5 Things you can discard when downsizing
If you are downsizing to a smaller home or you just want to lead a simpler life then the first step is to get rid of some of your things that take up too much space. Downsizing is a great way to minimize stress. According to www.homebuying.com, home owners who have chosen to downsize often “appear happier when they’re no longer overwhelmed by the demands of a larger home”. The main attractions and benefits of downsizing to a smaller home is the smaller workload and increased cash intake as smaller homes do not use as much electricity and heating as a larger house.
1. Clothes
Clothes take up a lot of space and not just in the wardrobe. If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in over a year then throw it out. If it remains in good condition and you think that someone else may get more use out of it, donate it to charity. Only keep the clothes that you know you will wear. When it comes to downsizing, it is a good idea to store out-of-season clothes elsewhere to free up some bedroom space.
2. Kitchen Appliances
If you are moving into a smaller home, chances are you will have a smaller kitchen to match. If you have a lot of kitchen appliances that you rarely use but aren’t quite ready to part with them altogether, keep them safe until you need them again. This not only goes for kitchen appliances but all items, even pieces of furniture that are perhaps too large to bring with you to your new home. Think about putting these into storage, such as here.
3. Papers and Documents
Our homes tend to get clogged up with excess amounts ofpapers and documents that are of little use to us now. Sort out the important from the useless and throw out the documents that you no longer need. The same goes for old books and magazines. Books are heavy and they take up a lot of space. If you will never read that book again then donate it so that someone else can get swept up in the story like you once did.
4. Unnecessary Items
One of the first steps you are likely to take towards downsizing is to go through your house (one room at a time) with a rubbish bag, filling it up as you go along. Useless items must be thrown out but don’t forget to check with other members of the family before you do so. Talk with them about which things they would like to keep and which they can live without. According to Forbes, studies have shown that people are “able to let go of their possessions more easily if they have been given the opportunity to talk about them first.”
5. Electronics
Additional electronics in the home only take up extra space that you can’t afford to waste. This could include old televisions, old mobile phones, PCs, remote controls, old chargers or a broken hairdryer, for example. If you never use it then it will be easier to get rid of it.
