The most anticipated job of retirees is scaling down. To downsize from a larger living space to a smaller one can be traumatic. This is especially true if there is an emotional attachment to some of your possessions. On the other hand it can be a relief to get rid of worn out and well used pieces of furniture. There are many downsizing tips but the main ones point you in the direction of making the new space more compatible with your new lifestyle. Scale down, and clear clutter to start a new chapter in your life.



If anything dates you it's the old corning ware and the early American furniture. Most people will go to great lengths to look young and then pull out their original green stamps bought pots and pans. If you are pondering what to do with all the stuff you accumulated over the years there are ways to recycle. From having yard sales to donating, your treasured items can find a new life.

To plan best, you need to know the new dimensions so you can see if some of your furniture fits the floor plan. I found when I moved to a brand new but smaller house that I loved the feeling of empty space and no clutter. For me it was an easy choice to leave almost everything and start fresh. This is because I was not in a hurry to clutter up this new space.

This is not a good option for many retirees. They are attached to some of the furniture and like to have a fully decorated home immediately. For many retirees that scale down it is a chance to clear clutter and than decorate with new updated furniture. I like to think tailored and streamlined. Less means easier and practical for a new and more relaxed lifestyle. Scaling down is an inevitable part of moving to a new home.

Scaling down means smart shopping for scaled down versions of your oversized sofas, chunky tables and large chairs with bulky arms. It means go easy on accessories that may crowd the space. All kitchen pots, pans, blenders, choppers and dishes have to fit into the cabinets. It is probably time to update your kitchen tools considering that most of it is a collection of items that have worked hard and are worn or were never used in the first place.

The expensive pasta maker that I bought and used four times in 20 years is still taking up room in a cabinet. The reasoning is that I may want to use it. Thank goodness I was able to throw out most of the things that would take up too much kitchen space. Functional is the operative word when you are scaling down. What is the fun of starting anew if you do not get to decorate the house the way you always wanted.

Use outdoor space and furnish with comfortable furniture so it can be used all year. When you decorate be careful of putting up too many accent pieces on the walls. The one thing you do not want is a cluttered look in a small space. Square footage is going to be less than you would have had in your previous home. These are important downsizing tips that make your new home a wonderful and convenient place to live.