Downsizing Creates Freedom from 'Stuff'

written and posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Thinking of Downsizing?

 Moving into a more affordable space,... or just feeling the need for having less 'stuff'? You might be asking yourself, do I own this stuff or does it own me? Where did it all come from and why did I think I needed it?
Or maybe you have grown very attached to things and have a hard time thinking of letting them go. Even as you feel strongly that it is time to re-create your space to have it make more sense for your world today, letting go of stuff is sometimes not easy and not just because of the work involved.

Here are some tips to get you going:

1) MENTALLY PREPARE

 

Getting rid of things can be an emotional endeavor. But try to ponder the freedom you will have when you don't have to continuously dust, organize, and move around your stuff. You will have more room for what you really use, wear and need. You will be able to put your hand on what you want without constantly looking for it amongst the stuff you don't really use. Yes freedom! You might find as you begin to purge, that you have more than one of the same things. You bought it again because you couldn't find the first one!

2) TAKE PICS AND POST THEM

Start by taking pictures of 
things in your home that you feel most comfortable parting with. Put ads in places like Craigslist to entice people that may be searching for those specific items. 

3) HAVE A MOVING SALE

Post information about your sale on line and include pictures of various items you have for sale in your ad to entice the public. Put out what you know you won't regret selling at first. If you don't mind people coming into your house, it can be a lot easier than having to put it outside and drag it in again for your next sale.

4) KICK IT TO THE CURB, OR GET A FREE PICK UP

Have a good will organization like Big Brothers pick up at your house a few days after your sale, so you can start giving away stuff that doesn't seem to interest anyone, like clothes you no longer wear, or grandma's fur coat.
Or just anything you would like to donate. Remember - 'Freedom'! If you live in Canada, there are bins you can put books into at places like the Superstore. 

5) REPEAT STEPS 2, 3, AND 4 IN A WEEK OR SO

This gives you more time to clean out more spaces, and get more brave at letting go of collectable things. Try to sell your most precious things, if you have to let them go, out of the advertising on craigslist etc. That way, you may receive more money for those items, as you will attract buyers who are actually in the market for those particular items.

6) ONE ROOM AT A TIME

Start working on one room at a time, with the goal to be clutter free. Think of if you were going to rent out your property, as a vacation home. How would it look if it were really to attract others? Give each room the most spacious feeling possible. Now that you are clutter free, maybe it is time to paint or redo the cabinets or floors. 

7) WHAT TO DO WITH ANY REMAINDERS

If you have some precious  items that didn't sell, you may want to consider consignment at some second hand or antique stores.

Good luck! Remember, the real beauty is outside in nature. Get out and enjoy it.

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6