The Downsizing Process Steps.

Cindy Murphy
Nov 19
7 min read

Episode #8: Staying in your home vs. moving, what's involved?

This week, the "Living Smaller & Loving It!" blog is taking a look at the many steps involved in downsizing. Whether you're planning a move or staying in your home, we've got the steps to help you make sense of it all.

The 5 categories to use when sorting your household items. — **The downsizing process steps.**

Scenario ONE: Staying in your home.

Making the decision, it's time to clear the excess from your home. I like to say, "You know when you know," when it's time to downsize your belongings. There are many reasons why; here are just a few. You may be tired of looking at the decor you've had for years, or you may be exhausted by all the clutter. Navigating around furniture to walk through a room has become an annoyance. Being unable to find clothes that fit or searching through overly stuffed dresser drawers is frustrating. Shuffling through kitchen cabinets and drawers to find the right baking dish or utensil (how many spatulas does one kitchen really need?) is a challenge. Ready for a fresh start?

Committing to the process and the work it will take. It takes a lot of desire and commitment to achieve the downsizing results you're after. Patience is key, and a strong determination will get you over the finish line. If you want it, you can get it, but it won't happen overnight, so take a deep breath. Please take a minute to visit our blog post: Decide. Commit. Believe. Achieve.

Making a plan and setting goals. Without a plan, your progress may be haphazard, with a lot of task-hopping, which can cause frustration throughout the process—starting and stopping, shifting gears, jumping from one task (or room) to another without completing what you'd started. These and other obstacles can easily derail progress. The key is to stay focused even when something comes up that tries to knock you off course. Putting together the best plan for you and your work style will keep you moving forward toward your goals. And remember, plans can be modified to fit your situation, especially if things change along the way. See our post on setting goals and making a plan: Making a Downsizing Plan.

Sorting and paring down. Room-by-room, drawer-by-drawer, closet-by-closet. Sorting through and paring down your stuff is by far the most time-consuming and often hardest step in the downsizing process. It's the step that forces you to be honest about your belongings and your relationship to them. Success will come with patience and a realistic (truthful) mindset. Using "The 5 Sorting Categories", blog post links below, will assist you in determining what to do with your belongings as you sort. Be sure to schedule enough time to complete this step.

The 5 Sorting Categories (blog post links below):

The Things I'll be Keeping.

Gifting to Family & Friends.

Let's Donate.

Ways to Sell My Stuff.

Recycle and Trash. (At the bottom of the "Sell" page.)

Acknowledging and working through the emotions that may pop up during downsizing. This is a real "thing". We've experienced it firsthand and have witnessed it with our clients many times over the years. You're working along, making progress, then, out of the blue, a thought or a memory pops into your head, and the emotions rise to the surface. Tears may come. Sometimes it's anger, but either way, understanding the "why" is very important. Feel what you're feeling and acknowledge it. Step away from the task you were doing and take care of yourself for however long it takes. Return to your task when you're ready. If you need help from a family member, friend, or professional, ask for it.

Redesigning and changing your existing space into something wonderfully new and inviting. This is an exciting step in the downsizing process if you're staying in your home! You've cleared away the old, and now it's time to look forward to the new. Many of our clients are amazed at how much of their own furnishings and decor they can incorporate into their redesigned space. No need to go out and buy "new" unless that's what you want. Sit back and experience the joy of your redesigned cozy space that focuses on comfort, not clutter — embrace the new and say goodbye to the old.

Scenario TWO: Moving.

You've decided it's time to move. There are so many reasons why people want to downsize to a more manageable home and a simpler lifestyle. If you're at the considering stage, what are some of the POSITIVES and NEGATIVES you've been thinking about?

Listed below are a couple of our professional PRO and CON insights from years of helping older adults downsize.

#1 POSITIVE Reason: Less to take care of.

This is the number one answer we hear over and over again in our downsizing seminars. As people age, they have less and less desire to tend to the needs of the house, both indoor and outdoor. Things like keeping up with general maintenance, mowing/lawn care, and snow removal, the rising cost of utilities, and, of course, taxes (if applicable). Although it may be sad to leave their longtime, memory-rich home, they believe that as they age, it's the best solution for them, and they don't want to wait too long. Our experience: the older the client, the harder it is for them to make a smooth transition.

#1 NEGATIVE Reason: The work involved and the decisions to be made.

These can literally stop a well-intentioned person from moving forward. There's simply too much to think about and too much to do. And the older the person is, the more challenging the scenario. Often, without help, a move will not happen; however, taking small steps toward the goal can bring success. We're frequently asked, "How soon should someone begin sorting and paring down their belongings?" and our answer is always, "It's never too early!" especially if you see a move on the horizon, either down the road or just around the corner. We work with our clients in a coaching capacity. We don't make decisions for them, but we will guide them through some of the decisions that come up. It's amazing how well working as a "team" can be.

To review our services, please click this link: Services | Downsizing Simplified

Below are links to past blog posts on various downsizing-related topics you may find helpful, such as deciding and committing to the move process, putting together an achievable plan with realistic goals, and sorting and paring down in preparation for the move.

CATCHING UP.

Episode #1: Hello! "Living Smaller & Loving It!" BLOG kickoff.

Episode #2: Making the decision and commitment to downsizing and living a simpler life with fewer possessions.

Episode #3: Making a PLAN. Whether planning a move or staying in your current home, the importance of setting goals and creating a personalized plan tailored to your specific downsizing scenario.

"The 5 Sorting Categories" Series -- Keep. Family & Friends. Donate. Sell. Trash/Recycle.

Episode #4: The importance of "you" and keeping (within reason) the things that have special meaning for you.

Episode #5: Gifting loved, but unwanted items, to family and friends.

Episode #6: Donate. Donate. Donate—the different donation scenarios and some local options in Kansas City.

Episode #7: The final episode of "The 5 Categories" Series--Selling, recycling, and trash.

Finding a new home environment. How you want to live your next life phase will involve taking your current needs into account and looking forward 2-5 years. How will things possibly change? Of course, none of us has a crystal ball, but we can be realistic about our health, for instance. Should I/we consider independent retirement communities —monthly rent versus a continuing care setting? Is apartment living for me/us? There are so many considerations.

What's important to you in your next home? Below is a PDF you can download and print to help you identify the essentials in your new home search. "New Home Considerations Worksheet/Checklist" © Downsizing Simplified

Begin sorting and paring down. Remember, according to our professional experience, this is by far the hardest step in the downsizing process. Allow enough time to complete the tasks in this step, and please don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it or if you're facing a tight deadline. Please refer to blog posts Episodes 4-7 (the links are listed above) for additional guidance. As you sort and pare down, consider your new space. What furniture and decor will fit comfortably in the space (remember comfort, not clutter)? If you are considering an estate sale, now would be a good time to contact companies. See blog post Episode 7 "Ways to Sell Your Stuff" which outlines the different ways you can sell what remains.

Begin packing. You can do this task as you're sorting and paring down. You can pack yourself or hire a professional(s) to assist you. Allow enough time to meet the schedules you've set.

Hire a mover. Contact one or two recommended moving companies for estimates. Most movers also offer packing services; in case you need a quote for this additional service.

Selling your home. If you have a home to sell, it's time to contact real estate agents (recommended: 2 -3 agents). This is a significant working relationship, so take the time to interview the agents before making a decision. Timing is also crucial, especially if you plan to hold an estate sale. Your agent can advise you on when to put the house on the market, how to prepare (stage) it for photos and showings. Everything must come together smoothly.

Moving into your new home. It will take some time to unpack, settle in, and get familiar with your new surroundings. And, there will undoubtedly be emotions that will pop up that may even surprise you. This is all part of the moving experience, and everyone's process is different. Show yourself some grace. Be patient and try not to second-guess your decision, and remember the "why". In all the years we've been working with clients, we've never had one say, "I wish I hadn't moved.", but instead we hear, "Why didn't I do this sooner?". Lastly, please take the time to become familiar with your new environment as quickly as possible, not only your home but also everything that comes with it — people, places, and things — it's essential. Best wishes!

"Living Smaller & Loving It!" That's what it's all about!

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We'll be pausing the BLOG on Wednesday, November 26th, to celebrate Thanksgiving with our family & friends. Blessings to you all...eat lots of turkey and don't forget the PIE (yum-o!).