11 tips to help you start downsizing your home
Until the home downsizing process begins, most people have been “accumulating“That is, buying things first for themselves, and then in life for children, and rarely throwing things away. Today, children are no longer at home, and you are probably no longer accumulating things at the rate that they are. I did before in In fact, for many this is the first time in their lives that they have really had to devalue or sell things to make more space.
It can be quite difficult if there are two to share in the reduction process. It can be much more difficult if only one of you will participate in the process. For many, the key is just getting started. Once you start, the process will run smoothly and even gain momentum as you progress.
Remember, your ultimate goal here is to simplify your life. This article includes 11 tips to reduce the size of the house designed to help you get started on the downsizing process and simplify your life. Our next article will provide 16 downsizing tips and strategies designed to keep you moving … once the home downsizing process has begun.
• Downsizing a house is not an easy process. Rather, it is an ongoing process, something that will likely take many months to complete successfully.
• Take your time. The home downsizing process does not happen overnight. It has taken much of his life to accumulate his home full of assets and memories. Don’t expect me to quickly complete the home downsizing process.
• Usually plan at least 6 months in advance. As we said, this process will take time, both physically and mentally.
• Planning is crucial. Don’t just jump in blind. Think about what you want to do and think about how you can best accomplish what you want to do. Establish a plan of action.
• Develop a classification system. Develop your own rating system. Although we generally recommend up to 10 ranking categories in our consultations and workshops, you should rank in the way that suits you best. Color-coded labels, magic markers, computer spreadsheets, keeping detailed listings, preparing batteries, and taking digital images can all be helpful. Use what works best for you.
• If in doubt, save it for now. Once it is gone, it is gone and cannot be recovered. You can always sell it at a later date if you change your mind. When in doubt, place it in the “Keep“stack for now.
• You are allowed to change your mind. Expect him to change his mind many times over the next few months. Someday you will want to keep something because of the memories attributed to it. The next day you will want to get rid of it. That is perfectly normal and acceptable. You can change your mind as many times as you want. But put it on the “Keep it” stack until you are sure.
• Double your initial time estimate. Unless you have Home Downsizing experience, take your initial estimated time … and double it.
• Remember you are in charge. Family and friends can and should participate in your decisions. However, you are the one who must ultimately live with these decisions. And you should be the one to make the final decision.
• Be patient. It probably took you 10-20-30 + years to accumulate all the items in your home. Don’t expect to get rid of everything in just a few days. It often takes 6 to 12 months to complete a full reduction.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This process is easier for some people than others. If you are having a difficult time, don’t be afraid to ask your friends and loved ones for help.
Tags: Downsizing Homes, Downsizing Consultant, Downsizing Tips, Michael Ivankovich