Decluttering and Downsizing-What’s the Difference?
Decluttering and downsizing are words that you have probably heard countless times. It has practically become a national pastime to engage in one or both activities these days. Although they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences between the two and each speaks to its own purpose. Let’s look at what the typical goals are for each.
Declutter Goals
- Remove unwanted/not used or useable items.
- Prepare home for sale by creating space and the illusion of space.
- Create accompanying organizing systems.
- Maintain a streamlined/clean and visually calm environment.
The uniqueness of decluttering is that it can be done on a very small scale - in just one area of your home like a single shelf, a room, or the infamous junk drawer, so it can be quite confined to an area or collection. It can just as easily be applied to an entire house. Decluttering focuses on eliminating unwanted items in your current home. It can be done at any time of course, and independent of a move. It is also a very common first step in a downsizing project when preparing for a move. Under the right circumstances, decluttering offers a sense of control and delivers peace of mind.
Downsizing Goals
- Reduce the quantity of items throughout the whole house.
- Identify items that are a good fit for a smaller space.
- Enter and embrace a new chapter of life based on age and/or lifestyle circumstances.
- Home is a reflection of the most meaningful items and lifestyle.
It can be said that downsizing cannot happen without an element of decluttering. True enough. Both include the necessary task of reducing and removing certain items from our homes. As its name suggests, downsizing typically involves reducing (down) the quantity of belongings to accommodate living in a smaller (size) footprint. When downsizing to a smaller space, all belongings, not just those found in one area or collection, need to be considered.
If this all sounds too technical, not to worry. The words are very often swapped with one another, and no one will really correct your use of the terminology.
Industry Advice
There are lots and lots of tips and ideas that come from professionals within the organizing, downsizing and senior living related industries. Some have cute, or thought-provoking names, others follow a methodology that can easily be remembered via an acronym. By whatever means received, here are a few common ideas:
- Take time to review your belongings. If you are planning a move, this means beginning the process weeks or months in advance. This will help ensure thoughtful and meaningful decisions and avoid regrets.
- Start with the big stuff, like furniture and work your way down to the smaller items. Clothes are another category that can be reviewed early in the process as it is often easy to determine the keeps from the discards.
- Remove from the home right away donations, giveaway items and those offered for sale.
- Save the review of photos and memorabilia for last. The time spent going down memory lane may well interrupt your momentum and take time away from other decluttering and downsizing efforts.
- Resist the urge to put items that are not wanted or regularly used into storage unless you know for sure it is a temporary solution. That is a bill you will not look forward to receiving. Instead, take photos if needed to preserve the memory of items that fall into this category.
- Ask for help. Decluttering and downsizing can be an overwhelming and daunting task. Reach out to supportive friends and family. Professionals from NAPO and NASMM are always available to help as well.
A very important thought to keep in mind is this. Decluttering and downsizing can be stressful, even more so when circumstances mandate change. When you choose to declutter or downsize absent a crisis or significant episode in life, the process can be quite enjoyable. Many people often use the term liberating to explain the feeling they have as a result.
Are you ready to declutter or downsize?