Whether it’s a personal move or helping a parent move to a smaller home, trying to downsize is a frustrating task. Deciding what to keep and what has to go is agonizing but with the proper planning and some helpful ideas the process can go smoothly. Take a look at these 12 ways to downsize.
How to Downsize Your Home: 12 Easy Tips
![How to Downsize: Figure Out What You Need Versus Things You Want to Do](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Exercise-Bike.jpg)
How to Downsize: Figure Out What You Need Versus Things You Want to Do
![How to Downsize: Measure Furniture to see if it'll fit in new Place](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/plan-a-room.jpg)
How to Downsize: Measure Furniture to see if it'll fit in new Place
![How to Downsize: Determine Storage Space for New Place](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/FH10FEB_505_51_078-closet.jpg)
How to Downsize: Determine Storage Space for New Place
![How to Downsize: Take Inventory of What you Have](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Moving_Tips_Checklist_Page_1.jpg)
How to Downsize: Take Inventory of What you Have
![How to Downsize: Shred Some Paper](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/71oDxKwAiSL._SL1500_-paper-shredder.jpg)
How to Downsize: Shred Some Paper
![How to Downsize: Avoid Tackling House in One Pass](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/FH12JAU_530_55_024-free-junk.jpg)
How to Downsize: Avoid Tackling House in One Pass
![books](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/dryersheets_shutterstock_37859272.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
How to Downsize: Get Rid of Books
What is this obsession people have with books? What do you need it for after you’ve read it? Unless you want to keep a book for sentimental reasons or like to re-read one, moving a bunch of books is a pain. They’re heavy and cumbersome. Eliminate some of them by selling them at a Half Price Books or online. But if you’ve got enough books you can’t give up, check out some ideas on how to build a bookcase.
![How to Downsize: Digitize Whatever You Can](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/FH06FEB_DVDCAB_01-1200x1200-1.jpg)
How to Downsize: Digitize Whatever You Can
![2016_11_Closet_Storage_01-9](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2016_11_Closet_Storage_01-9.jpg?fit=696%2C696)
How to Downsize: Frame Decisions as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
There is no maybe in downsizing. That maybe pile is probably going to follow you to your new, smaller place. Eliminate the maybe pile and make the hard decisions right away. Frame the decision as a need versus a want, if that helps. Just make sure you stick to a yes or no decision. This is especially important when helping older parents downsize.
![How to Downsize: Use the OHIO Rule](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/shutterstock_524231800-moving-boxes.jpg)
How to Downsize: Use the OHIO Rule
![How to Downsize: Target Recipients for Specialty Items](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/FH11FEB_STRAGE_10-Music-Guitar-Instruments.jpg)
How to Downsize: Target Recipients for Specialty Items
![How to Downsize: Throw a Packing Party](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Packing-Party-Boxes.jpg)