Downsizing
Maybe you just retired and are looking to transition to a more compact living environment. Or maybe you are moving to the city and are embracing all that urban life has to offer. As you embark on this new chapter it is important to allow for thoughtful consideration of your possessions and and how they might make the transition to a smaller living space. Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering? That’s totally normal. Really.
To help reduce stress when thinking about decluttering your home, just plan on taking it one room at a time. Now…which room to start with? Perhaps you might find it helpful to begin decluttering the living room. This space can feel less daunting than tackling one’s wardrobe, making it a good starting point for many people. But before you begin, see if you can obtain a floor plan of your new home.
A floorpan will be immensely beneficial in determining which pieces of furniture will fit into the new living room. Moreover, having a visual representation of the space will greatly assist in making informed decisions about what items will part of your new chapter. Knowing which furniture will be moving to the next home will also help with decluttering accessories, as the furniture it currently sits on may not be making the move. From there, declutter the other “public” spaces such as the kitchen and dining room…again, just one room at a time.
After you have gone through the “public” spaces, move to your bedroom and closet. Here, again decide on which pieces of furniture you plan to bring to your new home and note the size of the closet in the new home. This will help you figure out how much space you have for folded and hanging clothes.
Lastly, work on decluttering keepsakes and photos. These items usually have a lot of emotions attached to them. But now knowing how much space and furniture you have to display and store your keepsakes and photos, it may be easier to let go of the ones that don’t bring joy or aren’t special. All in all, knowing your space limits will make organizing easier and make sure everything fits in your new place.
Still feeling overwhelmed and stressed about downsizing? I can help. I’ve helped clients from Madison, WI to Dubuque, IA, and beyond. Whether you need assistance with decluttering and organizing, unpacking and organizing, or styling, I’m here to for you! Contact me today to schedule your organizing consultation. can help. Schedule a free consultation HERE.
The Marshall Method | Professional Home Organizer & Decorator | Wisconsin
