Downsizing

2008/02/28 Originally published in the Vernon Morning Star.

To many of us, facing downsizing is a dilemma. The mere thought of scaling down is overwhelming. How does one go from the typical family home of three bedrooms, full basement and an attached garage down to the typical 1000-1200 square foot condo? You'll need a system.

Start by making a series of lists. The first list should be things you have that you are no longer using or you no longer enjoy. Even though these may be valuable items this is the time to release them. Sell or donate the items on this list. The second list is at the other end of the question. This one should be of the possessions you hold dearest. These are the things you love and will never want to part with. Everything that is not on either of these first two lists is then up for discussion.

To tackle this next phase of the question, create a list of items that are essential to your needs. If among these items you discover those essentials won't fit in the new space, then you have to accept they cannot come with you. Especially furniture items. Jamming a dining room suite or large living room suite into your new smaller space will only make you unhappy in the long run. So, deal with this issue before you move. You may need to purchase a few new pieces. It's amazing how affordable new furniture is these days. Shop around. There are some real bargains out there.

Now, you should be down to a much smaller inventory of items you have to decide about. This is your "maybe" list. This is the time to assess the storage capability in your new place. Keep or purchase items that provide optimum storage. I am referring to cupboards, chests of drawers and the like. Give priority to furniture items that can be dual purpose. Items like sofa beds and tables that fold out fall into this category.

To maximize storage in your new smaller space, invest in good shelving for the storage areas, and consider adding a second upper shelf in all the closets. Canvas and plastic containers are readily available in retail stores for storage under beds.

Generally the focus in this exercise needs to be on where you are going to, not where you are coming from. If you set up your new space well you'll soon forget the absence of your excess belongings.

There are a variety of ways to dispose of your extra things. Please recycle wherever you can. The Salvation Army Thrift Store takes a variety of items, not just clothing. The Mental Health Store, opposite the Golden Crown Restaurant is another worthy recipient of your good clothing items. Donations to Value Village are unloaded right from your vehicle in a drive through system and they accept a huge variety of items. Furniture items are best dealt with via selling through the Morning Star newspaper, by the second hand furniture and antique dealers or by auction.

Jane Field works with RE/MAX Vernon. Jane has over 30 years experience in the Real Estate business. To suggest topics for future articles or to ask Jane questions, email her or call 503-3755.

RE/MAX Vernon | 250.503.3755 | Toll free 1.888.503.3755 | 5603 - 27 ST | Vernon | BC | V1T 8Z5 | Canada

Helpful Information for Buyers and Sellers

Downsizing