How To Determine What Stays And What Goes When Downsizing

Moving to a new home can be a stressful situation, especially when downsizing, and it can leave you with mixed emotions. While you may be looking forward to a new beginning, you are also leaving behind a family home and the intimate memories tied to it. You also need to decide whether or not your existing furniture will fit or work in a new living space with less square footage. Here, we’ll discuss how to determine what stays and what goes when downsizing, with aspirational tips to make the move a bit less stressful.

What is Downsizing?

In simple terms, downsizing means moving from a large home to a smaller home. Whether it’s a townhouse or condo, or simply a single family home with less square footage, there are several reasons to downsize — as well as several benefits. According to Charles Schwab, moving to a smaller home can have financial advantages. “A smaller house can mean less upkeep, lower monthly expenses—and maybe even potential cash from a sale.” Downsizing is particularly attractive for retirees and empty nesters, and families looking to make a change to a more urban setting or a simpler lifestyle. 

Determine What Stays and What Goes.

A cluttered home is known to increase stress and diminish productivity. As you prepare for packing, start by gathering anything that you no longer like, need or use. If possible, consider donating items that are in good condition, and discard or recycle the rest. While difficult, remember that you can’t take everything with you, especially when downsizing. Reserve space on the moving truck for items that see regular use or have sentimental value. 

With that said, sometimes, it’s better to make a true fresh start. Rather than pay to move certain items, some homeowners prefer to use those funds to shop specifically for their new space. It can be difficult to retrofit large elements like furniture and appliances, and decorative accents, such as lamps, area rugs, window treatments, and art. Downsizing sometimes warrants a spatial design that is tailored to your new home and lifestyle.  

Of course, there are exceptions. In addition to necessities, consider beloved family heirlooms and other cherished elements of the home. These personal details help tell your story, and have been collected over time. Most importantly, they carry memories and an intimate connection that helps to make a house a home. 

As you determine what you can and cannot live without, keep in mind the layout of your new residence, and how these pieces will fit into each new space. If you are unsure of what should stay or go, consulting with a designer can help to make sense of the puzzle and ensure a refined and well-appointed finished result.

For more information on small-space living, read our recent blog, Making The Most Of A Modern Townhouse or Condo. And for assistance in designing a well-appointed and refined interior in the Greater Philadelphia Area, regardless of square footage, contact Stella Ludwig Interiors. 

Stella Ludwig Interiors is an award-winning boutique design firm specializing in high-end residential design. Located in the historic Rittenhouse Square area, we service discerning professional clients, empty nesters, and busy executives, as well as international families living in the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond. We are known for creating distinctive interiors that exude elegance with style and panache, and feel privileged to work in an ever-changing creative industry that allows us to use our experience and talents to bring joy to those we serve. Stella Ludwig Interiors projects and ideas have been featured in Architectural Digest, Philly Home Magazine, Philadelphia Style, Philadelphia Magazine, Suburban Life magazine, Kravet Design Share and real estate and design industry blogs.