5 Tips for Downsizing and Decluttering
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Michelle Phillips
Michelle grew up in Pasadena and is a happy Irvine transplant, where she shares Nestor's passion for creating great communities...
Michelle grew up in Pasadena and is a happy Irvine transplant, where she shares Nestor's passion for creating great communities...
1. Focus on the benefits
Often, the biggest barrier to decluttering and downsizing is simply getting started. You should be constantly reminding yourself of how good it will feel once you're all done! You won't have to worry about the excessive amount of things taking up precious space in your home anymore... That applies to your home and your thoughts!
Don't focus on what you're losing. Look at what you're gaining. Downsizing will result in a lower mortgage or rent, and that totally frees up your budget for things that matter in life!
2. Focus on your needs, not wants
We always recommend concentrating on the stuff that is truly essential. We like to use the one year rule. If there's something you haven't used in over a year, you probably don't need it! Start by sorting through categories of things. For example, clothing, appliances, shoes, etc. This can apply to rooms as well! If you haven't used that backyard, that bonus room, or that garage in forever, maybe you don't need your home to be so big!
3. Does it spark joy?
Marie Kondo’s catchphrase is “does it spark joy?” If an item doesn't bring you happiness, why do you have it? This is a good shortcut to focus on the easy items to give rid of, an then move up to the items you've been serially hoardings.
4. Try new storage options
Look online for creative and fresh storage configurations to maximize your living space. We recommend trying hide-away bins underneath your bed, storage benches, closet shelves, shoe racks, and storage ottomans! This is especially helpful if you downsize to a smaller home! There are plenty of ways to stuff into smaller areas, you've just got to be creative sometimes.
5. Everything should have its place
“Everyone has a place in their house for forks. If you found a random fork in the bathroom or under the couch, you’d immediately know it didn’t belong there and would return it to its drawer without another thought. Everything in your life should be this easy to put away. If an item occupies no specific location when not in use, it becomes clutter.”
- Steve McClatchy, author of Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress, and Lead By Example
Give us a ring
The benefits to decluttering and downsizing can be huge! You can money or even save yourself from headaches! We'd be happy to help you out with any questions you have. Give us a ring today. We won't just downsize your home... we'll shrink your anxiety too!
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