February 7, 2025 | Miles Brucker

The Smart Way To Downsize: A Guide To Save Headache And Heartache


Smart Tips To Let Go, Save Space, And Stay Sane

You open a closet, and an avalanche of forgotten items crashes down on you. Sounds familiar? If your home feels more like a storage unit than a living space, it might be time to downsize.

Moving Boxes

Define Your Goals

Before you start tossing things into boxes, take a step back and ask: Why am I doing this? Downsizing isn't just about getting rid of stuff—it's about shaping your future. Write down your reasons for downsizing and keep them visible. When you hit decision fatigue, this will keep you motivated.

Writingcottonbro studio, Pexels

Advertisement

Set A Timeline

Life gets busy, and suddenly, you're scrambling at the last minute. How much time do you really need? You don't want to be knee-deep in boxes, realizing the moving truck arrives in six hours. Break the process into small, manageable steps, and give yourself deadlines.

SchedulingJess Bailey Designs, Pexels 

Create A Budget

Many believe that downsizing is about saving money. However, it can also cost money. Between moving expenses and new furniture, costs add up fast. It's important to outline all potential expenses because if you don't make money from selling stuff, you might have to haul away your old dining chairs. You need a budget before you dive in.

Budgeting Kaboompics.com, Pexels

Assess Your Current Home

That formal dining room you only step into during the holidays? That massive walk-in closet filled with clothes you haven't worn since 2012? Maybe it's time to admit that your home is bigger than your lifestyle. Downsizing means shedding the unnecessary, and that starts with recognizing what you don't need.

ClosetAnastasia Shuraeva, Pexels

Advertisement

Set Priorities

When you're downsizing, you can't take everything with you. The key is to separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves and the why-do-I-still-have-this. Ask yourself: Do I use this regularly? Does it have significant sentimental or financial value? If the answer is no, it's time to let it go.

ClothesKaboompics.com, Pexels

Take Inventory

A proper inventory helps you stay organized and prevents you from accidentally donating your grandma's heirloom quilt while keeping that ugly lamp from your college dorm. Create three categories—KEEP, DONATE, and DISCARD. If you're selling things, add a fourth: SELL. This will help you stay on track.

BoxesRDNE Stock project, Pexels

Evaluate Your Lifestyle Needs

Just because you have something doesn't mean you need it. Write a list of must-haves versus nice-to-haves and focus on function. If done wrong, you might downsize too much and find yourself missing things you truly valued—like that spare room for hobbies or a comfortable outdoor space.

ThinkingAndrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Advertisement

Declutter Room By Room

Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but you should take it one room at a time. It's like a video game: you clear one level before moving on to the next. Start with the easiest areas—like the linen closet—before tackling emotional landmines like the attic full of old photo albums.

DeclutteringAndrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Consider Multi-Use Items

When you're downsizing, space is your most valuable asset, so your furniture should work overtime. Think of a bed with built-in storage or a dining table that folds down. Multi-use items save space, money, and make your smaller home feel bigger and more functional.

 Bunk BedMax Vakhtbovycn, Pexels

Sell Unwanted Items

Your old stuff could be someone else's treasure, and you can also put cash in your pocket. Whether it's furniture or that treadmill you swore you'd use, selling your unwanted items on Facebook Marketplace helps fund your downsizing. A classic garage sale can also offload a ton in one weekend.

Garage SaleSmm650, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Donate To Charity

If you'd rather give than sell, donating is a fantastic option. Many charities and thrift stores welcome gently used clothing and household items. It's a win-win: you declutter, and someone else benefits from your generosity. But remember that some places have restrictions on what they accept. 

Donationscottonbro studio, Pexels

Store Sentimental Items

Sentimental clutter is always the hardest to part with. Old letters, childhood trophies, Grandma's china set… it all tugs at the heartstrings. But instead of holding onto everything, consider off-site storage or digitizing certain keepsakes. Keep a few truly meaningful items and find creative ways to preserve memories. 

Ceramic SetVedanti, Pexels

Digitize Important Documents And Entertainment 

Bills, receipts, medical records, and tax documents from a decade ago are all hiding in drawers and boxes you haven't opened in years. Moreover, your old DVDs and books that take up half your living room don't have space in your new downsized space. The solution? Go digital. 

DVDsPixabay, Pexels

Advertisement

Sell Or Recycle Electronics

Somewhere in your house, there's a drawer or an entire closet filled with outdated phones, powerbanks, cables, chargers, and laptops from the early 2000s. These tech relics aren't doing you any favors, and they definitely don't belong in a landfill. Donating or recycling them properly is the way to go.

PhonesEirik Solheim, Unsplash

Sort Through Clothes

If you haven't worn it in a year, chances are you never will. Yet, closets tend to become black holes of "maybe one day" outfits. Try the hanger trick—turn all your hangers backward, and after wearing something, put it back the right way. In six months, donate whatever's still backward. 

ClothesCraig Adderley, Pexels

Evaluate Your Decor

Decor makes a home feel cozy, but too much can make it feel like a storage unit. Downsizing means keeping only the pieces that truly add value to your space—things that bring joy, not just clutter. Focus on a few statement pieces rather than tons of little knickknacks. 

Living RoomVecislavas Popa, Pexels

Advertisement

Plan For Seasonal Items

Unless you're living in a place where it snows in July or hits 90°F in December, you probably don't need all your seasonal items accessible year-round. Winter coats and beach gear can be kept in vacuum-sealed bags and stackable bins. But remember to label your storage containers clearly. 

Vaccuum-Sealed BagsTimur Weber, Pexels

Downsize Your Kitchen

Unless you're hosting a weekly cooking show, you probably don't need six different spatulas. Kitchens are notorious for accumulating unnecessary gadgets, so put whatever you want to get rid of in a probation box. If you don't reach for it after a few months, it's time to say goodbye. 

Spatula Castorly Stock, Pexels

Reassess Your Storage Needs

You probably know that storage spaces will save the day when you're downsizing. But they can become black holes for things we "might" need someday. If you're downsizing, take everything out of your storage areas and only put back what's essential.

CabinetCup of Couple, Pexels

Advertisement

Go Minimalist

Minimalism isn't about living in a stark white room with one chair and a single houseplant unless that's your thing. It's about keeping only what adds value to your life. Instead, try the one-in, one-out rule—whenever you bring something new into your home, get rid of something else.

Living RoomMax Vakhtbovycn, Pexels

Evaluate Your Home's Layout

If you're renovating before downsizing, plan for efficient layouts that maximize space. Smart design is key if you're moving into a smaller home or making your current one more compact. Open floor plans, built-in storage, multi-functional spaces, and vertical storage can make a small home feel way bigger.

BlueprintAlena Darmel, Pexels

Visit Smaller Homes

Before you downsize, it helps to see what smaller living actually feels like. Touring homes or apartments similar to what you're planning can help you understand what works and what doesn't. Get inspired by design ideas and bring a measuring tape to visualize where your key furniture pieces will go. 

Checking HomeMART PRODUCTION, Pexels

Advertisement

Use Digital Tools

Why don't you rely on technology to make downsizing easier and more practical? Pen and paper work fine, but there are tons of apps that help you stay organized, from to-do lists to moving checklists. But keep it simple because you don't want to complicate things. 

ComputerMarek Levak, Pexels

Label Boxes Clearly

Unpacking in your new home will be so much easier if you label boxes properly. Otherwise, you'll spend hours searching for your coffee mugs while your winter coats sit front and center. It's recommended you use large, clear labels with both the contents and the room the box belongs in. 

LabelingSHVETS production, Pexels

Hire A Professional Organizer

If the thought of downsizing makes you want to lie down and take a nap, you're not alone. A professional organizer can help you make sense of the chaos and create a game plan. Many offer consultations to help you figure out what level of help you need.

ConsultationRDNE Stock project, Pexels


READ MORE

corporateinternal

10 Shocking Corporate Meltdowns

Major corporations seem so stable. That's why shocking corporate meltdowns are so compelling. Here are 10 of the worst ever.
June 14, 2023 Eul Basa
Signs You're Broke Internal

10 Signs You're Broke

Discover the 10 unmistakable signs that you might be facing financial difficulties. From living paycheck to paycheck to avoiding bills, this article delves into the indicators of being broke and offers insights into understanding and assessing your financial health.
October 4, 2023 Sammy Tran

10 Simple Tricks to Save on Your Water Bill

Explore ten straightforward and effective ways to significantly cut your water bill, each supported by savings statistics, and gain insights into common water-wasting habits and the cost structure of water bills. This guide offers practical advice on water conservation, helping households to be more water-efficient and financially savvy.
September 29, 2023 Allison Robertson

10 Vintage Sports Cards That Are Worth a Fortune Today

Explore the lucrative world of vintage sports cards with a deep dive into 10 cards that have skyrocketed in value over the years. From baseball legends to basketball icons, uncover the stories and prices behind these treasured collectibles.
November 1, 2023 Sammy Tran
Save Money With Your Old Phone

10 Ways To Save Money With Your Old Phone

Discover 10 clever ways to save money with your old phone! From repurposing it as a security camera to turning it into a dedicated music player, this article unveils creative ways to make the most out of your old device. Don't let your retired phone gather dust—unlock its hidden potential and start saving today!
January 19, 2025 Peter Kinney
Golf

11 Leisure Time Activities Of The World’s Richest People

Apart from business deals, bank accounts, and monitoring the stock market, some billionaires have hobbies that are surprisingly down-to-earth—or outright unexpected. So, what are the richest people’s favorite hobbies?
December 24, 2024 Peter Kinney



Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team