Blog #Declutter

Downsizing to a smaller home is a significant life transition with opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re an older adult seeking a more manageable living space or an adult child helping your parents through this journey, the process can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, downsizing can be an empowering and stress-free experience. Here are five steps to simplify the process: 

1. Start Early and Plan Ahead Don’t wait until the last minute to begin. Downsizing is not just about moving; it’s about editing your life. Start decluttering and organizing as soon as you decide to move. Decluttering will allow you time to adjust to the idea and make decisions about your things calmly and thoughtfully. Create a timeline with clear goals for each stage, and consider the process of sorting, donating, packing, and settling into your new home. 

2. Prioritize and Let Go with Care Focus on the items that truly matter. Ask yourself: Do I love it? Do I use it? Does it bring me joy? Let go of duplicates, outdated items, and things that don’t fit your new lifestyle. For sentimental items, consider keeping a few meaningful pieces and taking photos of the rest as a keepsake. Downsizing belongings is a hard step for many people, but it will provide an opportunity for others who can use your items again. 

3. Involve Your Family Invite your adult children and other relatives to participate in the process. Downsizing can be a chance to share stories behind cherished possessions and ensure special items are passed on to the next generation. Clear communication and collaboration can prevent misunderstandings and help create a sense of closure. 

4. Work Room by Room To reduce overwhelm, tackle one room at a time. Start with spaces with the least emotional weight, like a bathroom or linen closet, before moving to areas with sentimental items, such as the attic or family room. Breaking the task into smaller, manageable chunks makes it easier to stay focused. 

5. Seek Professional Support Downsizing is a big task; proper support can make all the difference. At Just Downsize, I specialize in helping older adults and their families navigate the entire downsizing process with ease. From sorting through decades of belongings and decluttering to carefully packing and setting up your new home, I’m here to make the transition seamless and stress-free.

If you’re ready to downsize or want to learn more about how I can help, contact me at Just Downsize today. Let’s make your move to a smaller home a fresh start, not stressful!

As the midnight clock struck and we welcomed 2025, many resolved to create a more organized, peaceful life. But here’s the catch: you can’t be organized until you declutter. Organizing clutter is like trying to fit a puzzle with extra pieces that don’t belong. Before you head to the store to buy bins, baskets, and organizers, let’s discuss the first and most crucial step toward organization: decluttering.

Why Decluttering Comes First? 

Imagine organizing a closet packed to the brim with items you don’t use, need, or love. You can shuffle things around and put them into pretty storage solutions, but the clutter is still there; it's just better hidden. By decluttering first, you’re left with only the items that truly matter, making organizing simple and effective. Once you’ve decluttered, you’ll also know precisely what you have. This clarity will help you avoid buying unnecessary storage solutions that may not fit your needs.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve decluttered, then it’s time to organize. With fewer items, you’ll find it easier to create systems that work for you and your home. The bonus? You’ll probably need fewer bins, baskets, and shelves than you initially thought. This New Year, resolve to declutter first, organize second, and reclaim your space and peace of mind.

Where to Start? 

Starting your decluttering journey can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right place makes all the difference. A great spot to begin is your entryway or front hall. It’s the first space you see when you arrive home and the first impression guests get when they visit. Creating a clean, welcoming area here will set the tone for the rest of your home. Simplify the space by removing unnecessary shoes, bags, and mail piles. Keep only the essentials: a coat rack, a small basket for keys, and maybe a decorative piece that sparks joy. You’ll feel motivated to move on to other spaces when you've tackled this area.

Once you’ve built some momentum, tackle another area in your home. Bedrooms are a significant next step since they should be a sanctuary of calm and order for restful sleep. Alternatively, you could focus on specific categories like Tupperware, towels and linens, books, clothing, and shoes.

I’ll share more tips on these on Instagram and Facebook, so follow me for more helpful hits! For now, slip into some comfy indoor shoes, turn up the music, and dive in! Good luck! I’d love to hear your success stories!!