Downsizing can be a large task to undertake, let alone begin. Years of belongings tucked away in closets, cabinets, and the garage; family albums, souvenirs, and household items that have collected over decades. Finding the time (or just the motivation) to begin sorting through things can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with the uncertainties of moving to a new home.
You may have resided in your current family home for many years, where many things hold an emotional value or connections to memories. While it’s important to keep these things close, the process of downsizing – a necessary step when planning towards retirement – can provide a fulfilling and liberating experience.
Downsizing is an important endeavour, making ‘space for the new’, both physically and emotionally. What might have held emotional value years ago, may not hold that same value at present; what may have been useful at one point, no longer serves a purpose; and what might have filled a need in the past, no longer has a need to fill.
Many specialists in mental health recommend regular decluttering, suggesting “a cluttered home causes a cluttered mind.” While ‘clutter’ means something different to everyone, their counsel refers to simply removing things from one’s life that no longer hold a purpose, and therefore may be dismissed from the space it fills. Be open to the process, and you’ll be surprised how good it feels, leaving you with a simpler lifestyle, less responsibilities, and more time for hobbies & connections.
“…downsizing is not about giving up a current way of life, but embracing a new lifestyle.”
Downsizing can include a garage-purge – tools, power tools, scrap metal/lumber or larger equipment that is either beyond repair or no longer needed. It can include a kitchen tidy-up, sorting through collections of dishes, bakeware/cookware or small appliances which have, instead, been collecting dust. Maybe you’ve recently become an empty-nester, resulting in bedrooms becoming storage spaces. It can be daunting to know where to start, making you feel emotionally-burdened. Here are five tips that can help you get started in scaling back:
1. Start Early You may not need to downsize quite yet, but if you start now, it can make a planned (or un-planned) future move a lot smoother & quicker.
2. Start Small A few boxes per week or one room per month; choose a small area or a few things to sort through on a regular basis, and the process will seem a lot less difficult.
3. Donate In certain circumstances, it may feel better to donate things to good-will, knowing that someone else may be looking for just the thing you no longer need.
4. Seek Help Larger appliances, furniture or equipment may include heavy lifting. Sorting through certain belongings may open emotional wounds from the past. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from family members, friends or neighbours.
5. Stay Proactive Recognize that the decision to downsize is not about giving up a current way of life, but embracing a new lifestyle. Take satisfaction in knowing you’re preparing to establish and enjoy new things ahead!
The team at Pennock Village recognizes that the transition towards a new home involves many decisions and preparations, beyond just downsizing. Meaningfully downsizing, selling a current home, and seeking financial advice – we are here to offer support and answer any questions, allowing you to explore options at your own pace. Let us help you start down the pathway to a meaningful new chapter in your life!