Are you looking to downsize your home but you’re not sure where to start? We’ve created this helpful guide full of successful downsizing strategies to keep you focused and organized.
- Create a timeline
A helpful way to stay on task and organized is to create a timeline of when you would like to be done and important milestones that may guide you on your way. Mark when you want certain areas of the house to be decluttered and when you would like the stuff you no longer need either donated or thrown away. For example, if you choose to downsize your closet in one month, here’s how you can set timely goals for each week.
Week 1:
Sort through all outside spaces (garage, shed, etc.)
Try on all clothes and donate 25 percent
Create your 3 piles of keep, throw away and donate
Week 2:
Get rid of duplicates in kitchen (spatulas, ladles, etc.)
Eliminate old and stained sheets, pillow cases, and expired products
Schedule an appointment with C&C Disposal to remove bulky items, donations, and furniture
Week 3:
Throw away or scan old paperwork, school projects, and other paper items
Pack items for new house
Week 4:
Removal of bulky items, donations, furniture
Moving day
- What to keep, what to toss
If you’re having trouble looking through things and throwing them away, do the 6 and 3 rule. If you haven’t used the item in the last 6 months and won’t use it in the next 3 months, discard it or donate it. This excludes seasonal things such as a lawnmower or winter jackets, unless you’re moving into a place that does not have a yard or winter! Have sorting boxes or piles that designate what will be donated, what will be thrown away, and then pack the rest of what you’re choosing to keep.
- Go through expired products
Expired products in the bathroom, kitchen, or hallway closet will always take up unwanted space in your new home! Sort through lotions, cleaning products, spices, facial products, and other items. You must remember you cannot donate these products if they are expired or open, and it’s best to responsibly dispose of them.
- Start in lesser-used places
Don’t forget about spaces that you don’t see or use every day! Your garage, attic, and storage shed can accumulate things quickly and be forgotten just as fast. If you have storage bins of sporting goods that haven’t been used in years, it’s time to donate.
- Sort through furniture and large items
We all have that piece of furniture that is rarely used and takes up space. Is it an entryway table that collects old mail and paperwork? A hutch that holds nothing more than a vase? You may even consider getting rid of the guest bed that has only been used once or twice. Whatever it may be, finding the pieces of furniture that you don’t use or will no longer need is a great way to freshen your space and declutter your home.
- Refresh your kitchen space
The kitchen can be one of the most difficult areas to declutter as you can almost always find a reason to keep something. However, this can also be a golden area to get rid of the most stuff. If you only use 2 pots but have 4 in your cabinet space, or have a bread pan sitting in the corner that has never been used, these are an example of items to donate. Think about what you use daily and what is rarely used.
- Closet Declutter
Depending on who you are, your closet might be jam-packed with clothes, shoes, belts, and other accessories that have only been worn once or twice. When downsizing your closet think about the items of clothing and accessories that stand out to you. The 6 and 3 rule can also apply here. If you haven’t worn it in 6 months and don’t plan to wear it in the next 3 months (excluding weather-specific items) then it’s time to donate.
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