I’ve been downsizing things. Here’s what experience has taught us.
- Don’t store items in the attic, basement, or crawl space. Storage should be in environmentally controlled areas.
- Don’t rent storage space unless it is temporary.
- Plan where items you keep will be “homed.”
- Let go of things that no longer fit your lifestyle.
- Digitize photos and craft items and let go of the tangible things.
- Keep digital memories—not stuff.
- Dispute over an auction/sale item—have it appraised, and the “buyer” pays the estate.
- Give the kids, friends, and relatives things that no longer “fit” your style. Let them enjoy things now—you gain free space.
- Collections—reduce them to the “special” pieces. No, everything is not exceptional.
- Here is a fire analogy when downsizing. What five things in a room/area/collection would you want to save if the house catches on fire? Anything else is fair game for going out the door.
- Get rid of trip hazards.
- Make your home crutch, cane, walker, and wheelchair safe—this involves increasing available free floor space.
- Make preplanned home improvements while you are physically fit and able to do them. Paying for labor is expensive.
- Grandmother had furniture up on legs and shelving not too high for a reason. Physical limitations can make reaching or climbing difficult. Squatting down near the floor and getting back up can be difficult also.
- Are you planning electrical work? Add GFIs, extra outlets near the kitchen counters, bathrooms, computer areas (each room), and the entertainment center. Do not forget to add a few outdoor outlets as outdoor electrical tools are becoming more popular.
- Install grab-rails on both sides of steps and stairs.
- I can go on and on; however, I’ll stop here.
