Downsizing Your Home
Whether you just became an empty nester or your home has taken on an echo over the last five years, nearly everyone reaches a point where they want to downsize. If you plan to move to a smaller home in Minnesota or western Wisconsin, here are insights you can use as you downsize your home.
1. Take your time and follow the “OHIO rule”
First, don’t be unrealistic about how long it will take to downsize. Allow a couple of months to get rid of your keepsakes, furniture, clothing and more. Next, try to follow theOHIO rule — only handle it once. As you review each item, determine if it will be kept, thrown away or donated. By avoiding the “maybe” pile, you’ll save time as the moving day approaches.
2. Expand your trash and recycling package
Call your trash and recycling providers and expand your services for the months leading up to the move. Remember that a dumpster or extra garbage pail will be helpful if you have a lot of items to toss, but you'll be more likely to recycle or donate your goods if your trash space is limited.
3. Pass on the memories
For parents and grandparents, a big part of downsizing is getting rid of the artwork, trophies and report cards that are taking up storage space. Invite your kids, nieces and nephews or grandchildren over to sift through their family relics and take home anything they wish to keep.
It may be important to reassure your family that you don't want to trash their memories; you simply want them to find a new home. To reinforce this desire, buy large plastic storage containers for each family member to fill up. Keep the mood light and nostalgic as you review the items and help determine what should be kept for the next generation.
4. Get rid of the paper
Unless you’ve fully digitized your records, you likely have a file cabinet full of pay stubs and tax records, newspaper clippings and more. Take a day (or two) to go through this paperwork and try to trash the majority of it. The IRS says that even the most complicated tax filings must only be kept for seven years, so it’s safe to clear out anything older than that. Protect against identity theft by shredding all the documents you recycle.
5. Tackle the kitchen and bathrooms
Need a quick win? Focus on your bathrooms and kitchen — even the most sentimental of downsizers shouldn’t have too much trouble getting rid of old shampoo samples and extra baking dishes.
One minor exception is if you have family cooking traditions, like baking spritz cookies during the holidays. Determine if you want to bring the related gadgets to your new residence, or offload them to a relative who will continue the tradition on your behalf.
6. Discard extra clothing
With very few exceptions, you should get rid of any clothing items you haven't worn in the last two years. If you're recently retired, consider donating suits and work outfits to an organization like Dress for Success. This is also a great time to downsize old t-shirts and sweatshirts. We all love Goldy, but your new residence won’t have room for five drawers of Gopher gear.
7. Save the furniture for last
Unless you have several bedrooms of extra furniture, wait until you find your new home before you downsize your furniture. Then, determine what existing pieces will fit your new home or if it’s time to upgrade to modern furniture that matches your new residence. Remember, college kids and young professionals are always grateful for free furniture you send their way!
Getting started
Whether you're moving up or downsizing, we’ll be there for you every step of the way.Reach out today to discuss selling your home – no pressure, and no obligation.
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