Transition Planning/ Spring-Cleaning and Downsizing
Planning for a move into a smaller living space is challenging and a potential source of stress. This challenge and stress can be reduced greatly by being honest with yourself about the importance of the task and careful execution of your plan. Many people will use checklists as part of their planning process. These may be found online or devised in a manner that makes sense to them and their unique situation. Also, consider involving family and friends for help and to keep you focused.
The more lead time you have before the move will influence your strategy. If you are looking for maybe 2 to 5 years to make a move, you may not know what kind of space you are planning for. A great way is to utilize part of your spring-cleaning time to focus in part on the task of reducing clutter or getting unused items into the hands of others who can use and appreciate them.
For timeframes of a year or less, you may be able to utilize the opportunity that spring cleaning presents, but you will also need to plan on something at least monthly or more often, with those you have to help you.
You will need to consider the following things:
What to keep – the things you use and enjoy
What to get rid of – things not used, obsolete, worn out, etc.
How to dispose of things - give to a family member or friend, donate, sell, trash, recycle)
Strategies to consider may be:
Start with smaller rooms/areas with things of less sentimental value first to get comfortable with the process and gain confidence.
Consider what your new lifestyle will look like and use that to help determine what you’ll keep.
Fitness Room available? You’re not likely to need to bring your own exercise equipment.
Meals Available? You’ll need fewer pots/pans/dishes/appliances.
Storage area available? You can neatly organize seasonal/holiday items.
Housekeeping available? You’ll need fewer cleaning supplies.
Transportation available? You can possibly sell your car.
Shred items with personal information on them if no longer needed.
With proper planning and execution, much of the stress associated with downsizing and moving can be greatly reduced, enabling you and your family to spend more time enjoying the process of moving to a new home and meeting new friends.
For more advice, or greater assistance with the transition process and downsizing, please reach out to one of our skilled professionals at Siena on Brendenwood. We are happy to help you with furniture measurements and placements, as well as having numerous resources for items you may wish to donate.
