Downsizing with Ease: Empowering Boomers to Embrace a Simpler, More Fulfilling Lifestyle

As the baby boomer generation approaches retirement, a growing number of individuals are seeking to downsize their lives. Downsizing, the intentional act of simplifying and reducing possessions, holds significant relevance for boomers in today’s society. It offers financial security and the opportunity to create a more fulfilling lifestyle by downsizing home inventories. So, we will explore how empowering boomers to embrace downsizing with ease can lead to a simpler, more rewarding existence.

Downsizing With ease and Overcoming Emotional Barriers

For many baby boomers looking to downsize and embrace a simpler life, one of the biggest challenges lies in overcoming emotional barriers. As individuals who have accumulated possessions and memories over a lifetime, letting go can be an emotionally charged process. The sentimental value attached to items can create a sense of attachment and reluctance to part ways. However, boomers must confront these emotional barriers head-on to embark on a downsizing journey. One effective strategy for overcoming emotional attachments is gradually approaching the decluttering and organizing process. Taking small steps allows boomers to adjust to the idea of letting go and reduces feelings of overwhelm. They can start by sorting items into categories and making decisions based on their importance and utility.

confront emotional barriers head-on
approach decluttering gradually
sort items into categories

Another helpful technique is focusing on the positive aspects of downsizing, such as the freedom and liberation of a simpler lifestyle. Boomers can visualize the benefits of decluttering, such as less maintenance and more time and energy for meaningful experiences. Moreover, seeking support from loved ones, friends, or support groups can make the downsizing process less daunting. Engaging in open conversations about emotional challenges can provide a sense of empathy and understanding, allowing boomers to process their feelings more effectively. By sharing stories and experiences, boomers can gain valuable insights and advice from others who have successfully downsized.

Making plans for a downsize before execution is necessary for a smooth transition and this is what a certified senior move manager will do.

Design A Functional Living Space By Downsizing

This is a crucial aspect of downsizing for baby boomers seeking a simpler lifestyle. One effective strategy is to embrace the concept of “rightsizing” – selecting a home or living arrangement that perfectly suits boomers’ needs and preferences. Boomers should prioritize simplicity, practicality, and efficiency when designing a functional living space and creating a clean home. It is important to carefully evaluate each item occupying the space carefully, considering its usefulness and value. Selecting furniture and storage solutions that serve multiple purposes, such as ottomans with hidden storage or modular shelving systems, can maximize the functionality of the space.

Furthermore, organizing and decluttering play a significant role in creating a functional living environment. Home organizing services and move management can make this process easier. You can speed up the boomer downsize process with a move manager. Furthermore, clearing house estates with estate cleaning services can be easy.

In terms of layout and design, boomers should prioritize ease of movement and accessibility. Ensuring that pathways are clear and wide enough for mobility aids, if needed, is crucial. Incorporating ergonomic furniture and fixtures can enhance comfort and reduce physical strain. Lastly, incorporating natural light and open spaces can create a sense of airiness and promote a peaceful atmosphere. By carefully considering the design and functionality of their living space, boomers can create a harmonious and efficient environment that supports their desired simpler lifestyle.

Embracing A Minimalist Lifestyle

This can be a transformative and empowering choice for baby boomers seeking a simpler way of life. By consciously shifting their focus from material possessions to experiences and relationships, boomers can find a renewed sense of fulfillment and contentment. Adopting a minimalist mindset involves decluttering physical belongings and mental and emotional clutter. As boomers look to live a simpler life, they can begin by assessing their priorities and identifying what truly brings them joy and meaning. Letting go of excessive material possessions can be liberating, freeing up physical space and mental energy. Furthermore, a senior moving specialist can make a senior relocation easy.

declutter mental and physical clutter
assess your priorities
identify what truly brings joy

It allows boomers to appreciate and value what truly matters to them. Minimalism encourages intentional living, where every decision is made with purpose. Boomers can practice mindful consumption, only acquiring items that serve a practical or genuine purpose in their lives. This approach can help them break free from the consumerist culture and reduce unnecessary expenses. Moreover, a minimalist lifestyle encourages sustainability and environmental consciousness. Boomers can opt for quality over quantity, investing in well-made, durable items that will stand the test of time. By reducing their ecological footprint, they contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Downsizing with ease allows baby boomers to reinvent retirement and create a new chapter filled with purpose and fulfillment.

de-cluttering as a task in downsizing, can be bing up many emotions as decision are made to keep, throw away or sell.

Creating A Simpler And More Fulfilling Retirement

Reinventing retirement after downsizing involves redefining what it means to retire. Boomers can break away from traditional notions of retirement as a time of leisure and relaxation and instead view it as a period of personal growth and exploration. They can embark on second careers, start their businesses, or engage in meaningful volunteer work that aligns with their values. Additionally, downsizing allows boomers to relocate to new areas with a different lifestyle or closer proximity to nature and outdoor activities. This change in environment can provide a fresh perspective and a chance to explore new hobbies, connect with like-minded individuals, and engage in vibrant communities.

When downsizing, avoid DIY moving for seniors. Overall, it’s best to reconsider your DIY move to protect your health and be able to enjoy your reinvented retirement. Reinventing retirement also means prioritizing health and wellness. Boomers can use their newfound time and freedom to focus on physical fitness, mental well-being, and cultivating a healthy lifestyle. They can participate in activities such as yoga, hiking, or joining fitness groups that promote an active and fulfilling retirement. By reinventing retirement after downsizing, boomers can live a more purposeful, dynamic, and satisfying life. They can embrace new challenges, continue to learn and grow, and positively impact their communities. Downsizing becomes a catalyst for a re-imagined retirement filled with excitement, fulfillment, and endless possibilities.

Making Downsizing And Moving Easier For Boomers

Downsizing and moving can be daunting for baby boomers, but with the right approach and mindset, it can become a smooth and empowering experience. To simplify the process, start early and plan by creating a timeline and checklist to stay organized. Assess your belongings and prioritize what you truly need and cherish, separating them into categories like keep, donate, sell, or discard. Consider hiring professionals specializing in downsizing and organizing to provide guidance and support. Optimize space when moving to a smaller home by carefully planning your furniture layout and utilizing storage solutions.

plan by creating a timeline
donate, sell, or discard what you don’t need
plan your furniture layout in advance

Label boxes and containers to easily identify their contents during the move and unpacking process. Enlist the help of family, friends, or professional movers to ease the physical aspects of the move. Embrace the new chapter by viewing it as an opportunity for a fresh start, open to new experiences, and focusing on the positive aspects of your simplified lifestyle. By following these downsizing and moving tips, boomers can easily navigate the process, reduce stress, and embrace their new, simpler living environment, leading to a fulfilling and empowering transition.

ease the task of a downsize and possible move with a certified senior move manage, like Regina Lark of A Clear Path.

To Sum Up

In conclusion, downsizing with ease empowers baby boomers to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. Letting go of excess possessions and prioritizing experiences over material possessions can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. Downsizing becomes an opportunity to create a harmonious living environment that supports boomers’ needs and desires. By downsizing, boomers can reduce financial burdens, optimize their living spaces, and focus on what truly matters in life. It is a journey that requires planning, support, and a willingness to embrace change. However, the rewards are profound: a simpler life filled with meaningful connections, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.

Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/elderly-couple-holding-red-heart-5637595/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-grandmother-and-grandfather-serving-food-8522804/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-packing-their-things-6942741/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/cheerful-aged-women-friends-communicating-while-sitting-at-table-at-home-5257616/

Top Benefits of Using Technology to Stay Organized at Home

technology can help keep one organized without the help of a professional organizer

We live in the age of technology. So, we can easily say that technology has become integral to our daily (and nightly) lives. We use it to ease our work, our studies, etc. But we can also use it to stay organized at home. Yes, you read that correctly! There are many benefits of using technology to stay organized at home, and today, we will share some of the most important (and beneficial) ones with you. Thus, keep reading if you want to know how to use some ‘technology’ and how your life and home can benefit from it.

Increased productivity

To increase your productivity around the house, you have several options – to start decluttering all the stuff you have accumulated around your home, to deep clean every inch of all of your rooms, to completely change your mindset, or to invest in smart home devices.

But how can smart home devices increase your productivity and help you stay organized at home? Well, with the help of technology, you can, for example, easily create to-do lists with reminders, schedule all the tasks that need to be done around the home, etc., and do all other things that can help you stay on top of your responsibilities and get more done in less time.

organizatoni can be simplified using youir phone and connected devices.

When your home is ‘smart,’ you’ll always be able to control it with your phone..

Your Smart Home Can Work for You

Speaking of getting more things done in less time, did you know that your smart home can actually work for you while you are gone and, thus, save you a lot of time and energy? Yes, it absolutely can!

Imagine this – you are at work, it is freezing outside, and you just don’t want to go home because you know that the inside of your home is going to be icy as well. But, if you invest in a smart heating system, you can turn on the heating using your phone before you get home. This way, once you arrive, you will be greeted by a warm home.

You can do this with your cooling system in the summer as well. And that is not all – you can also invest in smart appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, microwave ovens, etc., and control them all from your phone.

Greater Flexibility

If you work from home, using smart devices such as your phone, laptop, tablet, etc., is a must. But that is not the only way for you to be more flexible at home.

For example, if you have small children, you can always monitor them using smart cameras and even reheat their lunch in that smart microwave from afar. If you have pets, you can also get them one of those smart feeders and not worry whether they need to be fed while you are outside doing some work. All of these smart devices (as well as many more) can help you be more flexible and not worry much about what is happening at home.

Moreover, besides using technology to stay organized at home, you can also use it when moving out of your home, for instance. Of course, experts from Bravo Moving say that moving professionals can help you do all the tough moving-related tasks, but you can keep everything organized with your to-do lists, schedules, reminders, and all other things smart devices offer.

your phone is your gateway to better organization and a professional organizer can help find the bests apps

It would be a shame to have all these options to help you stay organized at home and not use them.

Your Home Can Finally Be More Eco-Friendly

Smart home devices are not there only to help you save time and energy; they are also there to help you save money and, most importantly, help you save our planet. We think that this is more than enough.

But how can smart devices save you money while saving the planet at the same time? Well, here are some examples:

Smart thermostats can help you save a lot of energy by learning your heating and cooling patterns and adjusting the temperature when necessary
Smart lighting systems can also help you save energy by turning off lights when they’re not needed
Smart appliances, such as washing and drying machines, can be more energy efficient than traditional models
Smart water systems can help you conserve water by alerting you if there is a leak or a burst pipe

And when you save so much energy and water, you are actually saving the planet! Moreover, if you want to be even more eco-friendly, you can invest in solar panels, outside boilers, energy-efficient light bulbs, etc. Of course, these ‘green’ features can’t help you stay organized at home per se, but they can help you save the planet.

a professional organizer can help you use technology to organizer your life, save on energy usage and help save and heal the planet

With the right smart technology, you can save a lot of energy!

You can Upgrade Safety and Security Levels in Your Home

We cannot talk about the benefits of using technology to stay organized at home without mentioning the upgraded safety and security levels throughout your entire home. Nowadays, with smart cameras and alarms, you can monitor every inch of your home. And, if something does happen, the police are just one button away. This type of smart device is quite beneficial for the elderly who have problems walking, for example. With a smart security device, they won’t even have to get out of bed to see who is outside the door.

Security and safety smart home devices are also beneficial for parents who have to leave their little ones at home. However, with a strong security system, they will have nothing to worry about. And, with a good camera and a microphone, they can even interact with their children while away.

These are just some of the top benefits of using technology to stay organized at home. But be sure there are many more. So, if your budget allows it, don’t be afraid to invest in some smart pieces – they can only make your life easier.

Photos Used:
Round Grey Speaker On Brown Board · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Woman Wearing White V Neck Shirt Using Space Gray Iphone 6 · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Black Iphone 7 on Brown Table · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
Woman Wearing a White Blazer Standing Beside a Kitchen Counter · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)

Should You Hire Unpacking Services After the Move

Having good organizational skills may come in very handy in a lot of life situations. If you are an organized person, you may excel at your workplace or keep a tidy house, especially if you have children or pets. But, being organized doesn’t mean that you will always be on top of every situation life throws at you. One of those life occurrences is certainly relocation. Usually, people perceive relocation as a stressful period in life; now, even more than ever, with the busy schedule we all keep. That is why relocation specialists have their work cut out for them. The fact is that some of you don’t have the time or the money to go through the moving process by yourself, so hiring a move manager is the right choice. Know that they offer all possible services you can think of and are moving-related: packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking services, storage, you name it.

Which type of services is fundamental when opting for professional move management?

Some excellent moving companies offer a full pack of services that don’t just include the loading, transportation, and unloading of your belongings and household items. Their teams also do your packing, storage, and unpacking if needed. If you add time management and home organizing services to the list, you will have a somewhat clear picture of what senior move managers have in their job description. Suppose you are a working mum of two, relocating for business across the country. In this scenario, your exceptional organizational skills are good to have. Still, you may lack time and focus because of all the things you must think about and care about in the process. If your relocation circumstances are like the above scenario, a good option is to hire professional help to assist you in the moving project. Hired professionals can help you save time, and with good budgeting also money.

Busy parents with small children can benefit from professional move management.

What can you expect after moving day?

Your moving day is approaching, and you feel you have done everything right. Suppose you opted for hiring a senior moving manager and his team to help you through this endeavor. Besides, imagine that they also did your home inventories and left you a clear home on the moving day. But what happens when you arrive at your new house or apartment? What about all the boxes and wrap-upped furniture? Firstly, take a deep breath and acknowledge that there are many things that need to be done. It surely would be good to have someone navigate you through the unpacking process so you have more time to focus on your new job, your kids’ new school, or meeting the new neighborhood. That is why it would be beneficial to plan unpacking services after the move if the budget allows you to do so. For a more detailed outlook on the matter, look up professional organizing and what it involves.

List of tasks included in professional unpacking services

Depending on your budget and your requirements, you can opt for full service or partial unpacking. Maybe you need assistance only with one room, your library, or your closet. Then, it would be wise to choose partial organizing services. On the other hand, if you need help with organizing your whole house after moving day, hiring professionals will entail the following:

Unwrapping all the furniture and appliances
Unpacking all the boxes with other household items
Making an inventory of every item
Assembly of furniture if needed
Organization of kitchen, bedroom, closet, bathroom, or other rooms
Putting all items in place
Clean up, removal of all packaging material

To make this process go smoothly, it is essential to brief the team about your requirements. Give clear and concise input on where you would like your things to go. Most (un)packers will professionally do their job with little or no bother to the owner.

Does it cost a lot to have relocation specialists help you settle?

One of the questions you will think a lot about is how much it all costs. Well, it depends. Firstly, it depends on the size of your home. It is not the same to have a team unpack a one-bedroom apartment and a 4-bedroom house. Secondly, it depends on the time frame you need your relocation to finalize. Mostly, professionals can do the unpacking in a day or two, but sometimes people need the service quicker. If you are on a budget but still need help and assistance in this department, think about opting for partial unpacking services. For example, if you have a case of a boomer downsize in your family and you are helping, it will be useful to choose a package with estate clearing services. This way, the senior relocation process will come full circle, and the price will be complementary to a complete package deal.

Are you in need of hiring home organizing services after the move?

certified move managers are an excellent source for moving boomers and seniors that are downsizing. Certain situations almost impose hiring professional unpackers. Here is a list of such cases to help you decide whether you need these services or not:

You move a lot for business and don’t have much time to transition because of your busy work schedule.
Being a senior citizen without the help of family or friends, where packing and unpacking is a physical hurdle.
Maybe you are a busy parent with a large family, little time, and a lot of responsibilities.
You have the budget, and you want good value for your money.
Having already made a complete package deal with a moving company, from packing, clearing house estates, transportation, and unpacking.
You might have a time constraint on your unpacking for any reason, and you need the service done quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

Whatever your reasons are, if your budget allows you to, hiring professional unpacking services can turn into an investment; you ultimately invest in more time, allowing you to take care of some more important things, like your family or your job. Time is, after all, our most valuable asset. If you have the budget and the opportunity to take advantage of a stress-free moving experience, you definitely should.

Used photos:
Featured image – https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-smiling-behind-the-headboard-3616688/
Image 1 – https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-crew-neck-t-shirt-sitting-on-brown-couch-4568697/
Image 2 – https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-black-leather-boots-sitting-on-brown-cardboard-boxes-4553277/
Image 3 – https://www.pexels.com/photo/elderly-couple-walking-on-the-street-5637575/

Steps for Boomers Relocating To More Desirable Locations

As the wealthiest generation in America, baby boomers are starting to wrap up their roles of ‘parents’ and begin their new stage as ‘grandparents.’

seniors can be helped by professional move managers to ease the downsizing and de-cluttering The multi-bedroom family home boomers have been holding onto for decades now seems empty and quiet, and some boomers have felt the effects of loneliness as the kids begin to leave the nest.

Downsizing is not only the perfect solution for couples seeking smaller, comfier homes — but it also may be the solution for a housing supply shortage of detached homes. Since boomers have been encouraged to stay in their homes as long as possible — millennials are finding it very difficult to find detached, single-family homes on the market.

If you’re a boomer looking to downsize in favor of a more desirable location, follow these tips for success!

Don’t be afraid to start your moving endeavors now

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many prospective buyers and sellers anxious about starting or continuing with their real estate plans. However in HomeLight’s Q2 survey, realtors reported a heavy increase in buyer and seller activity since May.

Worried your home won’t receive any attention in the market? In actuality, buyer demand remains strong. So strong, in fact, that the majority of real estate agents (60%) in Home Light’s Q2 survey believe the biggest challenge facing the 2020 market is the lack of supply to meet demand. If you put your home on the market now, chances are you’ll have plenty of buyers knocking on your door.

Vice versa — boomers looking to downsize will find it much easier to compete in the buying process as well. According to the survey, 44% of real estate agents believe the top reason motivating their clients to move is the need for more space — especially as the COVID-19 pandemic keeps the nation at home all day..

This is good news for all boomers seeking to move from their large family home into something more comfortable. You won’t have to compete with the swarm of buyers looking for large homes, and you’ll be selling exactly what those other buyers are seeking.

How senior moving specialists are key to downsizing

Relocating isn’t all fun and games. Along with the fun of touring new homes and decorating a new abode comes the challenges of finding a reliable moving company, prepping your current home for market, packing and unpacking your belongings, and picking a dependable real estate agent.

Set yourself up for success by accepting the help of senior moving specialists. This will help you turn what’s supposed to be one of the most stressful processes in your life into a seamless, pain-free experience.

There are tons of behind-the-scenes tasks that need to be completed before and after the move, but reliable organizing services and relocation specialists take care of them all — so you can simply relax and imagine all the new memories you’ll create in your new home!

Presenting a clear home for virtual or in-person showings

Looking to get the most for your home during the selling process? Whether you’re going to allow in-person showings or conduct most of your business virtually, there are 3 main projects you should focus on:

Deep Clean
Declutter
Depersonalize

While cleaning your home might seem like an obvious step in your selling process, a home that’s been lived in for many years is going to need serious decluttering. Over the years, your closets have been filled to the brim, all your storage spaces are packed with clothes you haven’t worn in years, the fridge is decorated with your children’s kindergarten art, and let’s not even mention the boxes filled with personal mementos in the basement

While daunting, decluttering can increase a home’s asking price by 3-5%. Even storage spaces and closets need to be sorted and organized to receive the most competitive price for your home. Prospective buyers are always looking for extra storage, so — if the closets are overflowing — buyers won’t be impressed.

Thankfully, organizing services can help. Boomers aren’t as young as they once were, which means taking on huge challenges — like decluttering a home that’s been lived in for over a decade — isn’t such a simple task. A Clear Path can transform all the daunting tasks of moving into a clear and simple plan, so contact us today!

5 Rules for downsizing

Downsizing for seniors is a stressful and laborious task. Sorting through a household full of possessions and a lifetime of memories is quite a daunting task. It is even more challenging if you need to downsize unexpectedly because of health concerns or other emergencies. Many seniors find it difficult to part with items they do not need. Here are five rules for retirement downsizing with senior move managers.

1- Develop a Plan

A professional move manager will help your downsizing with helpful checklists. A good rule of thumb is to prepare for a move in advance and not wait until the 11th hour to start making plans to move. You should make plans before you list your home or at the first sign of failing health. It is advisable to consult a senior move manager to help you make an efficient plan.

Start with the three main rooms: the living room, kitchen, and family room. These are the most cluttered rooms because they are used daily and have a high emotional value. Separate all the items in four piles- things you are going to keep, items you are going to donate, items you are going to give to your family members, and items you will throw away. After you are finished with these rooms, work outwards to garages, attics, and shades.

It is also good to create a system of downsizing. Some of the standard systems are de-cluttering, donating, and documenting. A senior move manager can help you employ a method of downsizing that is best suited for you.

2- Consider the New Space

It does not matter if you are moving to an assisted living facility, a small apartment, or a family member. You need to develop a plan of where items will go according to the available space. First, determine the amenities that you are going to need. What security measures or physical needs will you require. You should plan your new space based on these accommodations.

It is also essential to consider size. If you are moving from a large house to a small apartment, you will have to do a significant downsizing. In this case, you should consider the most critical aspects of your lifestyle. For example, if you like writing, do not get rid of the desk. Make room for things that matter in your life. It would help if you considered hiring a storage unit for essential items that may not fit in your new space.

3- Eliminate Duplicates

This is very common in the kitchen where you may have several stockpots, different cookie sheets, a handful of spatulas, and so on and so forth. Since you are reducing clutter, you can do with one kind of everything. If you do not feel like donating kitchen pieces you feel are emotionally valuable to you, consider giving them to your child or grandchild.

4- Donate

The best way to make the most out of precious items is to donate them. Donating gives you a feeling of relief, knowing that you are giving back to society. Things like civil war memorabilia are best suited for a school or museum. You may even receive special recognition for legacy gifts in the form of plaque and tax deductions. Items that will Donatoins are a great way to help downsizing with a professional move manager not fetch much at a yard sale should also be donated where they will be more helpful, like at a children’s camp.

5- Make Some Extra Cash Through Sales

Nowadays, it is easy to sell things yourself through online sites such as eBay and Craigslist. There are also Smartphone apps that enable you to make quick sales. Yard sales are a fast way to sell items, but the prices are usually low. On the other hand, Craigslist has a broad audience, and you have a good chance of getting more for your items. Consider consignment for handbags, furniture, and unnecessary accessories. They have reasonable prices and you will be able to get rid of substantial items like furniture. If you are not handy with computers, you can request for the help of your children or grandchildren who may be more computer-savvy and will efficiently market your items through popular online platforms.

In Conclusion

Moving as a senior can be depressing if you are unprepared or cannot let go of your possessions. Many senior people struggle with sorting out what they do not need because they are fond of all their memorabilia and precious items. In such situations, it takes the expertise of a senior move manager to help with downsizing. Some of the rules of retirement downsizing may not be easy to agree with, but they are necessary and help to declutter your home before you transition into a new home. Make sure you consult a senior move manager in advance to help you adjust to the prospect of downsizing and moving to your new home.

Smart Organizational Tips for Downsizing to an Apartment

Downsizing to a smaller apartment can be overwhelming. But, if you plan ahead and take it one step at a time, you’ll find the entire experience not only enjoyable, but also cathartic as you begin the organizational process to simplify your life.

Renting a smaller apartment comes with plenty of benefits, from lower utility bills and rent to less space to clean and keep organized. A smaller space can even be a simpler way of living, while also allowing you more time and money for yourself.

But, before you get started, check out the tips below that will relieve some of the stress associated with downsizing and keep you on track for a smooth transition.

Preparing Your Belongings

Downsizing is always about boxes, packing them and then unpacking them. Pack by room is the best. Start preparing for your move in advance, perhaps even months ahead of time. If you know you want to downsize, begin working on the following now. Doing so will help you tremendously when the time comes to start packing.

Keep Track of How Often You Use Things

You probably notice these things every day, but don’t give them much thought. When you’re deciding what to wear, what plate to eat on, what glasses to drink from, and other small decisions like these, you always lean toward certain things. So, start keeping track of the items you use every day and those that you only use once a week, once a month or not at all. Then, track these habits on a piece of paper to visualize the usefulness of your items. This will make it easier to discard some of them when it’s time to pack for a new place.

Find a Use for it

Sometimes, you keep things just because. Although it’s important to have personal trinkets and items you treasure — even if they’re not particularly useful — be careful about becoming an emotional hoarder. That means being unable to get rid of things with which you are emotionally connected. In time, they’ll pile up and you’ll have boxes upon boxes of memories that you just can’t give up. If you have a hard time letting go, ask for help from professionals and check out our guides for coping with hoarding.

So, while it might be tough, try to find the purpose in all of your things. Does that picture make you feel something or is it filled with emotion? If so, then it’s probably something you want to keep. On the other hand, if it’s just something you’ve had forever that doesn’t really speak to you, then it’s probably time to let go.

Discard Unused Items Regularly

Sometimes, we buy stuff we think we’ll use, but then we never do. These items often include kitchen tools that are too complicated or a hassle, or spur-of-the-moment purchases for that new hobby that we never actually begin. If it’s something you’re keeping just in case you’ll want to pick it up some day, you should probably discard it.

Preparing for the New Apartment

Now that you have a basis for your organization, you can start to prepare for your move.

Measure the Space

Once you’ve decided on the apartment you want to rent, go for a visit before you begin packing. Check everything out, measure the space and write down the dimensions of all of your rooms. As you wander around the apartment, visualize your things in each room and how you will interact with them. You might even want to write down the main items you want in each room. At the very least, have a mental image before you start bringing in boxes. That way, you’ll know what to put where and unpacking will be much easier.

Pack by Room, not Item Type

Making lists for downsizing is highly recommended, particularly for boomers. Group your items by room, not by type. For instance, if you’ve visualized a small library in your living room, but you also have some books you like to keep close to your bed, then don’t be afraid to separate those. The same goes for everything else — from pillows to artwork.

Note that you don’t have to keep the design from your previous home. This is crucial if you downsize. With fewer rooms in your new apartment, an exact transition might be difficult. So, when you pack, think of the new apartment, not of the old one. Having the list from the previous section will make the transition simpler. Additionally, remember to label your boxes and drop them off in the appropriate room.

Adapt for Your Lifestyle

Finally, know that there’s no such thing as the perfect recipe for downsizing. It all depends on your lifestyle and choices. Although guidance is sometimes necessary and welcome, no one can tell you exactly what to throw away, what to donate or what to sell, because you’re the only one who knows that. Try to detach for a bit and imagine your life with or without certain things. Then, see how that affects the way you live every day. It’s a process you have to be ready for, so make sure to prepare mentally, as well.

Downsizing is not a burden. It’s a purge and a path to liberation. Embrace this change and remember that it’s not permanent. The choice will always be yours.

About the author: Mihaela Buzec is a passionate reader and writer with an affinity for language and linguistics, as well as the latest technological developments. She discovered her passion for real estate at RENTCafé, and you can read more of her articles on their blog.

Thanks for reading!

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