Downsizing can seem like a daunting task, regardless of whether you’re moving or just decluttering your current space. It can be overwhelming to look at a lifetime of stuff and try to figure out where to begin. Keep in mind that downsizing starts with an attitude—this is something that’s going to feel GOOD in the long run. It’s a liberating feeling that will be worth the process!

Take your time and do it little by little. A great place to start is with “easy” items to throw out. Take a look around. Do you have:

• Duplicate Kitchen Items? Put them in a separate pile to donate or sell if they’re in good condition or just throw out if they’re not. Do you really need three spatulas or two blenders? Probably not! Assess your gadgets, too. Do you actually use that bread maker? What about the spiralizer or espresso machine? If you haven’t used items in the last 1-2 years, they’re probably not worth keeping in a smaller space. Add them to the pile.
   
• Dusty Clothes? If you have clothes that are out of style, don’t fit, or rarely worn, pull them aside. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, it’s probably safe to donate. Keep only the items that you really love and wear on a regular basis.
   
• Old Paperwork & Instruction Manuels? Your tax records should be kept for 3–7 years, but those receipts from your wedding? Probably time to let them go! Old bills, receipts, and general paperwork that aren’t part of your tax archive can be tossed. Shred anything with personal info. If it’s something that might be important, consider scanning and storing digitally instead. Same goes for instruction manuals. Digitizing takes up a lot less room and makes it easier for you to organize your files to easily find and click what you may need down the road.
   
• Unused Electronics? Old computers, phones, chargers, and all kinds of gadgets tend to accumulate. Pull those aside to bring to an e-waste recycling program or check with your local electronic store to see if they have a drop-off. Some churches and charities also hold events specifically for getting rid of electronics and old junk. Check their event websites or look for flyers in your area.
   
• Books That You Won’t Read? Many libraries, schools, second-hand bookstores, and some charities take old books. Grab a box and fill it with all the ones you know you won’t read again and bring them in to make someone else smile! If you’re moving to a smaller place but love to read, consider switching to digital books or get more from the library so you won’t have piles taking up valuable space.
   
• Too Many Hobby Supplies? If you have leftover items from old hobbies that you no longer do or duplicate items, get those out of there, too. Donate or sell them.
   
•  Overflowing Linens? If you want to keep it minimal, consider keeping two sets of sheets per bed and just a few extra towels. Donate the rest to your favorite charity or animal shelter.
   
• A Bursting Bathroom Cabinet? Half-used bottles and expired makeup and medicines tend to pile up. Check expiration dates and throw out anything past due. Then assess the rest. Do you use it daily? Keep it. Haven’t used it in months? Toss it.
   
• A “Just-in-Case” Drawer? Or bin or closet…. Those old cables, gadgets, extra pencils, and semi-broken items always seem to find a home somewhere. Be honest—do you REALLY think you’ll need them? If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably won’t use it again. Clearing out these types of items go a long way!
   
• Stacks of CDs, Records, and DVDs? It’s always nice to have your choice of music and movies on hand, but they do take up a lot of space. Consider digitizing your entertainment. Having all your music saved to a music library like iMusic makes it easy to find what you’re looking for with a quick swipe. And one tablet takes up a lot less space than those old CD towers. Many movies also can now be found online through a streaming service or downloaded directly to your device. Cast to your TV with a quick click of a button and watch your favorites anytime without the clutter.
   
• Overflowing Piles of Pictures? Digitize! Take those old photos, documents, slides/filmstrips, and children’s artwork and either scan or photograph yourself, or bring to your local shop to have them digitized for you. Now everything can be on one small hard drive that will easily fit in a drawer instead of taking up entire closets.
   
• Lots of Sentimental Items? These are the hardest to go through. Some of these items you’ll definitely want to keep, but if space is limited, all those old cards and trophies and artwork might take up too much room. Consider taking a picture or scanning in some of those items to digitize and pull up whenever you want to see it without having to worry about using too much closet space. Some of these items can be handed down to a family member or someone special in your life for safekeeping as well.

Sometimes it’s hard to go through belongings with a clear mind. Consider having someone who is not as attached help you. They can be a neutral party to assist in the decisions that will work best for your new space.

If you plan on moving to a smaller space, consider also getting rid of bulky furniture, clunky appliances, and extra lamps. Shop for wall-mounted storage, multifunctional furniture, wall/furniture-mounted lighting, and light window dressings to make your new home feel more open and to highlight your fresh, clutter-free living!