How to downsize a home as empty nester
Downsizing a home isn’t an easy task for most. Many empty nesters have accumulated years of belongings and memories in their current residence and it doesn’t just dissapear over night. However, there are several steps that can be taken to make the process smoother and more manageable
Start early
It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to go through your belongings and make decisions about what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Starting early can also help to minimize the stress and emotional toll of downsizing. Get a head start spring is right around the corner, perhalps your children graduate and will be going off to college in the early Fall, plenty of time to get started and make some progress and share quality time sorting thru your belongings together.
Assess your needs
Do you need multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, or would a smaller space be more manageable? Consider what you really need and want in your new home. Do you want to live in a walkable neighborhood or closer to family and friends? Knowing your priorities can help you to focus your search and make informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go of.
Sort your belongings
Go through your belongings room by room, and create piles for items to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Put on your big boy pants and be honest with yourself about what you really need and use, and try to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in your life. Your kids will thank you for it later.
Consider storage
If you have items that you want to keep but don’t have room for in your new home, consider renting a storage unit or finding other creative storage solutions. However, be mindful of the costs and make sure that you are not just delaying the inevitable downsizing process. If you haven’t used it in years, consider selling or donating it. Ton’s of people who could use the item you’ve been letting collect dust.
Sell or donate
Maybe you have more than one of a few iteams, consider selling items that are in good condition and have value, such as furniture, collectibles, or electronics. You can sell items online through websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, or have a garage sale. Alternatively, you can donate items to charities or non-profit organizations.
Get help
Downsizing can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals. Consider hiring a moving company that specializes in downsizing or a professional organizer who can help you to sort through your belongings and create a plan for your new space.
Downsizing a home can be a challenging process, but it can also be a liberating one. You didn’t accumulate everything over night so plan on it being a process to elimate the clutter and pair down. By letting go of unnecessary belongings and creating a more manageable living space, empty nesters can open up new opportunities for travel, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
