Throughout the years, we collect and accumulate so many items, from functional appliances to attractive fixtures and collectibles. However, maintaining a large house to hold them in can become more of an obstacle with time. Instead, many older adults have taken to downsizing and keeping seasonally-used items, such as holiday decorations, in a storage unit. If you’re looking to parse down your belongings, use the following guide for help.

A Guide to Downscaling Your Belongings

1. Discard Worn Out Items

It’s not unusual for a person to have a hidden drawer somewhere of old cellphones, laptops, and other electronics that are outdated or no longer useful. You might also have clothes you have a sentimental attachment to that are ill-fitting or too damaged to be of use, which it may be time to part with. Make a concerted effort to gather items into piles based on category and see if you can recycle them properly.

2. Identify Redundant Items

When you have lots of room, you may not mind having two to three pieces of the same merchandise. But now that you're planning to downsize, duplicate articles can become a liability, taking away your valuable, limited space.

Therefore, choose which stereo system has the best sound, pick either the hardback or the paperback version of your favorite book, and regift duplicate vases. You may also purchase multi-purpose tools, such as a screwdriver with changing heads, rather than hold on to a collection of single-use versions.

3. Have a Decluttering Sale

Perhaps you don’t use the hairdryer or toaster you were given as a gift—but someone else might find it useful. Host a yard sale to get rid of redundant yet functional items, and earn some cash you can use to buy pieces you need for your new home.

4. Distribute Memorabilia

If you have shared a house with your children and even your grandchildren, you may have some of their keepsakes. Instead of putting these in your storage unit, consider giving them to family members who may love to keep these in their own residences. 

For seniors who want to experience the freedom of downsizing and moving to a smaller home, Tom Thumb Mini Storage in San Marcos, TX, can offer storage facilities for your seasonal items. Their storage units have varying sizes, from 3x5 to 10x30, which you can conveniently access anytime. They also provide moving supplies like locks, boxes, packing tape, and more! Visit their website to know more about their units and services, or call (512) 396-3434 to inquire about availability.