Anna Novak

Simply Downsized

Is it time to downsize to a smaller home, but you’re not sure how to start? As soon as you make the decision to downsize, you'll likely encounter advice from all sides telling you that the first thing you need to do is “declutter.” In fact, it seems like the terms "declutter" and "downsize" almost always appear together, as though they are interchangeable ideas. However, decluttering is not always advisable as your first step in your downsizing journey.

You Don’t Have to Declutter First (or at all)

Back in 2018, when I first immersed myself in the world of downsizing, estate clearouts, and home transitions, I too believed that decluttering and downsizing went hand in hand. Early readers of the HomeTransitionPros.com blog will remember that much of my initial advice centered on decluttering, either as an immediate starting point or an ongoing process in the months before a move. Over the years, however, my downsizing advice has evolved. Now, it’s just as likely that I will advise my overwhelmed clients not to focus on decluttering at all.

If you 1) know exactly where you’re going and 2) have an imminent move on the calendar, it might be wise to temporarily shelve decluttering tasks. While decluttering might seem like a logical first step, it may not necessarily be the best use of your time. Moreover, as moving day draws near, many of my clients find that delegating the decluttering task to others can be a lot more efficient and less emotionally taxing than trying to do it all themselves.

Of course, some people have a long lead-up to their move and have their minds set on sorting and decluttering all of their belongings until only their most loved objects remain. Some people even enjoy the task! But even for the most organized, the decluttering step should take place after some initial planning and legwork to make sure you’re not “decluttering” things you actually need or want.

Three Reasons to Postpone Decluttering

Don't Declutter: It Can Drain Your Energy

Believe me, decluttering can be draining, especially when you’re facing a mountain of belongings that has accumulated over decades. We frequently see households where the drawers barely close, closets are bursting, and cabinets and shelves are overflowing with all manner of household wares, sports gear, tools, hobby supplies, books, paper, holiday decorations… the sheer volume can make you feel paralyzed.

If this sounds familiar and you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone! Plenty of people are in your same situation. The first step forward in this case is to embrace the fact that decluttering may not be your strong suit, and that your energy will be best spent on other more important tasks.

Simply doing the work to secure your new place and deciding what to take with you are both huge jobs that can take months. Instead of focusing time and attention on the unneeded items that are probably not going with you, I encourage you to preserve your energy for more critical decisions, such as:

1. Safeguarding important documents.

2. Protecting sentimental and valuable possessions.

3. Identifying essential items for your health and comfort.

You'll discover that making these significant decisions is a more valuable use of your time and energy than rummaging through your cupboards for unwanted items.

Don't Declutter: You May Need Those Items

The first thing I ask any downsizing client is “Do you know exactly where you’re going?” If the answer is “no,” I usually recommend that they put all of their energy into those decisions before they start getting rid of “stuff.” Put simply, if you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know how much space you’ll have to furnish? And which of your belongings will fit neatly and serve your needs the most? Even if you think you want to eventually move to a one or two-bedroom unit, it can be difficult to choose what furnishings to take with you without the benefit of a detailed and accurate floor plan of your actual space.

I often meet people who get excited about downsizing and start giving away small or manageable items to friends and family, only to realize later they actually needed some of those items to furnish their new homes. When you've been living in a spacious home with many accumulated possessions and plenty of space in which to store them, you could get carried away with your purging and overlook some items that could prove useful in your new space.

Be sure to keep an open mind and an eye out for these things you already own:

1. Smaller, versatile furniture with functional storage.

2. Decorative art that suits smaller spaces.

3. Organizational items for your closets, drawers, and cabinets.

4. Multi-purpose items.

Downsizing is more of an art of maximizing your space than simply choosing your favorite things. You don't want to discover that you discarded or donated items that would have been perfectly suited for your new space. Delay decluttering until you're certain you've identified everything you need to take with you.

Don't Declutter: Your Unneeded Items May Be Worth Money

These days, the most valuable items in your home are probably not antiques, art or collections. You will likely make more money if you sell practical items like lawnmowers, tools, vacuum cleaners, or small kitchen appliances. And, more stuff equals more money. When you engage the services of an online auction service or local auction house, your best bet is to have a large quantity and variety of items to offer. You never know what buyers are looking for, and you may be surprised to find that your old computer keyboard is worth more than your wedding china.

As a downsizing specialist, I always rely on the experts to decide what might sell, and I advise my clients to not get rid of anything until the pros have thoroughly looked through your belongings for items of resale value.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize

I advise my clients to prioritize the things that are going with them, not the things being left behind. When you consciously select your most essential and beloved belongings, the clutter naturally remains behind, and you're left with only the items you actually need and value.

After you’ve determined each and every item that has earned a spot in your new, smaller place, I encourage you to relax and simply enjoy living in your home until your actual move. The rest of the “stuff” that is not going with you can easily and efficiently be handled by downsizing pros in your area.

For more information, contact Anna Novak.