We have friends who moved from the Okanagan to the Lower Mainland a few years ago, from a 3,000-square-foot house to an apartment. It was a big step down in size…yes, that’s what downsizing really is.
Our friends did everything right, or so they thought. They counted boxes, measured furniture and packed carefully so that the moving company — from Vancouver — would know what kind of truck to send. Fortunately, the moving company erred on the side of a bigger truck than appeared necessary. It was full. Not only that, the family SUV was also full, with barely enough room for the one passenger. Not only that, the last remnants of furniture were donated to anyone willing to take them.Downsizing can be a four-letter word. It’s one of those good ideas that can become daunting, or worse.
So it helps to have a few suggestions, which is what today’s blog features. If you’re selling (or planning on selling) the family home and downsizing, here are three categories that might help make the task more…pleasurable:
1. Calculations
You know how carpenters always cut once after measuring twice? When downsizing, it’s also a good idea to measure twice. You want every piece of furniture that goes with you to fit into your new space, unless of course you plan on leaving it all behind. Maybe take out the tape and measure everything, twice, and think about doing a drawing to scale so you’ll known what furniture will fit in the new home.
You know how carpenters always cut once after measuring twice? When downsizing, it’s also a good idea to measure twice. You want every piece of furniture that goes with you to fit into your new space, unless of course you plan on leaving it all behind. Maybe take out the tape and measure everything, twice, and think about doing a drawing to scale so you’ll known what furniture will fit in the new home.
2. Patient Planning
Anybody who’s cleaned out a two-car garage that was used more for storage than cars also likely set aside an afternoon to do the job, only to find that at sunset half the “garage” was still on the driveway. With downsizing, the job starts with reducing those “worldly possessions” that have been collecting in the spare room, closets or attic. It’s something that warrants patience and time, so try to have both when you begin.
Anybody who’s cleaned out a two-car garage that was used more for storage than cars also likely set aside an afternoon to do the job, only to find that at sunset half the “garage” was still on the driveway. With downsizing, the job starts with reducing those “worldly possessions” that have been collecting in the spare room, closets or attic. It’s something that warrants patience and time, so try to have both when you begin.
3. Lists
On your iPhone or just paper, it’s a good idea to separate your worldly possessions. The ‘A’ list is what you’re unwilling to part with, the ‘B’ list is what’s definitely going and the ‘C’ list is “not sure.” In breaking down the chore further, do one of these lists for each room, starting with the smallest room with less personal effects (eg. laundry room) to give you that boost of confidence. When the rooms are done, take the ‘C’ lists and re-evaluate.
Over the years, we’ve watched many clients downsize. It doesn’t have to be traumatic. For more ideas, contact Jennifer (604-726-8768) or Dale (604-922-3353) at any time.