by Erica Beiser

When retirees are moving, nine out of ten times overall downsizing is the main reason. Space can quickly become an issue. Homes become too large to care for, lawns become too much to mow, and keeping up with normal housework can get overwhelming. The solution: a smaller space that is a lot less work overall. The problem: all those items they have saved for years and years that may not fit so well in a smaller space.

If you’re a retiree who’s downsizing, or you’re helping someone move into a smaller place, here are some tips I’ve found useful in working with my customers over the years.

Sometimes that furniture that works in your big house, doesn’t work as well in the new, smaller place. Sometimes those items can be replaced for the same or little more than it will cost to move them.

Consolidating things like photos and clothes will give you more room, and ensure that you have what you want and need, not just what you’ve accumulated. For instance, if you’re moving to a warmer climate, you can get by with a lot fewer wool coats and scarves. Purchase photo boxs or albums for pictures and take the time to go through them to keep, and display, the really important ones.

Make sure you’re moving what’s most important: cherished antiques, art — items that can not be replaced today. Those are the keepers.

A good rule of thumb for overall downsizing is to leave behind (donate, sell, get rid of) about one third of a full room. The new house may only have an eat-in kitchen, and not a huge dining room and kitchen, or two bedrooms instead of three. When you eliminate some of the larger pieces of furniture, you get more breathing room in your new home. Your new home can be be reminiscent of the happy memories in your old home with some room for making new happy memories!

Smile and Happy Moving!