Taking small steps now will save you a whole-lotta heartache later! Here are 3 small sections of your house you can focus on. Need downsizing help? Call me today!
Downsizing can feel like a daunting task, but breaking it down by season makes it a manageable, even enjoyable, process. As a downsizing realtor in the Greater Nashville area, I’ve helped many clients transition from large family homes to smaller, more manageable spaces. Downsizing doesn’t just make a move easier; it also allows you to live a simpler, clutter-free life. Here’s a seasonal downsizing checklist that can help you tackle your belongings step-by-step, starting with the essentials this season!
1. Clothing & Linens
It’s time to tackle those closets and linen cabinets. A good rule of thumb? If you haven’t used or worn an item in over a year, it’s time to let it go. When we hold onto clothing and linens “just in case,” they end up taking valuable storage space we might need for other essentials in a smaller home. Begin by going through anything made of fabric – clothes, coats, shoes, bed sheets, tablecloths, and even sewing scraps. Take an honest look at each piece. Are you really going to wear that jacket again? Does that extra bedding serve a purpose?
Once you’ve decided what to keep, donate or recycle the rest. There are plenty of donation centers in Nashville that would gladly accept gently used clothes and linens. As a downsizing realtor, I always recommend keeping only what you truly need and love – this makes packing, moving, and storage in a new home much easier.
2. Electronics & Appliances
Every household seems to have one – that ‘mystery box’ of wires, chargers, and old devices we think we might need someday. Spoiler alert: if you haven’t used them yet, you likely never will. Start with these “mystery items” and sort through each one. Figure out what they go to and if they serve a current purpose. If not, it’s time to say goodbye.
Next, tackle old CDs, DVDs, and computer accessories that might be sitting around collecting dust. Are you really going to watch those DVDs again, especially with streaming services at your fingertips? Consider donating these items or recycling them if they no longer serve a purpose. Go through the kitchen as well – those appliances we bought on a whim (hello, bread maker!) can take up a lot of space. If it’s not something you use regularly, it’s probably not worth bringing to your next home.
3. Hobby Items
We’ve all picked up hobbies over the years, and sometimes those hobbies stick, while others don’t. This is the perfect time to evaluate which hobbies are still relevant and which ones aren’t. Think of items like sewing materials, crafting supplies, yarn, books, magazines, scrapbook materials, and other project items that may have taken up space in your home over the years.
If you’ve moved on from a hobby, it’s okay to let go of the materials you once used. Donate them to local craft shops, community centers, or even offer them to friends who still enjoy those activities. Not only will this clear up your space, but it will also give these items a new life with someone who will appreciate them.
I see firsthand how much smoother the moving process becomes when we declutter our belongings seasonally. Downsizing doesn’t mean giving up everything you love – it’s about making thoughtful decisions to keep only what serves you in this new phase of life. Use this seasonal downsizing checklist to make the process easier, room by room and category by category. By decluttering thoughtfully, you’ll find yourself more organized, less overwhelmed, and ready for the next chapter.
Ready to make the downsizing journey easier? Reach out to me for more personalized downsizing advice, and let’s make this transition as seamless as possible.
