How to successfully downsize your home

As we go through the many seasons that comprise our lives, there can sometimes be implications on our home selection. This can take many shapes... needing a larger home, needing a one-story versus two-story home, needing to be closer to something or farther from another. If you are considering downsizing, here are some tips to help you plan.

Even when we know downsizing is the "right" thing for us, it is not always easy to go through the change. Here are some tips to help you seamlessly and successfully downsize your home:

Start early.

While it's not always possible, you'll fare better if you give yourself ample time to make the transition. Plan to allow at least three months to downsize. That is an idea amount of time to sort through all of the possessions you have acquired over the years and assess what you need and what you don't. This will help you prepare for the move into something smaller.

Take inventory.

It's not easy, but giving all your belongings an honest assessment will ensure that you only keep items that are most important. Consider when the last time was that you needed the item and when you might reasonably need it again in the future. Ask yourself: If your possessions were lost in a fire, what would you actually replace? Outlived items tend to get stored, so it's wise to start the decluttering process there. I always recommend sorting with three categories: Absolutely keep, Maybe, and Get Rid of For Sure.

Make a plan.

As you sort through the items in your Get Rid pile, begin grouping items that don't make the cut. Determine if they will go to family, friends or charities? Another option is to sell them online or at a consignment shop. Before you bring the "keepers" to your new space, make a simple floor plan with measurements and assign each item a spot to make sure everything fits.

Live creatively.

You'll live large in your new small space if you follow some basic decorating and storage tips:

•Hang mirrors. They help spaces look larger.

•Use double-duty furniture (like a storage ottoman or a bed frame with drawers).

•Consider tall bookcases to maximize space.

•Utilize hooks and shelves to provide take advantage of height in a room.

• Consider smaller scale furnishings

Downsizing may be a significant change, but a good attitude and some careful planning can help make sure your new space is a good fit.