There are all sorts of reasons people find themselves moving into a smaller home. Having all the kids finally out of the nest for good, retiring to a smaller apartment or complex, relocating thanks to a new job offer, or the desire to declutter and live more simply are but a few. Increasingly, being able to work remotely from anywhere and live as a ‘digital nomad’, traveling and moving frequently, means younger (and older!) people are seeking a way of living that lets them travel light with only their most treasured possessions. Whatever your reasons, deciding what to keep (and where to place it) and what to let go for good can be a lot harder than you might anticipate. Here we take a look at a few top tips from experts and those who’ve learned from their own experiences, which can make the process a lot simpler and less stressful.
Have a vision
The process of getting rid of items you may have been surrounded by for decades can be very unsettling, and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the feeling that you’re losing all the things you love and gaining nothing in return. Try instead to picture how you’re going to create your new space, and all the opportunity for improvement that comes with a blank canvas. If you keep your eye on the end goal of a comfortable, warm, uncluttered environment where you can actually enjoy your most treasured items – rather than having them hidden away in the attic or cupboards — you’ll feel more like you’re working towards something worthwhile and rewarding.
Research where you can send the stuff you decide not to keep
Another great motivator is visiting or getting in touch with the places and institutions in your area that can actually make use of the things cluttering up your space. Hearing how grateful they would be for your donations and seeing with your own eyes the good that your unused items could be doing makes it a lot easier to let them go. Research and get in touch with the charity shops, recycling establishments, and other non-profits in your area. Aside from motivating you to get on with the job, knowing exactly how the donation process works and who to contact is also beneficial.
Turn some $$$!
Let’s be honest – there’s nothing quite like some cold hard cash to encourage you! If you feel your enthusiasm lagging or need a boost to get started, turn some of your big-ticket items from stuff that’s just collecting dust into oh-so-useful cash. Online classifieds are a great way to gauge the market and sell appliances and anything else don’t need at your own pace, and websites like carzar.co.za are fantastic for getting quick payment on a vehicle you no longer need. You can save the proceeds to defray your moving and relocation costs or treat yourself to a nice reward for your hard work.
Precision pays off
It might not be the most riveting process, but accurately measuring and making a placement plan for your larger furniture and appliances can save you a boatload of trouble once you’re in your new place. While it may be tempting to wing it, discovering things just don’t fit when it’s already too late is a hassle you can easily save yourself from.
The time test
For things that you’re battling to decide on which do (at least theoretically) have a use, a time test is a great option. Put all these items in a closed box for a month. If you find yourself retrieving something because you actually need it, it’s a keeper. Whatever is left in the box at the end of the month can go!
Start with the things you’re not sentimental about
There’s a reason the KonMari method by Japanese organization expert Marie Kondo has proved so life changing for many would-be declutterers — it makes psychological sense. If you’re not familiar with it, the process begins with the things you’re unlikely to feel particularly attached to — clothing, books and papers, and miscellaneous items, and deliberately tackles the sentimental stuff last. By the time you’ve sorted through everything else, you’ve had a lot of practice making that decision to keep or let go.
As an added benefit, by the time you’ve reached this final stage, you’ll have got rid of so many other things that you’ll actually have more room to keep the things that do ‘spark joy’ and likely not have to part with as much as you anticipated! Great news for those with lots of treasured photos, travel souvenirs and the like — and with all that clutter gone, you’ll be able to display and enjoy the items you choose to keep the way they deserve.
