Making Your Downsizing Plan.

Ep#3: Downsizing 101: Setting goals and making plans.

This week, our "Living Smaller & Loving It!" BLOG brought to you by Downsizing Simplified focuses on creating a personalized downsizing plan that works for you--no two plans are alike. Episode #2 blog post was about making the decision to downsize and committing to the process steps involved, whether you are planning a move or staying in your home.

NOTE: This post will be a 2-parter. Ep#4's blog post will offer ideas on what to do with your stuff as you work through your plan.

Committing to live a simpler, less complicated life doesn't mean you have to become a minimalist, but it does require you to take a thorough look at the varied contents in your home--room by room.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if there were a decluttering wand available that we could wave around over each room and have things taken care of, poof and done. Too bad this isn't a thing, right?

Please keep in mind that as your downsizing journey begins, it will likely be more challenging than you expected. The amount of decluttering needed will determine the time it takes--days, weeks, months, or even years. But take heart, with the right personalized plan, downsizing can be accomplished.

Room-by-Room. Putting Your Customized Plan in Place.

Let's jump right in. First, grab a pencil and paper — a spiral-bound notebook or journal would also work. Next, pick a room, any room, in your home, and don't forget the garage, basement, and attic; they also count. You'll be working in one room at a time* so title your page with the appropriate room name and date it. Take a seat, you're ready to begin your assessment of the room. Now, look around at everything in that room. What do you see? Write down all items in the room that you're tired of looking at, are out of place (don't belong), or perhaps you need to get rid of.

*We strongly suggest focusing on one room at a time. We do not recommend "task hopping" for most people, as it can lead to confusion and loss of focus.

Here are a few room list examples to consider:

• Too much furniture, making it hard to navigate around.

• Area rugs that have become tripping hazards.

• An abundance of collectibles and decor items.

• Fine China, crystal stemware, and formal serving pieces no longer used.

• A dining table that has been repurposed as an "office" space/desk.

• Holiday decorations, many of which haven't been used in years.

• Linen closets overflowing with too many towel and sheet sets.

• Kitchen cabinets, drawers, countertops, and pantry with an abundance of utensils, dishes, plastics, expired food, and small appliances (you get the picture).

• Garage and basement items hanging from walls and rafters and stuffed in storage cabinets.

• Long-forgotten things stored in the attic for years--out of sight, out of mind.

• Bedroom closets and dresser drawers filled to capacity with clothes and accessories.

• Stacked boxes and tubs sitting unopened in storage.

  
  

It will take time to make your lists, but don't get discouraged. You are taking the initiative to assess and address the excess and unwanted stuff in your home. You're ready to take action. Building your plan (room by room) takes time, so budget enough time and be as thorough as possible. You may even find yourself taking more than one pass at a room--adding more things to your list. Stay focused on the task and keep your list in a place where you can easily access it because it will serve as the foundation of your downsizing to-do roadmap.

Lists Made. Now the Sorting and Paring Down Begins.

If you've never faced this step in the downsizing process, you will soon discover how time-consuming and challenging it can be. You will be called upon to make decisions, sometimes quickly, sometimes extremely difficult, and sometimes as easy as pie. Taking this step in manageable chunks of time is important to avoid becoming overwhelmed. And if you're moving, it can be even more challenging, as you'll likely be working within a tight timeframe. And keep in mind that if you're moving, space planning is critical during this downsizing step to avoid overcrowding your new home. Focus on comfort, not clutter.

Mapping it out. We suggest using a calendar or whiteboard to list all the tasks by room with dates assigned as you begin your work. (Tasks become real and are visible when added to the calendar.) Everyone is different, but some prefer to tackle the most complex tasks first, while others start with the easiest and work their way up to the most difficult. Whichever approach you choose, allowing enough time to complete the tasks is essential.

List the room and its associated tasks and assign the necessary days/hours for completion. Of course, you may be guessing at this, as some tasks will take less time than anticipated, and some will take more, but the tasks are written down and can be adjusted as needed. Flexibility is important as you work through your tasks.

Be kind to yourself and keep your stamina and other considerations, such as health or appointments outside the home, in mind. Being realistic will help you avoid becoming discouraged and overwhelmed with your progress. If needed, we suggest using a basic kitchen timer set at ten-minute time increments to help you stay focused and on track with your tasks. You can adjust the time as needed, depending on the task. Also, try listening to some music. Filling the space with entertaining tunes may be just what the doctor ordered!

When help is needed. Asking for help may also be wise if you need it. There are times when bringing in an extra set of hands can be beneficial, especially if it helps avoid burnout. We assist many clients through this downsizing step, acting as coaches and providing hands-on assistance. Here's the link to our Services page on our website: Services | Downsizing Simplified

Help can provide a huge relief, but remember, you are the decision-maker (the boss) about your things. Too many suggestions or opinions from outsiders can hinder progress, including advice from well-intentioned family members or friends.

Because this downsizing step is often the most difficult and time-consuming, we recommend proactive room assessments begin sooner, rather than later. This is not an age-specific step.

Episode #4 will cover how to sort efficiently, along with options available for what to do with the stuff you no longer want or need. If you have a friend or family member who could benefit from our posts, please be sure to SHARE. We appreciate your support and feel free to leave a comment or contact us through our website at: Contact | Downsizing Simplified

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Living smaller, or downsizing, is about making the necessary choices to redefine what it means to live a more condensed, refined, and purposeful lifestyle and love it. It's a deliberate choice that results in a simplified life, allowing you to enjoy your environment more fully. So, whether you are moving or looking to redesign your existing living space(s), we're here for you.

We will cover many helpful downsizing topics and tips, which we hope will help expand your knowledge and foster a healthy attitude about living smaller.

Here are a few blog post topics we've got in store for our subscribers:

• Making the decision to downsize (moving or aging in place). Ep#2

• Downsizing is a series of steps, a process. What are the steps to successful downsizing? Ep#3

• How to craft a downsizing plan that works. Learn how to stay connected and on track with your plan. Ep#3

• Sorting and paring down is the most time-consuming and challenging step in the downsizing process—planning it out, pulling it off. Ep#3 & Ep#4

• Avoid wasting time organizing your clutter. Understanding the chaos that clutter causes—the Chronic Keeper explained.

• Seasonal opportunities to declutter, organize, and donate. Sorting & paring down clothing, decor, and more.

• Finding a new home environment that meets your needs today and in the future. (Calling all retirement communities!)

• Redesigning and rethinking your current living space. Discover a new look that offers a fresh perspective on how you live.

• Making decisions about the things you no longer want or need. (Family, friends, sell, donate, trash.) Ep#4

• Understanding the emotional side of leaving a longtime, memory-rich home. Asking for support when you need it.

• Talking to the family. Preparing for possible pushback. or embracing your downsizing decision with open arms.

• How to hire professional downsizing help. How do you know when the time may be right? Ep#3

• Helping family members through the downsizing process. Adult children and parents—local and long-distance.

• Understanding how estate sales work (mostly). From a garage sale to selling online, explaining the choices available.

• Thrift stores can be our friends or not. Best practices for donating your items. Avoiding the thrift store traps.

• Packing, moving, and unpacking. Settling into your new lifestyle as quickly as possible.

• Selling your home. Getting the house buyer ready. Selecting the right real estate agent.

...and so much more!

Is there a topic you would like to have explored or a personal downsizing story you'd like to share? Send us a message, we'd love to hear from you! (Your experience could help others.)

We recently completed our newly redesigned website (September 2025), and we're incredibly excited about

the additional content we've added, as well as the ease of navigation to help you on your downsizing household journey.

We've added an FAQ section and will soon be adding a Short Takes/News page (scheduled for October 2025).

Click here to take the new website tour!

We're excited to announce that our audio blog will be available soon. Subscribe to the BLOG.

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Thank you so much; we appreciate your support.

As a reminder, our consultations are FREE. To schedule a consultation, please visit our Contact page on the website.

© Living Smaller & Loving It! Downsizing Simplified, 2025