Downsizing: How To Do It Right No Matter What Your Needs Are!
Downsizing can come in many forms for different people; for first-time homebuyers, there may be an issue of too many belongings gathered over the years to fit into the new space, and no one wants to start their time in a new home with a lot of clutter. For seniors, it’s usually all about moving into a smaller home and reducing possessions for greater ease of living.
Fortunately, there are many easy ways you can downsize and still keep all the things that are important to you, whether you’re buying your first home or are looking for something a little smaller. The key is to start with a great plan and know exactly what you want before you begin looking; read on for the best tips on how to get started.
Know what you want and need
Finding the right home is the first step in downsizing, and depending on your needs, that may take a little while, so it’s important to stay patient and make a list of things you want but can live without as well as deal breakers. For seniors or individuals with special health considerations, downsizing often means finding a home that has no stairs, a small yard to take care of, and an accessible kitchen and bathroom; however, if you find a home you like that needs a little work, there are modifications that can be done for a price. You’ll want to talk to a local contractor and get estimates before making any decisions. Most importantly, talk to your trusted realtor about your concerns and your needs when looking at homes in Peoria and surrounding areas.
Clear out the clutter
Many young homeowners find that their collections--books, DVDs and Blu-rays, and CDs and records--take up a lot of room they just can’t afford to lose in the new place. If this is the case for you, clear out the clutter and downsize your collections by going through them and weeding out the items you can live without. Special editions or favorites can be put to the side, but the items you don’t use often can be donated to the local library or sold to used bookstores. In fact, the library is a great place to go for these items rather than buying more.
Paperwork and documents can often be digitized, but if you’d rather have physical copies on hand, it’s best to get them organized to keep them from contributing to the clutter. Create a filing system and get everything neat; a large set of folders can help with this (which costs less than $20 at Walmart). Go through closets as well, and take out any outgrown or unused clothing and accessories to donate. It’s best to do this at least twice a year, especially if you have children who grow out of things rapidly.
If you need help with getting your items in order, hiring a professional organizer is a good option. This professional can take care of all your organizational needs, from sorting the bills to figuring out ways that you can keep your entire home clutter-free. The average national cost of hiring a professional organizer is $482, so make sure there’s room in your budget for this service.
Make the moving process go smoothly
One of the most difficult parts of downsizing is the actual move, especially if you’ve had to part with many of your belongings in an emotional process. Help make it go as smoothly as possible by making sure you have the right movers for the job, and keep communication open with friends and family so they can help out when the big day arrives. Prepare for the chaos of the day by having pets tended to by a friend, staying hydrated, and remembering to eat.
While any move can be frustrating, try to look at this next chapter of your life with excitement and joy. Downsizing can mean a much easier path in life, no matter your age or goals, and with a good plan, you’ll be able to keep stress and anxiety at bay.
Hazel Bridges
www.agingwellness.org
