Top 9+ things you must do if you’re planning to downsize your home

Whether your kids have recently moved out for college or you're simply swimming in unused space, a too-big home can feel much more like a burden than a boon. Moving into a smaller space, aka downsizing, is a great way to reduce clutter, save money, and minimize the maintenance and upkeep of your house. Though living in a small home can present unique design challenges if you're used to living with a lot of space, it can help you reorganize your priorities in your current stage of life so you're only holding onto what matters most.

Downsizing doesn't happen overnight, and starting the process can be a considerable, all-hands-on-deck undertaking. If you're planning to move from a large, multilevel space into a tiny home, for example, you'll have a lot of planning and sorting to take on. There are several important considerations to remember as you plan your move to a new home and begin paring down your possessions. Before you set the wheels in motion, check out these 9 best tips for downsizing your home to make your journey as smooth as possible.

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Take Measurements

Before you begin the packing and moving process, measure your new space to see what large items you can fit. After all, there's nothing worse than realizing last-minute that an item won't fit through your doorway on moving day! You may have gotten measurements from your realtor while touring the space, but it's a good idea to confirm these dimensions yourself. You'll have to make some tough calls on what to sell or donate, so don't leave it to the last minute.

Do an Inventory

Make a list of everything you want to bring to your new home so you can begin visualizing your new floor plan. Planning where you'll store your things in advance helps prevent unwanted clutter later on and will keep you from packing items that you may not necessarily need.

Envision the New Space

Before choosing a smaller home, think about how you will use the space, and what you want to change from your old home setup. Do you want a craft room to support a new hobby? Do you want to add a patio to your outdoor space? Do you want an open kitchen and living space to host family and friends? Since you'll have less overall space, you have to make sure your selection meets your needs closely.

Pare Down Your Stuff

A smaller home means you'll have less space to store items you don't need. Sort through all of your possessions, holding onto the ones you cherish and use and selling or donating those that have been sitting around unused for too long.

Digitize Wherever Possible

Paper, including bills, instruction manuals, receipts, and other paperwork, can take up quite a bit of space. Switching to digital versions of these traditional paper documents will save space, and you can also scan or even just take a photo of papers you may need to justify finally tossing them.

Use Your Space Wisely

Whether you have built-in storage, a garage, basement, or closets, you'll want to get creative with storage in a way you may not have needed to in a larger home. Consider investing in a custom closet design or adding shelving to bare walls. Look for options in every room of your home, using each nook and cranny to the fullest extent.

Hold Off on Buying New

Moving into a new home can inspire you to buy all kinds of new furniture and decor, but don't run to the store right away. Wait until you see how the items you already own function in your new space before introducing all new pieces, especially if you've just finished purging your possessions.

Take Your Time

Once you've decided that you're ready to downsize, take your time. The process of decluttering and downsizing your belongings can be time-consuming, and you'll find that you'll make smarter decisions when you don't feel pressured to move quickly. It's good to start the downsizing process early so you aren't stressing too much about moving dates while also packing and donating items.

Set a Timeline

Once you've locked down your moving day, create a timeline of everything you need to do to get ready for the move. Don't forget to factor in how long the movers may take to transport your things to your new home if you're moving to another city or state.