Downsizing, decluttering, and spring cleaning can all go hand in hand. For many, it’s the first step on the journey to senior living. It can also be beneficial for all of us. Even if you aren’t ready to downsize and consider a move to senior living, decluttering and spring cleaning can help simplify your life and put your mind at ease.

The Ins and Outs of Downsizing

Downsizing can be overwhelming, or even downright terrifying, to think about. Understanding some of the basics of it can make it seem more manageable, though.

What is downsizing?

In its simplest terms, downsizing can be thought of as scaling down or cutting back. It commonly refers to moving to a smaller home. For example, someone may raise their family in a multistory home that becomes unnecessary and maybe even challenging to manage. They may choose to move from that home to a single-story home, an apartment, or a senior living community. The motivation for the move often revolves around making their lives simpler and safer.

Of course, moving to a smaller house typically means there isn’t space for as much stuff. Someone downsizing may be going from a fully furnished 4-bedroom home to a 2-bedroom home. That leaves 2 bedrooms worth of furniture that will no longer be needed. Additionally, other rooms, like the kitchen or living room, could be smaller and accommodate less furniture or other items.

Downsizing doesn’t always have to involve a move. Just decluttering can be a form of downsizing. Getting rid of things you don’t use, need, or want can free up not only physical space, but also mental space. Many people feel lighter and more relaxed after decluttering or downsizing.

Who should downsize?

Downsizing really is for everyone. Especially in the United States, there is something referred to as a “culture of overconsumption.” This is because many Americans own a lot of items that they don’t need. Take a look around you right now. You can probably spot at least one thing that you could get rid of.

When is the right time to downsize?

If downsizing and decluttering are for everyone, when is the right time to do it? The short answer: there’s never a wrong time. In fact, it’s likely something that will be done more than once. One way to avoid a big, overwhelming downsizing project is to periodically declutter and downsize. Decluttering once a year, such as during spring cleaning, is a great way to prepare for downsizing. For someone who may move and downsize in the next 5 to 10 years, start the decluttering process now. You’ll feel better now and you’ll have a head start when it comes time to downsize.

Tips for Spring Cleaning, Decluttering, and Downsizing

It can be daunting to think about going through all of your possessions and deciding what to do with them. These tips and tricks can make downsizing and decluttering a painless process!

#1 Start Small and Start Early

You didn’t accumulate stuff in a single day and you won’t get rid of it in a single day either.  Give yourself plenty of time so you don’t feel like you have to rush through things.  Downsizing experts recommend starting with a single shelf in your linen closet.  That gives you a goal that’s easy to achieve and gets you started.  Then keep going, one shelf at a time, and before you know it you’ll be done with the closet, the room, and the house.

#2 Make it Fun

Downsizing doesn’t have to be dreaded – it can be enjoyable. If you find ways to make it fun, you’ll be more likely to stick with it and be motivated to finish. One way to make it fun is to turn it into a sort of game, like Declutter Go. With Declutter Go, foam dice help you determine what to focus on decluttering or cleaning, how long to spend doing it, and what to use as a reward when you complete the task.

Another way you can make downsizing or decluttering fun is to host a decluttering party. Invite your friends or family over and ask them to help you go through things. You can enjoy food, drinks, and conversation to help the time pass while you declutter.

#3 Create a System

As you decide what to keep, make sure you have a system for what to do with those items and what to do with the things you don’t want to keep.  Remember that just because you don’t want to keep something doesn’t mean you have to throw it away.  Consider what things you want to give to someone in your family and what you could sell or donate, too.  As you go through things, have a designated place for things to give loved ones and things to sell or donate.  Many people use bags or boxes with labels to organize the stuff they aren’t planning to keep.

#4 Don’t Forget Storage

Just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you have to get rid of everything right away!  If you aren’t quite ready to get rid of something, but won’t have room to keep it when you downsize, consider putting it in storage.  Utilizing storage can also be a great way to try getting rid of something before you decide for sure.  When you’re on the fence about keeping something or getting rid of it, try putting it in storage for six months or a year and see if you miss it or need it in that time.  If you don’t, then it’s safe to get rid of it.

If your focus is more on decluttering than downsizing, try putting items you’re unsure of in the basement or the garage. Like with downsizing, if you don’t look for those items in six months to a year, you probably don’t need them and can consider getting rid of them.

#5 You Don’t Have to do it Alone

Downsizing and decluttering don’t have to be solo projects.  If you have a lot of mementos and heirlooms to go through, involve your loved ones in the process.  You can share stories of the memories you have from those items and potentially offer them keepsakes that are memorable to them.  Sometimes, it’s best to call a professional who can help you declutter.

If you’re downsizing and moving to a smaller home or a senior living community, you may want to call a professional who can help you determine what will fit in your new space when you downsize.  For example, an interior decorator can work with you to understand your style and needs. They can assess the items you have, and the space you will have in your new home, and help you make a plan for what will work best in your new space.

At The Ohio Masonic Communities, we think downsizing should be simple.  If you want to learn more about downsizing and senior living, we’d love to hear from you.  Give us a call at 1 (877) 881-1623 or contact us here. We have three senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.

Interested in hearing from an expert on tips for downsizing? Denise Swick of Downsize Allies and Swick Real Estate Group knows all about organizing and managing the chaos that can come with downsizing. Take a listen to our podcast episode below where Denise shares what you need to know about starting early and small, navigating downsizing with your family and friends, and how to make time for memories.