Decluttering for downsizing sounds simple—just get rid of things. But you’re reading this because it is not that easy. How do you determine what to keep? What do you let go of? And why do you have four sets of dishes, all of which you adore?
If the thought of sorting through decades of belongings feels overwhelming, you are not alone. I’m in the process of downsizing from the big family house we’ve had for over two decades to a smaller home in anticipation of becoming an empty nester. Whittling away at 21 years of accumulated family treasures is an enormous task. I thought, there has to be an efficient, relatively painless way to do this. And guess, what? There is! In fact, I have two methods, and you can mix and match to see what works best for you.
A well-organized downsizing plan makes all the difference. I will walk you through the best strategies for decluttering efficiently, so you can move into your new home with effortless ease. First though, before you dig into the piles and cupboards, let’s acknowledge the emotional side of decluttering for downsizing.
And, as an added bonus, decluttering activates the law of attraction. By letting go of the the things you no longer need you are creating space for new and better people and opportunities to come into your life.
The Emotional Side of Decluttering
Letting go can be difficult. We attach meaning to our belongings—the dress worn to an important event, books we read to the kids before bed, fun kitchen gadgets (I’m looking at you, cake pop maker) saved for a “someday” that never comes.
Most people have far more than they need. By some estimates, the average American home contains 300,000 items. Even if you discarded 21 things every day, it would take 32 years to declutter your entire home. A slow, piecemeal approach won’t work if you are moving in six months or a year. Instead, a structured, even ruthless plan and clear decision-making criteria will streamline the process.
A Personal Approach: My Own Decluttering Rules
One of the best ways to make the process easier is to set firm rules for yourself. For example, I have realized I simply do not wear uncomfortable shoes or clothing anymore. So if something does not pass the comfort test, out it goes. This one rule has saved me so much time and second-guessing. Now, if I’m trying something on and putting it back in the closet again, I ask myself, why am I choosing not to wear this? Is it too scratchy, too tight, doesn’t breathe?
If you are short on time or just want to do this quickly, try my radical approach to decluttering. This is not for the faint of heart. Assume you need to get rid of 50% of your stuff. Take an item, and flip a coin. If it’s heads you keep it, if it’s tails, it goes.
The reason decluttering is so exhausting is decision fatigue. Thinking about every single one of your 300,000 items is going to wear out your brain. This is why we need to use criteria, or just let the gods decide for you and flip a coin. If the coin is tails and you cry out in alarm, “Oh no, not that!” Well, you have your answer and can instead sacrifice a different object in its place. (Do this with a friend if you find yourself cheating!)
A coaching client was struggling with sentimental clutter. She had stacks of old letters, childhood memorabilia, and gifts from people she felt she had to keep. Her turning point? She decided to keep only what made her feel good. If a letter or gift brought back stress, guilt, or obligation, she let it go. After decluttering, she felt like she had shed years of emotional baggage. If you shed a few tears while letting go, that may be just what you need to do. Be easy and gentle with yourself.
Another friend was downsizing from a five-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment. She initially struggled with letting go of duplicate kitchenware, but after setting a rule—one formal set of dishes and one everyday set—and following the criteria above it became easier to make decisions. She now feels freer and more in control of her home. The less you have, the less you have to manage.
Key Questions to Ask When Decluttering for Downsizing
Do I love it? If you do not truly enjoy it, why bring it into your new home?
Do I use it? If you have not used it in a year, you likely never will.
Would I buy it again today? If the answer is no, it is time to let it go.
Room-by-Room Decluttering Criteria
To avoid decision fatigue, set clear rules for what stays and what goes.
Kitchen – Keep Only the Essentials
Dishes & Glassware: One everyday set and one for special occasions.
Appliances: Keep only those used at least once a month.
Cookware: A few versatile pieces, such as a frying pan and a large pot.
A former client of mine had three different coffee makers. Three! She realized she only used one regularly, so she donated the others. The best part? She never missed them.
Wardrobe – If You Do Not Wear It, Let It Go
Comfort: If it is uncomfortable or does not fit well, donate it.
Wear & Tear: Discard anything with holes, stains, or excessive wear.
Seasonality: If you have not worn it in a year, let it go with exceptions for tuxedo or formal ballgown which you may have occasion to wear in the future. Make sure it fits though!
I had a beautiful pair of stiletto heels that I loved in theory. They were stylish, expensive, and made me feel like I would wear them. But every time I put them on, my feet ached within an hour. Why was I keeping them? I finally let them go, and now I make sure every pair of shoes I own is both stylish and comfortable. My new personal rule is no stilettos and no pointy toes!
If you are really paring down why not try creating an ideal capsule wardrobe? Imagine you were going on a trip for two weeks and wanted to bring something for every occasion possible and all your best and favorites. Put all these items in a large suitcase and donate the rest!
Linen Closet – Keep It Simple
Sheets: Two sets per bed. Pick the best quality favorites.
Towels: Two per person, plus extras for guests.
A coaching client had over 30 mismatched towels stuffed into her linen closet. She picked her favorites and donated the rest to an animal shelter as they always seem to need towels. Now she no longer fears an avalanche of towels landing on her when she opens the linen closet!
Books & Papers – Reduce the Clutter
Books: Keep only favorites, books you want to read or will read again, and useful reference materials.
Documents: Digitize what you can, safely store important papers in a fire and flood-proof box, and discard the rest. As Marie Kondo says, papers don’t give you joy so you can safely toss the majority of them. (With the exception of children’s best artwork and possibly love letters.)
One client of mine had every bill and bank statement from the past 20 years. Once she realized she could get all of them online, she shredded bags and bags of old paperwork and reclaimed an entire section of her home office.
Garage/Loft/Storage – Be Ruthless
Tools: Keep only what is frequently used and in good working order.
Holiday Décor: Keep decorations you truly love and use. Consider using natural ornaments you don’t have to store from year to year, such as real pumpkins for Halloween and a real Christmas tree and wreath that you recycle.
Hobbies: If it has not been used in a year, donate or sell it.
I had a box of craft supplies that I had not opened in years. I finally admitted to myself that I was not suddenly going to take up scrapbooking, so I donated everything to the local elementary school for the kids’ artwork.
Step-by-Step Plan to Declutter for Downsizing
Phase 1: Planning (Weeks 1-2)
Set Goals: Visualize your new space and identify what is essential.
Create a Timeline: Assign specific rooms to different weeks.
Gather Supplies: Have boxes, labels, and donation bags ready.
Phase 2: Quick Wins (Weeks 3-4)
Start Small: Begin with easy areas like the bathroom, pantry, and linen closet.
Follow Your Criteria: Make decisions quickly and logically.
Donate Immediately: Do not allow unnecessary items to linger in your home.
Phase 3: Deep Decluttering (Weeks 5-14)
Work through each room systematically—kitchen, clothing, books, and sentimental items.
Phase 4: Selling & Donations (Weeks 15-18)
Sell Only High-Value Items: If it is not worth at least $50, donating is more efficient.
Use Online Marketplaces: Sell valuable pieces through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or consignment shops.
Schedule Donation Pickups: Arrange for large donation pickups to streamline the process.
Phase 5: Final Purge & Packing (Weeks 19-24)
One Last Sweep: Do a final check to remove anything unnecessary.
Begin Packing: Pack only what belongs in your new home.
How to Stay Motivated
Decluttering for downsizing can feel overwhelming, so it helps to set up strategies to stay on track.
Set Rewards: Celebrate milestones with small rewards.
Take Before & After Photos: Seeing progress helps maintain motivation.
Enlist Help: Having family or friends assist can make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Decluttering for downsizing is not just about moving to a smaller space. It is about creating a home that truly reflects what you value. By following a structured plan with your own predetermined criteria, you will reduce stress, save time, and move forward with clarity. If you are struggling to let go, remember that each object you own owns you. Freedom from stuff is liberating!
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