We reduced our living space by over half a decade ago at ages 48 and 50 Here are helpful downsizing strategies and emotional coping methods!
A full ten years have passed since we made the move to a smaller home and those memories remain vivid.
Shortly after settling into our compact townhouse many readers of Bildirimlerim requested downsizing advice So while the experience was recent I compiled everything we learned in this post.
Looking back a decade later I am grateful for sharing these insights These are the methods that supported us through reducing our home by more than half and I still endorse every piece of advice.
If you are considering downsizing or assisting a family member through this transition I hope our journey and these lessons simplify the journey for you.
(If you found Bildirimlerim via my Downsizing Diaries on Instagram welcome! )
To be truthful downsizing was not my choice it seemed to choose me.
About 10 years ago we relocated our life spanning 25 years settling into a 1250 square foot townhouse.
Our present residence is a complete contrast to the expansive seaside farmhouse we previously occupied.
Farewell to the ocean view vast grounds detached garage and separate guest cottage.
Welcome to the 1250 square foot townhouse.
It required adaptation yet we feel immense gratitude for our new life and charming home (For a tour of our smaller initial home click here.)
Having navigated this myself I wish to share some useful tips and tricks gathered during the downsizing period.
Guide to Downsizing Your Home: Top Tips for a Positive Shift
*This article includes affiliate links for your shopping ease.
1. Define your motivation and consistently recall it!
Before starting the downsizing process it is crucial to clearly establish your reasons for making this change Some common motivations include:
- Financial ~ A smaller dwelling typically lessens monetary strain (Frankly finances were our primary driver As first time home buyers it matched our budget set by our mortage broker!)
- Health/ Big Home Upkeep ~ Age can influence this Sometimes the physical demands and stress of maintaining a large property are no longer manageable due to health concerns.
- Large vacant spaces/ Empty nesters ~I have read that many people feel isolated and discouraged in a large home after children leave the nest Gazing at once-busy rooms can become disheartening.
Knowing your 'why' and holding onto it will greatly assist during overwhelming moments when you doubt yourself!
Our main reason was financial with a touch of the 'empty nester' feeling At the time of our move our youngest was completing High School so we knew a two-person space was our future.
2. Do not be overwhelmed by intense emotions
Downsizing and moving often evoke feelings similar to grief The emotional cycle may shift between sorrow (saying goodbye to the past) being swamped (managing all the details) apprehension (releasing possessions and facing the future) and excitement for the life ahead.
Reviewing past articles from Bildirimlerim, I found pieces discussing my personal feelings about relocating: The Basement Blues, Power Packing and Goodbyes, and The Remembering Stone.
Remember that these feelings are completely natural; do not let them cause doubt about your decision. Proceed with assurance, always remembering your primary motivation (as noted in point one).
3. Establish the timeline and practical aspects of your relocation
This step requires deciding when to leave your current residence, where the new location is, what realtor to engage, and if professional moving assistance is needed. There are numerous details here! To manage this hectic process of moving to Bildirimlerim, I kept all vital documents, contacts, and dates in a single 3 ring binder, which we termed our “Moving Bible” for easy reference.
4. Create a plan for reducing and sorting possessions
Each person's purging approach will vary, but here are a few helpful suggestions:
- Begin by addressing the largest furniture pieces first. I used a scaled grid map of each room in my new home to plan furniture placement, aiding my decisions. Furthermore, I taped the dimensions of my new (smaller) rooms onto the floor to visualize how furniture would fit before moving, similar to when planning a move here.
- For practical, actionable purging advice, consider reading books such as *The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up* by Marie Kondo and *Make Room For What You Love* by Melissa Michaels.
- If you require impartial guidance, look into hiring a downsizing specialist. Downsizing assistance is becoming more accessible; some providers help Senior Citizen individuals transition to a retirement home room with thorough support.
- Should you need further resources on decluttering or purging, check out these helpful links for downsizing or daily life: Declutting Tips – 10 Simple Tips I also prepared a complimentary decluttering guide; simply provide your email below to receive it.
5. Organize moving day thoughtfully, but anticipate changes to your perfect plan!
I actually enjoy the packing and organization phase of moving; here are some related articles:
- How to Pack Your Kitchen without Losing Your Mind
- Packing and Planning Ahead
- 10 Things I Learned on Moving Day
- More Moving Tips
- A Mom’s Tips for Moving Out
6. Allow sufficient time for adjustment and settling in
Our downsizing process was surprisingly swift. We initially leased a pleasant residence for 6 months while searching for a permanent new home. After securing our destination, we had under 2 months to reduce our belongings (by over 50%) and move again!
I must admit, moving to a home of a similar size is less stressful than moving into a smaller, downsized dwelling (view our lovely “in-between” rental home here).
My honest admission is that I did not reduce my belongings enough before moving into the smaller home; even though everything technically fit, it felt unmanageable inside!
Initially, one of my sons was away for several months, so his room and the garage served as temporary storage areas.
Gradually, I gained a clearer understanding of my possessions, making it simpler to decide what to retain and what was more of a burden than a benefit.
If you lack the physical space to decide on items, I recommend renting a storage unit. Place the things you are hesitant to part with there, and then observe if you genuinely miss them; if not, release them without any regret.
After decluttering and having a manageable amount of possessions, arrange your compact new living area to suit your needs. I committed to organizing our entire residence during one new year; find the specific organization plans for every room in our smaller home.
7.Select Furniture Suited for Your New Dimensions (Not Your Former Ones)
We discovered that our smaller residence demanded entirely different furniture types than our prior home. Initially, we used what we possessed, but eventually sold those items, then used the proceeds to acquire suitable solutions for our new setting.
The Billy Bookcase Wall system serves as a prime illustration:
The small stand for our television looked awkward in this area! Furthermore, we urgently needed storage behind doors. This system provided the perfect solution.
Our old sofa set did not match the style of our newer home (and frankly, it needed replacing!). After extensive searching, we chose a reclining LazBoy couch that perfectly meets our space and requirements.
Remember that guest accommodations may be limited when downsizing. Our friends and family understand we lack an ideal guest room setup; nevertheless, we acquired a cool murphy wall bed, which works wonderfully in our small space!
Encouragement as You Seek the Best Downsizing Approach
Having navigated the significant shift of drastic downsizing, I urge anyone currently doing so or contemplating it. While it was a change, we are truly enjoying our smaller life and feel immense gratitude for this place that feels like home daily.
