Downsizing clears physical and mental clutter, making room for a more intentional lifestyle centered around what truly matters. It can also lead to significant cost savings, less home maintenance, and more free time to enjoy experiences over things. No matter why you’re choosing to downsize, I’ll be sharing helpful tips to make the process smoother.

Tip #1: Start Early 

Give yourself plenty of time to declutter—rushing the process only adds stress and leads to decision fatigue. We suggest at least 3-4 months before a deadline you have set or is set for you. You'll be more successful when you're calm, focused, and ready to make confident choices. 

Avoid the temptation of a “maybe” pile and try to handle each item just once—decide to keep, donate, or let it go. For donations, load them in your car right away so they’re ready for delivery next time you drive by your favorite donation center.

Tip #2: Out With the Old

Let go of items tied to old hobbies, collections, or past versions of yourself—they may be taking up valuable space without adding real value to your life today. Clearing them out creates room, both physically and emotionally, for what truly matters now. One dear client of ours was still hanging on to tailored executive suits from the 80's. Although it was an important role she once played, it was time to put that in the past.

When it comes to sentimental items, keep only things that represent meaningful memories such as photographs that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Tip #3: Purge Paper Clutter

Paper can quietly take over a home—between bills, files, books, recipes, photos, and old DVDs or CDs, it adds up fast. Digitizing what you can not only saves precious space but also reduces your carbon footprint and makes your documents easier to access. A smaller home means being smarter with storage, and going digital is a simple way to lighten the load.

Tip #4: Create an Inventory 

Creating a written inventory or grouping like items together can be eye-opening—it’s often the fastest way to spot duplicates and excess. Seeing everything at once helps you make clear, confident decisions, especially if you purge duplicates right away before overthinking sets in. Simplifying now means less to move and less to manage later.

Tip #5: Switch to Sleek Furnishings 

In a smaller space, oversized furniture can overwhelm the room and limit functionality—don’t feel pressured to make it work just because you already own it. Consider switching to more sleek, minimalist pieces or multi-functional furniture that fits the scale of your new home. When downsizing decor, choose fewer, more intentional items that reflect your current style and keep the space feeling open and calm.

Tip #6: Make Mindful Purchases

Setting clear boundaries around future purchases can help you maintain your newly simplified space—consider a “one in, one out” rule to keep clutter in check. Aim to buy less overall, focusing only on items that are truly essential or benefit your life in a big way. Thoughtful, intentional purchases are key to preserving the benefits of downsizing long term.

For more tips, read 4 Mindful Shopping Tips to Create a Clutter-Free Home.

Have a question about how we can help you purge, pare down, and prioritize downsizing BEFORE a big move? Just ask!

Warmly,
Karen