Downsizing or rightsizing

Every year thousands of seniors or families who want an easier lifestyle leave their homes. For some, caring for a home has become too difficult or too time consuming. Others have come to the realization that more possessions equals more time spent caring for possessions and that they have better things to do. With downsizing, the goal is to simplify your life.

Think about what you use in your home on a day-to-day basis, it usually amounts to a fraction of what is in your home. A key component to downsizing is doing a possessions audit and matching it to your new living space. One of the first steps to approaching the downsizing process is having a clear vision of your new home and lifestyle. Then make a list of all you must do to achieve this vision. Have a good idea of how much space you will have. Know the number of rooms, the purpose of each of those rooms, and how much storage is available. This will make it easier to decide what to keep and what to let go. If you have a floor plan it will help you know what of your current furniture  or Dining Room Tables will fit and be in proportion to your space.

If you have hobbies and collections, think about how much space you can give to them and then pare down to your favorite items to keep and use. It might be a good idea to take pictures of your collection and then to respectfully dispose of all but the best.