For empty nesters, seniors and others who find themselves moving into a smaller space, downsizing can feel emotionally and physically overwhelming. But careful planning and perspective can make it easier.
It helps to keep your eyes on the prize, experts say. Envision how great it will feel to be unburdened by excess and achieve your goal of living happily with less, in a smaller but comfortable space, says Stephanie Sisco, home editor for Real Simple Magazine.
For seniors, it helps to think of the process as a way to put things in order now so the burden of sorting through everything doesn’t fall to your family later.
For families, downsizing is a great chance to teach kids organizational skills, she says.
“Kids might not be able to help much in the garage or kitchen, but they are experts on their own toys, and know which things they care about and which can go,” Sisco says.