3 Tips For Dealing With the Challenges of Downsizing

Whether you’re an empty nester looking to clear some clutter or you’re ditching the larger home outside the city for a smaller condo downtown, dealing with the challenges of downsizing is no easy task.

It takes time, planning, and a lot of emotional and physical effort. Downsizing can be daunting when first starting, especially when there is an overwhelming amount of items or memories to sort and ultimately discard.

But at Clear It Junk Removal, we want to make this transition as easy as possible for you. Here are a few tips to turn you into the next Marie Kondo:

1. GET EVERYONE INVOLVED

If it’s just you and your partner, or it’s a whole family affair, make sure everyone participates in the process. 

Each person has unique interests and holds different views on the value of an item. What might be junk to you, could be a cherished memory for a loved one. Get everyone involved so you can carefully consider what is and isn’t important to each individual. 

Once you have what’s near and dear to everyone set aside, it’s time to start sorting the rest.

2. SORT EVERYTHING CATEGORICALLY

Going room by room, start placing everything in similar groups. Clothing, nicknacks, unused furniture, collectibles, whatever you might have, set in their respective spots. 

Have a large bedroom? Start with the closet and work your way out, carefully setting things together. Keep your clothes separate from your partner’s, as well as your personal effects. Have shared items? Put them in their own spot, too.

When tackling the kitchen or other shared spaces and appliances, be sure to sort everything by their use and type. 

Having everything categorized makes it a lot easier to employ our last tip:

3. KEEP WHAT BRINGS JOY, NOT MORE CLUTTER

Take a long hard look at what you have. Many items may have great sentimental value, a strong memory, or otherwise bestows a sense of warmth and joy. Others, may very well just be unnecessary items picked up over the years that you could honestly do without.

Be honest with yourself and with each other, setting aside only the items that bring a smile or positive energy. Have a dress or a suit that makes you feel good about yourself? A gorgeous vase passed down from your grandparents? Keep them.

Get rid of everything else you don’t have an actual need for.

Whether you decide to donate the items that didn’t make the cut, or you’re looking to just let them go another way, Clear It can help.

From large furniture and appliances to bags of clothes and miscellaneous items, if you’re downsizing in the Los Angeles and Orange Counties, we’ll gladly help tackle the physical challenges of downsizing. 

Connect with us today and we’ll handle the haul so you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.