Tips to Get Started in Downsizing

The thought of downsizing brings about different emotions for everyone.  Some are overwhelmed and others find it freeing.  No matter where you fall in this spectrum, downsizing requires time and the willingness to let things go.  Whether you are moving to a smaller home, senior living or assisted living, the key is to start early.  We will share some practical tips to help you begin.

Understand Your Vision

Before initiating the process ask yourself:

• Where am I moving? Will you stay close to family in the Twin Cities or move to be close to them?
• How much space will I have?
• What do I want  and need in my new home?
• What will make home feel like home?

Answering these four questions will help you understand what you can realistically keep. Senior living apartments range in size from a studio up to a three-bedroom unit.  If you are going from a multi-level home to a patio home, you will not have as much storage space. The storage in senior living is typically four feet long by four feet wide by eight feet tall.  It’s ideal for plastic bins, luggage or other large items that may not fit into a closet.

Start Early!

Even if you are just thinking about downsizing, start the process six or more months in advance.  Your things hold emotional connections, and it might be difficult to let them go.  Beginning in areas like:

• Closets
• Kitchen utensils- How many slotted spoons do you need?
• Paperwork- Old tax filings, check registers, expired documents- You will want a shredder for this! OR search for  ‘shredder events near me’.  In doing this quite a few locations came up St. Paul, Bloomington, Inver Grove…
• Garage & Storage
• Treasured items that you want to gift to a family member.

The “Four-Box’ Method

Many people find it helpful to sort items into categories.  Label one box for:

• Keep- These are the things you absolutely cannot part with. They are going to your new home.
• Donate- Find a non-profit that can repurpose or rehome things that have life left in them. It feels good to pass items on that other people can enjoy.
• Sell- If you have items of value, you can sell them for extra cash. A word of caution, there are many scams out there.  Never share financial information with someone you do not know. Many cities have special public spaces dedicated to meet if you are buying/selling items from people you do not know.
• Discard- For items that cannot be donated and are truly garbage. Bagster or a dumpster may be needed for larger items.

Get Help

You do not have to do this alone! There are plenty of professionals that specialize in downsizing.  Hiring a senior move manager is very helpful.  They specialize in helping older adults.  Get your family involved!  Are you storing things from your kid’s childhood?  Give them a deadline to pick it up and if they don’t come, decide which of the “four boxes” it goes into.  Pass along heirlooms and photo albums.  It can be a fun activity for the entire family.

Keep what tells your story.  You don’t need everything- keep what is most meaningful to you.  Put these items out in your new home so you can enjoy them.  Letting go of stuff can often make you feel a little lighter.  Give yourself grace.  Downsizing is emotional.  It’s about making progress toward creating a simpler, more manageable next chapter.