12 Essential Downsizing Tips from People Who’ve Been There
Whatever challenges you’re facing, we’ve gathered invaluable downsizing tips from people who’ve recently gone through the process.
“I can do this and I know my life will be better at the end of my move,” Michelle Crocker repeated to herself during her downsizing experience. Crocker and her family of four were tasked with downsizing from their 7,000 square foot estate in Encinitas, California, to a 3,000 square foot multi-story on the beach. While their new home was just six miles down the road, the big challenge was selecting just half of their belongings to fit the downsized, seaside lifestyle.
Downsizing your home is daunting. Take the stress of moving and compound it with the emotional challenge of going through years (in some cases decades) worth of stuff. For some, downsizing comes with the third difficulty of dealing with loss, whether it be loss of a loved one, loss of the kids moving out, or loss of the physical ability to go up and down stairs.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, we’ve gathered invaluable tips from people who’ve been there to help you through the process. Crocker shares her experiences along with Gary Moore, another recent Californian downsizer who gave up half his square footage in Villa Park so he and his wife could enjoy living in the lively city of Newport Beach. Top San Juan Capistrano, California, real estate agent Simon Guy also joins our conversation, lending us his professional advice from his 18 years of experience helping clients downsize their homes.
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Tip #1: Acknowledge the emotional side of downsizing
Downsizing isn’t just about sorting through furniture and boxes — it’s also an emotional process. Letting go of items that hold sentimental value can be difficult, and adjusting to a smaller space may feel overwhelming. Talk to friends, family, or even a professional organizer if you’re struggling. Having someone else there can also make decisions easier and keep you motivated.
Downsizing is a chance to simplify your life and focus on what truly matters. By shifting your mindset and keeping the right items, you can make the transition a positive one.
Tip #2: Give yourself time
Downsizing should be a process — not an event — so start early.
“Most people wait too long until they have to downsize in a state of trauma or emergency or challenge versus doing it preemptively and actually enjoying it,” Guy relays. Taking your time with the downsize will make the event less stressful, allowing you a bigger window to evaluate which items you really need before moving into your new home.
When the first thought of downsizing crosses your mind, set the intention to reduce your items with three boxes in your garage labeled “donation,” “give to family,” and “e-waste.” These boxes will allow you to reduce your belongings in a gradual, eco-friendly way. As you come across unneeded items during your normal routine, simply put them in the appropriate box and continue on with your day.
By donating and handing down items, your unwanted stuff can be appreciated by new owners instead of wasting away in a landfill. Separating electronics from your general waste is crucial since many devices contain toxic substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can cause environmental and human harm. Make sure to recycle e-waste properly so professionals can dissemble parts safely and reuse materials for new devices.
At the latest, you should finish decluttering before you list your home. Our Top Agent Insights for End of Year 2024 report reveals it could generate an additional $11,706 in sales proceeds; it’s one of the easiest, most effective ways to increase resale value.
Tip #3: Measure your new space and evaluate your storage options
Before moving, measure your new space and scope out opportunities to increase storage so you know exactly how much space you’ll have for your belongings.
“We measured our new rooms and penciled out where our furniture would go,” Crocker says, explaining this step was key to deciding which pieces her family would bring from their old home.
The number one trick for adding storage is to take advantage of vertical space. Get creative with floor-to-ceiling shelving units, hanging pot racks, door organizers, and furniture with hidden storage. In the garage, install hooks and shelves to hang sporting equipment and garden tools.
If you need a little more space, consider adding a shed to the backyard. Crocker’s husband built one on the side of their new home for the family’s seasonal extras; “I have so many boxes for different holiday decorations. I just love decorating!” she shares.
Follow these DIY instructions to build your own, or buy one like this Suncast Tremont Storage Shed from Home Depot.
