I’m considering moving to a smaller space in August when my lease ends.

I don’t like surprises (and I get excited about new projects), so I started researching apartments in Northern Virginia last November. I’ve been using Google Maps bookmarks to take notes and coming back to see what’s available every few weeks. That potential move is still months away, but I’ve already started selling, donating and passing on items I haven’t been using. Facebook Marketplace has been a great selling platform for me so far. And yes, even the organizer accumulates stuff that ends up not being used — I am not perfect, and nobody is!

One of my favorite “games” to play is creating floor plans, which allows me to see how my existing furniture and rugs might fit into my new space.

This is a necessary step for my peace of mind, as space is limited — including potential changes in closet or cabinet space. I’ve done this every time I’ve moved over the last 15+ years. I recreate an existing floor plan on a piece of grid paper. Then, I measure the top-down dimensions of each piece of furniture, sketch it out on a separate sheet of grid paper, cut it out, and place it on the floor plan. While it takes some time on the front end, it’s worth it to me not to have to push furniture around for days after a move and more importantly, I know everything will fit.

Many apartment buildings include layouts and measurements of each unit on their website. If you’re moving into a new home, you should be able to access floor plans through your agent.

But sometimes life calls for more drastic downsizing measures.

You or a family member you’d like to assist may be relocating to an independent living community or moving into a room with family or a roommate in a home that’s already furnished. This calls for heavier downsizing, and it can feel like a monumental task. When do you start? Where do you start? How do you make it happen?

A few ideas! Start downsizing several months ahead of your planned move at a slow and steady pace.

• Jot down a list to help guide you and sort your thoughts. You can divide your tasks by room, type of collection, or difficulty level (clothing, books, storage boxes, hobby supplies, tools, sporting gear, small appliances or furniture), then create a weekly schedule.
• Sort your possessions next. Keep what will fit into your new space. Then donate, sell, or pass on what is not trash.
• Save the memories for last; work on your sentimental items after you’ve made significant progress on larger items, so you can allot time for the recollections they evoke.
• If you’re a bit overwhelmed, you can start small. Sift ruthlessly through spaces like drawers, cabinets, or small boxes, and remove items from your space as an act of love. Keep in mind you may be losing significant closet or cabinet space in your new location.
• Work your way up to collections that occupy more space. Which clothes don’t fit or call to you anymore, which kitchen appliances or fitness gear haven’t you used for a while?
• By the time you get to the largest items, you’ll have some practice under your belt. Often, these things are less sentimental — and no matter how imaginative you are, they won’t fit in your new space. They can be sold or donated for pickup by neighbors, friends, or family.

The hardest part of this process can be indecision and the emotional attachment to sentimental items…

There comes a point where you need to make peace with letting go — it can be a very empowering and freeing experience. If you’re certain you must keep a few things in the family and haven’t found them a new home before the move, consider renting a small storage unit as a temporary solution, so family members can pick up what’s meaningful to them.

If this feels like an overwhelming task, reach out to me! It helps to have the emotional and professional support of someone who can help you conquer downsizing with compassion and zero judgment.