It’s hard to deny the satisfying feeling when you finally get around to cleaning out your attic or closet. Donating that outdated sweater that you never wear anymore, or that vase that you got as a wedding gift 25 years ago and never even took out of the box, feels really good.

Purging your home of the stuff you really don’t need is a catching trend, and many people are taking this minimalist lifestyle to the next level by downsizing their homes.

There are several reasons why people choose to downsize, from empty-nesters who don’t need the space anymore to young professionals wanting to live right downtown, and there are several benefits to doing so.

If you’ve owned your property for some time, you’re likely to make a nice profit from the sale of your large home. If you’re smart about where you choose to buy next, then you will probably end up with a generous sum leftover to invest or add to your retirement fund.

Not only are you likely to make money from the sale, but you’re likely to save money on future energy and utility bills, as well as maintenance costs.

More cash in the bank is great, but it’s not the only thing downsizers save. Caring for a large home takes a lot of work – from keeping it clean, to maintaining its condition, to tending to the yard and garden – so living in a smaller space can save time and energy, too.

Downsizing may also allow homeowners to live in a more ideal location and offer them the freedom to travel without worrying about their property. Plus, there’s definitely something to be said for living more simply and starting fresh.

Although de-cluttering is gratifying, getting rid of a bunch of your stuff because you won’t have space for it anymore can be really tough. Sometimes our things become associated with happy memories, and suddenly they feel like more than just mere “things”; and it’s easy to look at the juicer that’s been collecting dust in the cupboard and think “but what if I finally decide to start juicing next year?”. That’s why you need a game plan.

Start by making a list of the things that you absolutely cannot live without – the things that you need or that have too much sentimental value to get rid of. Then, go through that list and narrow it down even more. It will get easier as you go. Make sure that you start doing this early – preferably several months in advance – to give yourself lots of time to start slowly packing things up in small amounts.

Visualize your new space and how you would like it to look. Is there going to be room for that spare bed? Will you need a smaller dining table? Think of it as a fun opportunity to reinvent your style and create the space you’ve always dreamed of. If what you have isn’t part of that vision, then out it goes. 

If it’s not garbage, then donate it! It’ll feel better knowing that someone else is finally going to put that juicer to good use rather than just seeing it go to the dump, plus it’s the responsible thing to do. This goes for furniture, clothing, appliances, decor and just about anything else.

Habitat for Humanity’s Restore is a great one-stop-spot for donating because they accept so many different types of items, and you can keep an eye out for great deals on pieces for your new place while you’re there!

Plan ahead, give yourself lots of time to pack, visualize what you really need to keep and donate what you don't – hopefully these tips will help make your downsizing adventure a little easier, and that you enjoy your new, simplified space!

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