Tips for Downsizing

The other day I heard birds chirping outside my window. Spring is coming! I don't know about you but we are excited for some warmer weather and all the fun that it brings. Alongside having lots of fun some of you may be planning on selling your home and downsizing, or in other words rightsizing! This can be a stressful time as there is lots to do but Room to Breathe is here to help curb the stress with some tips for downsizing!

START PAIRING DOWN BEFORE CRUNCH TIME.

Your move may be months away, but now is the perfect time to start getting ready. Dedicate a bit of time each day and go through closets, cupboards, and storage spaces. Tackle one box, drawer or closet at a time, and slowly chip away. Giving yourself lots of time will help prevent feeling burnt out or overwhelmed.

 

BEGIN WITH THE LEAST SENTIMENTAL AREAS FIRST.

Start by editing areas that contain non-sentimental items. Closets, kitchens or bathrooms are a great place to begin - most people can tackle clothing or dishes fairly easily. Also, if you are downsizing from a house to a condo, be sure to spend time in the garage - snow shovels, lawn mower, ladders… you most likely won't need them after you move.

DONATE, SELL OR CONSIGN RATHER THAN THROWING AWAY.

Whenever possible, reuse, sell or donate instead of throwing items out. As tempting and easy as it may be to toss old clothes or furnishings, consider the environment and do your best to find a home for everything. Also, second hand stores like Value Village or Goodwill repurpose your goods by selling them to people that may otherwise not be able to afford new items, and a portion of each of their sales is donated to deserving local charities. A win-win for everyone!

RECRUIT HELP!

Now is the time to bring in reinforcements! Not only is it helpful to have a spare set of hands to assist with furniture lifting or moving boxes, it is great to have an objective second opinion when you can't decide whether to keep or get rid of something.

GIFT NOW AND ENJOY SHARING IN SOMEONE ELSES HAPPINESS.

If you have family heirlooms or other special items that you no longer use but are holding onto in order to pass along to family or friends, consider gifting them now. Relish in the experience of getting to see someone you love enjoying something that means so much to you.

 

KEEP ONLY WHAT YOU LOVE OR IS A NECESSITY.

As a general rule, we abide by this perfect quote by William Morris- ‘Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.’

    GIVE US A CALL IF YOU NEED A HAND.

Room to Breathe has many years of experience helping Calgarians downsize and get organized. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need a hand at any point along the way, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

587-228-6359 | roomtobreathecalgary@gmail.com