Downsizing: making it easy to giveaway your belongings

Many people in modern times decide to downsize their home and there can be many reasons behind this decision that may include going through a divorce, kids leaving home, a drop in income, retirement, or moving to a smaller place. In fact, trusted local movers recommend downsizing as a great way to save money while moving houses. No matter what the reason is downsizing or as we call it, de-cluttering is significant. Though downsizing can be stressful and against your will, it makes space for the other important things. 

We gather things along with life and knowingly or unknowingly get attach to them and find it hard to get rid of them. Every particular item at our homes has its significance and emotional value but it is always good to de-cluttering or downsizing your home at regular intervals to have positive energy. 

Though the whole downsizing process is painful, the most tedious part of downsizing is deciding which possessions you want to keep and which to give away. 

Here are some steps that you can follow to have a less painful and smoother downsizing experience:

Take Photographs

Taking photographs before downsizing your house will give you two benefits. The first benefit is that you will be able to keep the memories of your place after you move out and another is you will be able to decide what all you want to pare down by looking through the pictures

Keep Your Favourite Stuff

It is important to recognize the need for things when you decide to make a list of unwanted things. Not only things that you need but also give importance to the things that carry any sentimental value or things that give you pleasure. But make sure you get rid of anything which is broken or chipped. 

Make yourself important and believe that you are worthy of new and good stuff. Don’t keep your new and good stuff for future use especially when you need them now. Many times, it is seen that people use ragged stuff and keep the new stuff for the future which is not right. 

Always use the new stuff regularly and don’t keep it for future or special occasions. It is also seen that some people keep their good and expensive goods for their kids and many grandparents want to pass on their valuable and expensive possessions to their grandkids. Try to understand the fact that your children or grandchildren may not like the stuff as much as you do. The things that you are saving for them, today, will not possess the same value in the future. The designs and fashion change and so will their choice. 

Give away

Downsizing a house has its emotional aspects but, make sure whatever you give away, give with no strings attached. Don’t feel uncomfortable while giving away your old stuff, try and feel happy that someone else will be using it now and how happy they must be on getting it. Be a generous giver and try to find happiness in other’s happiness. 

And, the same way, if a family member gives you anything, accept it wholeheartedly. The giver will always concerned and want to be sure that the new owner will like their stuff. If the new owner likes the stuff and uses it then the person who is giving away feels happy in letting go of his things.

You can consider giving away your stuff at some charities and make downsizing a rewarding experience. 

Digitize Whatever You Can

Elderly people generally have a filing cabinet with old tax documents, real estate files, and other paperwork which are important but can be saved otherwise too. All you have to do is, scan all the important documents and save them and rest all unnecessary documents can be recycled.

Similarly, you can digitize your video cassettes, CDs, DVDs, and photographs and save them to the cloud or a local hard drive like a pen drive to free up space. The other important documents like birth certificates, educational certificates, and property papers that you need to have a hard copy of, can fit in a single folder. All DVDs and CDs can be converted to digital files and you will be able to get rid of a lot of paper, discs, and videos.

Photographs are every important to relive our most memorable moments and they definitely, possess great value in one’s life but it is not the piece of paper that is valuable. Pictures collected in albums get dust and acquire space so the best way to keep your memories safe is to scan all your photographs and store them digitally to free up space. 

Set Priorities

The most crucial thing that we have to get rid of is our furniture. You may find it difficult to part with your expensive and heavy furniture items. But if you own a small space then it is not a good idea to fill it up with extra furniture. Try to keep your multifunctional furniture with you like a sofa cum bed is of great use when you have to put up with many guests. 

By keeping the above-said points in mind, you will surely be able to downsize your home guilt-free and stress-free.