4 tips for decluttering your family home
You’ve decided that downsizing to a retirement village is the right move for you, but now it’s time to tackle the big task of downsizing your decades-worth of belongings that fill your family home.
Here are some tips to help you downsize and declutter your old home and start planning for life in your new one.
1. Planning your declutter
It’s always a good idea to start with a plan. Before you begin boxing up your belongings, start by considering the following:
- What’s the layout of your new home?
- What furniture do you want to bring along with you?
- What items would you like to buy new?
- What storage space does it have?
- What hobbies/activities will be part of your new lifestyle?
- What items are essential for your new home?
- Are there old items that need renewing or replacing?
Doing this before you jump into the decluttering process will help you gain a better and more realistic picture of what items you will really need in your new home, what items you won’t need, and what items you might need to replace or renew.
The luxurious villas and apartments at Applewood are more spacious than your typical retirement living homes. From two- and three-bedroom villas, to spacious, open-plan apartments (with courtyards or balconies ideal for alfresco dining and entertaining), you’ll be surprised at how spacious your downsized home will feel.
2. The physical declutter
Decluttering your home is both a physical and emotional process that can seem overwhelming at first, but it’s an essential step in your downsizing journey. The best way to approach the task is by focusing on one room at a time, and sorting your belongings into four key categories: keep, sell, donate and bin.
If there are seasonal or sentimental items you don’t want to keep in your new home full-time, but also don’t want to part with, you may opt for storage hire to keep these valuables safe.
It’s never too early to start decluttering – you can get started on this process any time.
3. The digital declutter
Some of your belongings can take a new format that will take up very little space in your new home.
- Photos and documents can be scanned into a digital format and kept on a CD, USB or hard-drive. Cherished photos can be displayed in a digital photo frame and made into photo books.
- Home videos can also be transposed onto a USB or DVD.
- CDs can be saved as digital files or you can subscribe to a music streaming service. If you’re not tech savvy, get a family member, grandchild or Gen Z-er to help you out. Alternatively, you may be able to seek the help of the tech experts at stores like JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks.
- DVDs and videos can be replaced by subscribing to streaming services that have all your favourite films.
Often, sifting through photos and home videos is the most emotional part of the downsizing process, so take the time to appreciate all the incredible memories you’ve created in your family home. Doing this will help you feel ready to embrace your new and exciting chapter.
4. Find smart storage solutions
In order to maximise space in your new, downsized home, you may like to invest in space-saving and storage-enhancing furniture. This could include:
- Beds with drawers to store blankets and bedding
- A coffee table with drawers or compartments for magazines, games, controls and your rarest DVDs and videos
- Buffet tables that can store glassware, crockery, vases and platters for when it’s time to entertain guests
For home storage ideas, inspiration and products, you can look online or in-store at:
5. Think positive
Sometimes, letting go of your belongings can make you feel a sense of melancholy. That’s why it’s important to focus on what you’ll be gaining, instead of what you’re “losing”. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You’re freeing up your space to make way for a low-maintenance home that won’t require renovations, repair or garden upkeep.
- You’re taking the things that bring you joy to your new home.
- You’re embracing a new lifestyle that presents new possibilities and opportunities.
- You’ve worked hard all your life, and you deserve a lifestyle of freedom and fun.
To learn more about the retirement properties available at Applewood, click here.