you can follow but ultimately it is up to you. Don’t start getting rid of everything because you think it will make you feel better.
Make sure to take time and think about the things you’re getting rid of. If they don’t make you happy and are just taking up space in your home, then throw them away or donate them to someone in need.
Now that you’ve learned how to downsize your life, you should keep browsing our blog for other useful tips and tricks.
