Making a move from a large home to a smaller one can be both a blessing and a challenge. More and more people are realizing that they don’t need to live in huge homes, and some are choosing to make the move to smaller digs. Others downsize for different reasons. Some move out of their large home because the kids are leaving the house, they are retiring or they are simply ready for condo life where someone else will mow the lawn. Whatever the reason for the move, one challenge is present across the board: How to fit all of your furniture, knick knacks and wall decor into your petite new home.

The simple answer is that you can’t. Obviously, the furniture and wall decorations that you had in your 2500 square foot home aren’t going to fit into your new 1000 square feet of living space.

Many make the mistake of trying to cram as much as possible into the new home and this results in a cluttered feeling that makes it impossible to feel relaxed and organized. Instead of trying to hold on to everything from your last house, here are some tips to make the process of downsizing as painless as possible.

• Know What You Want

Sure, at first thought you might feel that you want to keep every single item in your home. But you have made the decision to downsize your home, so that is not an option. Everyone has items with sentimental value that they can’t part with, so the first step is identifying those items. Go through each room and make a list of those items with which you absolutely will not part. If, after the first pass through the house you still have way too much then go through again. Remember that not everything that doesn’t go into your new home has to be thrown away. Consider giving special items to family members and close friends.

• Stop Shopping!

Yes, it’s always fun to shop when moving to a new home, but by cutting down on the new items, it will help keep your home uncluttered. Even when you buy new things, keep open the option of returning the item if it doesn’t work in the new space. One rule of living in a small space is not bringing in anything new unless something else goes. So if you feel like you really need that new metal abstract artwork, then you’ve got to pick another item to give away or sell.

• Be Honest

You are NEVER going to read the entire collection of Louis L’Amour books that you’ve amassed. They are taking up space, are not adding to the attractiveness of your home and serve no true purpose. Get rid of them! Most people have something that they’ve been hanging onto so they can wear it, read it, craft it etc… someday. Be honest with yourself, and you’ll be able to free up a lot of space and get rid of a lot of clutter.

Living in a smaller space can be wonderful. There is less cleaning and, if you do it right, less clutter. Make your move to a smaller space a pleasant experience by downsizing not only your home, but your possessions as well.

Making a move from a large home to a smaller one can be both a blessing and a challenge. More and more people are realizing that they don’t need to live in huge homes, and some are choosing to make the move to smaller digs. Others downsize for different reasons. Some move out of their large home because the kids are leaving the house, they are retiring or they are simply ready for condo life where someone else will mow the lawn. Whatever the reason for the move, one challenge is present across the board: How to fit all of your furniture, knick knacks and wall decor into your petite new home.

The simple answer is that you can’t. Obviously, the furniture and wall decorations that you had in your 2500 square foot home aren’t going to fit into your new 1000 square feet of living space.

Many make the mistake of trying to cram as much as possible into the new home and this results in a cluttered feeling that makes it impossible to feel relaxed and organized. Instead of trying to hold on to everything from your last house, here are some tips to make the process of downsizing as painless as possible.

• Know What You Want

Sure, at first thought you might feel that you want to keep every single item in your home. But you have made the decision to downsize your home, so that is not an option. Everyone has items with sentimental value that they can’t part with, so the first step is identifying those items. Go through each room and make a list of those items with which you absolutely will not part. If, after the first pass through the house you still have way too much then go through again. Remember that not everything that doesn’t go into your new home has to be thrown away. Consider giving special items to family members and close friends.

• Stop Shopping!

Yes, it’s always fun to shop when moving to a new home, but by cutting down on the new items, it will help keep your home uncluttered. Even when you buy new things, keep open the option of returning the item if it doesn’t work in the new space. One rule of living in a small space is not bringing in anything new unless something else goes. So if you feel like you really need that new metal abstract artwork, then you’ve got to pick another item to give away or sell.

• Be Honest

You are NEVER going to read the entire collection of Louis L’Amour books that you’ve amassed. They are taking up space, are not adding to the attractiveness of your home and serve no true purpose. Get rid of them! Most people have something that they’ve been hanging onto so they can wear it, read it, craft it etc… someday. Be honest with yourself, and you’ll be able to free up a lot of space and get rid of a lot of clutter.

Living in a smaller space can be wonderful. There is less cleaning and, if you do it right, less clutter. Make your move to a smaller space a pleasant experience by downsizing not only your home, but your possessions as well.