Downsizing can be a great way to declutter your life and embrace change. Nevertheless, there are some important possessions that should survive the transition.
Paperwork
Recycling a lot of paper is a good sign when downsizing, but make sure that doesn’t include important documents. It’s easy for them to get caught up in the shuffle and tempting to think that if it’s been a year or two you won’t need them again. But think again! You never know when you’ll have to prove something about your financial history. If you don’t want all that paper, consider digitizing documents and putting them somewhere offline and secure.
Medication and Cleaning Supplies that Haven’t Expired
Getting rid of all your half-empty pill bottles can seem like a great way to clean up, but replacing these items can be expensive. Consolidate and relabel; don’t toss over-the-counter medications or cleaning products that work just fine.
The Pride of your Collections
You collected these things for a reason! If you still enjoy a collection but don’t have the space to keep all of it, select the three-five pieces that mean the most to you and pass on the rest. Depending on the theme, consider donating the rest of the collection. The recipients will be grateful, and you might even be able to go visit.
Printed Photos
Yes it’s a good idea to digitize printed photos, but don’t use that as a excuse to throw away your physical copies. There’s something special about holding a photo in your hand.
Electronics
By all means get rid of your old electronics, but don’t just toss them in the trash. That’s bad for both the environment and your personal security. Make sure you wipe all personal data off of phones and computers before letting them go, and contact your city or municipality for disposal suggestions.
Things that Make You Laugh
It doesn’t matter if no one else sees the value in a specific item; if it makes you laugh or brings you joy it should be a part of your smaller house!
