If you’re thinking of downsizing, you may be wondering how you can tackle the mountain of memories and forgotten “must-haves” without feeling like you’re losing a part of yourself in the process. Downsizing can be surprisingly empowering and, yes, even a little liberating, even if you still can’t ever picture yourself parting with that beloved yellow couch.
Moving into a smaller space, clearing out a cluttered home, or simply aiming for a more streamlined life requires more than a few cardboard boxes and a weekend. You may surprisingly find satisfaction in the simplicity of less.
So, where to begin? Here are the top tips to downsize like a pro, from trusted home experts that we rounded up to give you the best pro advice.
1. Declutter One Room at a Time
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Don’t jump headfirst into downsizing an entire home overnight. You will be overwhelmed, hate the whole process, and give up before you pack the first donation box. Tackling one small area at a time will give you the small wins you need to keep going.
Start with a closet, a drawer, or even a single shelf. Pick out items you know you don’t need anymore and go from there. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you get the hang of it and get downsizing fast.
2. Make Decisions Fast
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Trust your gut when deciding what to keep and what to let go. If you look at an item and don’t know if you want to keep it, it’s probably best to let it go. Keeping items that we “might use someday” only leads to a storage situation no one wants to manage.
Quick decision-making can be freeing and energizing. You’re less likely to get bogged down by second-guessing yourself, and you’ll save time along the way.
3. Digitize Where You Can
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Stacks of photos, papers, and old documents can take up loads of space. Instead, consider digitizing these items. A simple phone scanner or a professional service can turn those stacks into organized folders on your computer or cloud storage.
You’ll still have all those memories and important documents at your fingertips, and fewer picture frames to dust.
4. Embrace Multipurpose Furniture
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You don’t have to sacrifice functionality or comfort in order to downsize. Seek multipurpose furniture, such as beds with drawers underneath, futons in guest rooms, fold-out desks, or ottomans with concealed storage.
You can make the most of your available space with these ingenious pieces without sacrificing convenience or flair. You’ll have both fashion and function without compromising space.
5. Declutter as You Go
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Downsizing isn’t just a one-time even, it’s more of a mindset. Whenever you bring something new into your home, think about donating or getting rid of something you no longer need.
Regularly rotating items can help keep clutter away and make it easier to maintain a streamlined lifestyle. This gradual method keeps your space open and tidy.
6. Tackle the Paper Pile-Up
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Paper can creep up on us—receipts, bills, notes, and flyers can quickly pile up. Start with a simple filing system and shred or recycle anything you no longer need.
Set up a rule to handle paperwork immediately by either scanning, filing, or discarding it. Keeping on top of your paper clutter helps you avoid the dreaded “paper pile-up” that eats into your otherwise tidy living space.
7. Give Your Wardrobe a Reality Check
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If your closet is brimming with clothes that haven’t been worn in years, it’s time for a wardrobe cleanse. Start by setting aside items you haven’t worn in a year or more. Those “someday” outfits can go straight to friends and family or the donation bin.
Keep only the items you love, and you’ll ultimately save time picking out clothes each day because now your closet is fresh and functional. Bye-bye to the morning clothes-tossing Olympics.
8. Be Brutal with the Kitchen Clutter
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Kitchens can become graveyards for single-purpose gadgets, unused appliances, and mismatched containers with no lids. Unless it’s something you use weekly, consider donating or recycling it.
It’s time to part ways with that salad spinner or egg separator. A tidy kitchen counter and organized cabinets can also make cooking a more enjoyable experience, with everything easy to find and ready to use.
9. Edit Your Book Collection
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Books can bring joy and nostalgia, but they also take up space. Go through your collection and pick out a few favorites to keep. As for the rest, consider donating them or gifting them to friends.
Once your collection is lighter, display your absolute favorites proudly. You’ll have more space for new reads and avoid the clutter of a library that’s more about what once was than what currently is.
10. Limit Decorative Items
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It might be time to pare down that shelf filled with figurines, trinkets, and souvenirs from every trip. Holiday décor can also pile up quickly—pumpkins for Halloween, lights for Christmas, and everything in between. Choose a few favorite decor items to keep out and store or donate the rest.
A minimalist approach to décor can give your space a fresh look. Fewer decorative items mean less dusting and more space actually to see the items you love most.
11. Organize Your Hobby Supplies
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Crafting, painting, or any hobby comes with a lot of supplies, which can easily take over your space. Sort through your collection and keep only what you’ll realistically use.
Donate or pass along materials you no longer need. Keeping only your essential supplies means you can enjoy your hobbies without a mess to clean up every time.
12. Stick to the Essentials in the Bathroom
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Lotions, hair products, and “maybe someday” skincare can overrun the bathroom cabinets. Declutter by keeping only the items you use daily or weekly. Toss expired products and donate unopened ones you know you’ll never use.
A simplified bathroom setup means less time spent searching for products and more space for what your hair and skin actually need.
13. Downsize Tech and Electronics
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Old gadgets, cords, and tech you no longer use tend to linger, taking up both drawer space and mental energy. Donate or recycle any electronics that are no longer useful.
By downsizing your tech, you reduce electronic chaos, make it easier to access the devices you use daily, and free up room for new gadgets.
14. Use Your Storage Wisely
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Make the most of your storage by using every nook and cranny efficiently. Try thinking vertically—add some shelves or use stackable bins to optimize those unused spaces. Don’t forget about under-bed storage that’s often overlooked.
Storage boxes or vacuum bags can keep extra linens or seasonal clothes neatly tucked away. Clear containers are a great investment; they make it easy to see what’s inside and help avoid buying duplicates.