These five tips will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls people encounter when attempting to downsize.  If you make sure you DON’T do these five things, your transition will be much easier – we promise!

1. DON’T prioritize stuff over people.  Try hard to take a bird’s eye view of this transition and remember that the people and relationships in your life are so much more important (and meaningful) than your stuff.  For instance, don’t demand to move all of the craft supplies from your sewing room if it means there will be no room for your husband in your new home!    No, but seriously – if you find yourself fighting with family members about stuff, try to remember that the relationship is what is truly important.  Stuff is just stuff.
2. DON’T keep something just because you paid a lot of money for it. The money you paid for your items is long gone – you won’t get it back simply by keeping the item.  If you are ready to let go of an item that has some monetary value, then explore your options for selling it.  But be realistic!  Selling items second-hand is no way to get rich and holding on to an item simply because you weren’t able to get the price you hoped is a fool’s errand.  If you don’t use it or love it, let it go.
3. DON’T keep stuff you haven’t used in a year. Even if an item used to be something you loved or used a lot, ask yourself when the last time was that you used it.  If it has sat unused for a year or more, there’s no sense in holding on to it.  Let it go!
4. DON’T let your stuff hold you back. All too often, our attachment to our stuff (and fear of letting it go) prevents us from making a big transition like moving to a smaller home or apartment.  Even though a transition like this could have a positive impact on our health, happiness and stress level, we stay put because we can’t imagine giving up our possessions.  Perhaps you need to let go of what you are holding on to so that your arms can be open to what comes next.
5. DON’T get overwhelmed…take it one step at a time. Nearly everyone gets overwhelmed by this process.  Don’t let that stop you!  When you have that feeling, take a deep breath and maybe even take a break.  Then come back to the process, one step at a time.  Remember that sorting can be done one room, one cupboard, one closet or one drawer at a time.

To read the top five DO’S of the rightsizing process, click here!