A common perception about downsizing is that it’s the lifestyle of the minimalist or that it is just for seniors. Downsizing first and foremost is about simplifying your lifestyle. Without a doubt this is achieved through decluttering and organizing your home environment. Below are some Practical Ways to Downsize and Simplify Life.
1. Free up time in your day
Many of the daily tasks that we perform in person can be facilitated online. Obviously you can reduce the amount of time spent in the bank by paying your bills online. Shopping for groceries and other items can also be done online. Think of all the time you will save in a day to perform other duties or just simply relax and spend your time living life your way.
Some people find it stressful and time-consuming commuting to stores and then standing in lineups. If you are finding it difficult juggling daily demands, a daily planner and a to do list will simplify your life and reduce stress and disappointment.
2. Spend less time on your phone and devices
Many of us have apps on our devices that consume hours in a day. We sit there scrolling mindlessly. Undoubtedly the time spent online might better be served sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, neighbor or family member.
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If you want to test the impact of social media on your life, simply delete social media for a week. How did you spend the extra time all week? How do you feel about it?
3. Eliminate the junk drawer and catch all areas
Eliminate the catch all space. Junk drawers collect clutter. Sort thru the junk drawer and decide what to keep and find an appropriate place for the item.
4. Donations
Create a permanent area for donations. This will help in a big way in keeping your area clean and decluttered. Last but not least as you come across items that you no longer need or want you can drop items off at a donation bin at the end of every month.
5. Get the most out of your wardrobe
Search through your clothing and toss anything that is old, worn, doesn’t fit. Donate items in good condition. Take stalk of the remaining wardrobe and divide it into seasons and store any clothing out of season. This will keep your closets and dressers decluttered.
6. Kitchen
Kitchens declutter starts with removing doubles of anything and everything. Refrigerators free of magnets and post it notes. Don’t turn your fridge door into a filing cabinet of to do lists and bills. Donate any working appliances that you no longer use. Keep counter tops clear of appliances and stored in cabinetry.
7. Declutter one spot at a time
To prevent becoming overwhelmed pick a spot and start there. Start with a closet, under a bed and branch out from there. If you tire easily dedicate a half an hour every day to do a little bit more.
8. Decorations and collectibles
People can go overboard when it comes to home décor. Not every corner or nook needs to be decorated. A room that has too much for the eyes to see can feel cluttered and unclean. Minimize décor, collectibles or designate a room for your show pieces. Not every wall needs a family photo. Create a photo album and free up some wall or shelf space.
9. Cluttered entry way
Create adequate space for shoes and coats. If space is limited keep everyday items in closet and find another space to hang and store excess items not used daily. Only storing what is necessary in your entryway will keep it clear of clutter.
10. Wall to wall furniture
Part of loving your space means filling your space with things you love but too much furniture can make your home look small and cluttered. Maybe you inherited antiques and are feeling guilty about letting them go.
Its more important that you are happy with the way your home looks and have furnishings that appeal to your sense of taste. Letting go of clutter is a freeing experience.
Roy Thomas SRES® (Senior’s Real Estate Specialist) is a REALTOR® with Sutton Group Professional Realty. Since 1991, Roy specializes in helping retirees with their later in life real estate transactions. Call Roy at 902-497-3031 or contact Roy here
