3-Step Strategy to Downsizing


Whether you’re planning a future move or just wanting a clean space, prepare with a three-step strategy designed to help you start and sustain success.


When you’re ready to downsize, start with a list of things you absolutely need, then jot down a separate list of non-necessities. Or list all of the items in each room and rate them one to five (from most to least important). Once you know what you plan to purge, mark your calendar with your official downsizing date. 


On downsizing day, focus only on one room at a time. Ideal things to remove include: decorative furnishings, clothes and apparel not worn in the past year, hygiene products, lawn furniture, outdated electronics, old mail, gardening and landscaping tools. Divide and conquer; organize items into things you plan to donate or sell, and items you need to throw away.


To maintain your downsized home, instead of buying new gardening tools, hire someone to maintain your yard. Shop for items and clothes only to replace things that are broken. And consider renting spur-of-the-moment items you plan to use only once, such as lawn furniture and home cleaning appliances, instead of committing to an item that could collect dust down the line.

Trash or Treasure? Tips for Throwing it Away


Not sure what to do with a whatchamacallit? Don’t want something, but it’s still useful? Not sure if something is beyond repair? Find the fastest route to freedom with this easy approach to responsible home rearranging.


•  Is the item heavily worn that it is unusable? If you wouldn’t use it, it’s best not to give it to someone else. Trash it.


• Is the item worn but still useable? Crafters and thrift stores can refinish worn furnishings and recycle them. Put this in a treasure pile.


• Is the item valuable? If you plan to sell your furnishings, know the worth of each item. Don’t take just anyone’s word for it. Appraisers and auctioneers are happy to evaluate your furnishings to provide you with its true value. If your items are truly treasures and you decide to sell, you could come up top dollar. Or if you choose to give it away, you may be able to write it off as a tax-deductible donation.
 

With seniors in mind, this is an article sponsored by The Bridge at Ooltewah.