If you have been thinking about downsizing your home, here are a few tips to consider:

Housing Options
You need to think about the type of lifestyle that you now lead and the kind of housing that will work for you. If you currently live in a traditional two-story home, your next step may be either to a smaller two story, ranch-style home or condominium. Homes require personal upkeep while condominiums give you a bit more freedom for a lock-and-go lifestyle. If you have health needs, assisted living housing may be the right option for you.

Tiny house living is very popular right now. Going from a 3,500 square foot home to one that it is 900 square feet may not be the best option, especially if you have a lot of things that you plan on holding on to.

Take your time to become acquainted with the various types of homes that are available. Your real estate agent will be there to show you various styles of homes and condominiums.

Get Rid of Your Stuff!
You will need to sort through your furniture and belongings and decide what to keep and what to get rid of by donating items to family members and charities. You may have items that you want to sell. Consignments can be made through businesses like an online auction company (SecondStoryAuctions.com.) These types of businesses can usually help you assess what to keep, donate and sell.

Do not put your things into storage. The point of downsizing is to have less stuff.

It may take time to sort through your home and your life’s accumulation of treasures and belongings. Make a timeline to stay on track. Make a list of items that you cannot live without and then bid farewell to things that do not make that list. Keep only those things that truly make you happy.

Make it a goal to tackle one closet or drawer a day if you feel overwhelmed. The kitchen might be the easiest room to downsize. You probably do not need 10 mixing bowls or spatulas. And if you have not used an item in the past six months, do you really need it?

If you are planning on moving to a condominium, you will not need a lawnmower, rakes or other large house tools.

Paper is very difficult to sort through and is time consuming. The same goes for photographs.

The Result
Once you have cleared out unneeded belongings and downsized into a new home, you will enjoy the benefits of not having so much stuff. You will spend less time cleaning that stuff and use that found time to enjoy your life.

Need Help with Packing?
Contact Sibcy Cline Home Services. They have connections to service vendors who can help you.