Downsizing Secrets

If you've just become an empty-nester or if you are taking care of an older relative's move to a smaller place, you may be wondering what it takes to downsize.

Moving into a smaller space means -- among other things -- shrinking the current household contents. You need to determine what is necessary and what will fit into the new home, which may be a apartment, condominium, or townhouse -- or just a much smaller house.

Whether you're doing this for yourself or for someone else, downsizing is never easy. This may be the first time you've needed to think about it. After all, you may have moved into successively bigger homes up to now. Moving is stressful enough as it is and it's even more difficult to give up items that you've had for a long time.

As simple as it sounds, downsizing takes lots of planning and time. If you think your next step is a retirement community, note that many have long waiting lists. For this and many other reasons, if you're thinking of downsizing you need to start now.

1. Go ahead and put your name on a retirement community's list. You may have to wait 10 years to get into the retirement place you have chosen, so you need to sign up now. If you have to pay a deposit, make sure it is refundable if you do not move there.

2. Ask for blueprints or floor plans. Having a floor plan will help you to see which furniture will fit and which will not. You may wish to sell large items now and replace them with smaller ones. Measure each piece of furniture. For example, will your bed fit in the new bedroom, and if it can, what about the two dressers and nightstand? Will you have enough room?

3. Put documents in a safe deposit box if you have not already done so. Ideally you should keep recent bank statements, financial transactions, and legal documents (including Power of Attorney, wills, deeds and titles, etc.).

4. Sort your clothing. Your next place will probably not have as much storage space as your present one, so it is a good idea to sort clothing regularly. If you have not worn it in over a year you probably do not need it. Donate extra clothing to charity or your church rummage sale.

5. De-clutter. This can be so time-consuming that you may have to do it in stages. First, start with the areas of your home that you don't use much, such as the attic, the basement, the laundry room or spare room. It's easier to get rid of belongings from rooms that are mostly used for storage. There is less sentimental attachment and more items that are simply being stored rather than used. Next, work on the kitchen. Throw out spices that are more than a year old. Sell or give away extra appliances, dishes, silverware, pans, and storage containers.

6. Pack as you go. Gather packing supplies and slowly make your way through each room. Sort, pile and pack. Keep items you're donating or giving to friends or family in one room or area of the house, preferably somewhere that you don't go very often. Or better yet, once you have a lot of items ready, call the people whom you'd like to have it, whether it's your family or a charitable organization. Get items out of your reach as soon as possible. It's so easy to change your mind or to start pulling items out of the pile. Take magazines and books as an example: keep your beloved books and donate the rest to the public library. Nursing homes will be glad to have your extra magazines.

7. Check table and standing lamps. Over the years lamp cords may have become frayed and sockets unreliable. Decide which lamps you like most and repair them if necessary. Give the others away.

8. Clean out the garage. The garage is often a dumping place for extra stuff like clay flower pots, gardening tools, and seasonal items. Having a clean garage will make you feel better. Give extra items to your neighbours or charity.

9. Give things to your family. You will only have room for selected items in your next place. Ask your kids and grandkids to choose the heirlooms and/or furniture they want. Giving away these things now will give you pleasure and cut moving costs.

10. Keep your home market ready. The one thing you do not want to do is fall behind on home repairs. Paint walls, fill cracks, and refresh or renovate your kitchen and bathroom(s). Your market-ready house should sell quickly when the time comes. Then you can focus on making your new place a gem.

Questions to Ask As You De-Clutter and Pack

As you go through each room, ask yourself some questions about each item:

• When was the last time I used this?
• If I do use it, how often and why? What purpose does it serve?
• Do I own another item that can serve the same purpose as this one?
• Is this item something I love? Does it have sentimental value that can't be replaced?
• Can I get by without it? Would I have to replace it if I choose to get rid of it?
• Is it in good shape? Will it last for a long time?
• Does it need repair, and if so, how much will that cost and is it worth the price?
• Do I know someone else who would benefit a lot more from its use?
• Does it serve a purpose in this new life that I'm moving to?

Be Kind to Yourself or to the Relative that's Moving

Remember, moving isn't easy; it presents a significant change that's both physically exhausting and in most cases, emotionally draining as well. Add to that the fact that you or a loved one is downsizing, moving from a beloved family home to a condo or retirement community. That's even a bigger change that touches an even deeper emotional trigger. So, remember these thoughts as you start this new stage in your life:

• Be sensitive to yourself or to the relative that's moving.
• Remind yourself that you're goal is not to get rid of everything you hold dear, but to simplify your life.
• Be patient and kind.
• Be understanding if you or your loved one is upset.
• Give yourself time to work through it. If you're tired, rest. Take a break. Go for a walk. Talk to someone.
• Allow yourself to grieve the loss.
• If you're having a difficult time, ask for help.
• If you can't decide on an item, remember that it can go into storage until you're ready.
• Allow yourself or your relative to reminisce. Your home and belongings all contain memories, so take the time to reflect. It's an important step in possibly letting go.

Once you've managed to pack up your home, try to celebrate this new stage in your life. Call a friend. Go out for dinner and just be good to yourself. You deserve it.