Downsizing Tips for Empty Nesters

As your kids leave for college or start their own lives as adults, having a large home may feel burdensome. If you’re ready to make a change as an empty nester, downsizing to a smaller home may be the perfect solution for you! When you reduce the time and effort spent on household chores, you can gain greater financial flexibility, prepare for retirement more effectively, and embrace a simpler, more manageable lifestyle.

A larger home can hold years’ worth of memories and long-forgotten items tucked away in closets and the attic, so a smooth transition from your old place to your new home is essential.

Access Self Storage is ready to help you navigate the downsizing process for empty nesters with organizational tips and creative storage advice.

Decluttering Tips for Empty Nesters Moving to Smaller Homes

Downsizing is a deeply personal journey that can be emotionally taxing. We recommend taking it step by step by first assessing all your belongings and then separating them in a few ways to take the emotion out of the process without making hasty decisions.

Tips for Sorting Through Belongings

You can tackle sorting your belongings with several strategies. To get you started, we recommend that you:

• Start small. Begin with a single drawer or closet to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Categorize. Sort belongings into categories such as keep, donate, sell, and discard. Further, sort those items with like-items.
• Set time limits. Designate specific times for sorting sessions to maintain focus and productivity.
• Evaluate necessity. Ask yourself if each item is useful or brings joy—if not, consider letting it go.
• Organize as you go. Use plastic bins or clear boxes to keep sorted items organized and easily accessible.

Effective Decluttering Advice and What To Do With Unwanted Items

Explore these strategies for decluttering and letting go of items you no longer need—try the One Year Rule: if you haven’t used something in the last year, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Scan your vacation photos and important documents to free up physical space, or spread joy by gifting sentimental items and keepsakes to family and friends who would appreciate them.

If you have belongings that you no longer need, there are several avenues through which you can part with them. Garage sales and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, and eBay are great for selling gently used items. Consider donating items like blankets, towels, bedding, old shirts, sweatshirts, rugs, mats, bowls, and cleaning supplies to your local animal shelter to benefit the animals in need.

Organizing Sentimental Items and Preserving Memories Without Clutter

As you sift through your sentimental items, strolling down memory lane may tempt you to hold onto everything, but this often leads to unnecessary clutter. Categorizing your belongings creates a systematic approach, allowing your items to be easily separated and sorted. Categories include albums, photographs, collectibles, children’s art and school projects, letters and cards, souvenirs, trinkets, and keepsakes.

Creative Storage Solutions for Sentimental Items

Not sure where to start with storing your sentimental items? We have a few ideas for you, such as:

1. Customized calendar. Design a custom calendar featuring personal photos and important dates.
2. DIY ornaments. Create holiday ornaments with photos or small keepsakes inside.
3. Gallery wall. Use one specific wall to display artwork, photographs, and more.
4. Jewelry display. Turn vintage, passed-down jewelry into a wall-mounted art piece.
5. Keepsake jar. Fill a jar with small souvenirs, ticket stubs, and notes to keep them close by.
6. Memory quilt or pillow. Sew pieces of old clothing or fabric into a quilt or a pillow to always keep near.
7. Photo collage. Arrange your favorite photos of family, friends, pets, and more in a creative collage frame.
8. Scrapbook. Assemble a scrapbook with photos, letters, cards, and other keepsakes to preserve your memories.
9. Shadow box. Display mementos, souvenirs, trinkets, photos, and keepsakes in decorative, themed shadow boxes.

Maximizing Limited Space With Furniture and Storage Ideas

Transitioning to a smaller living space doesn’t have to mean giving up the things you need. Multi-functional furniture can serve as storage spaces–perfect for anyone downsizing. These versatile items are particularly beneficial for empty nesters, as they help free up essential space without costing an arm and a leg or sacrificing functionality.

• Sofa bed. Providing seating during the day and sleeping space at night
• Storage ottoman. Has a hollow interior for storing blankets, pillows, or other items while serving as a footrest or extra seating
• Murphy bed. A bed that folds into a wall or cabinet, freeing up floor space
• Extendable dining table. Leaves can be added or removed to adjust the table size for different numbers of guests
• Lift-top coffee table. Comes with a top that lifts to provide a higher surface for eating, working, or storage beneath
• Sleeper chair. Can be unfolded into a compact single bed for overnight guests
• Storage bench. With a lid that opens to reveal storage space inside, great for entryways, mud rooms, or living rooms
• Convertible folding desk. Can be adjusted or folded into different pieces of furniture like a shelf or cabinet

More Tips for Making the Most of Every Inch

Vertical storage solutions offer many benefits throughout your downsized home by maximizing your available space and improving organization. Using wall and vertical space with shelving units, pegboards, and ladder shelves frees up floor space, making rooms appear larger and less cluttered. This type of storage is versatile and suitable for various items like books, kitchen utensils, tools, craft supplies, and plants, enhancing accessibility by keeping frequently used items within easy reach.

Maximizing vertical storage through over-the-door racks, wall-mounted baskets, and floating shelves creates a sense of aesthetic appeal. These creative storage options offer innovative and decorative ways to showcase and organize belongings. These creative storage solutions help maintain a neat environment while allowing for stylish and personalized displays of items.

For out-of-sight storage solutions, hanging closet organizers maximize closet space by adding shelves and shoe racks. Stackable storage bins are great for garage and basement storage, providing more valuable floor space while keeping items tidy. Vertical filing cabinets with drawers are also great for offices, keeping your documents and office supplies organized.

Rent Affordable Personal Storage From Access Self Storage

Downsizing to a smaller home after your children head off to college or move out of the nest presents a variety of advantages. With lower utility, maintenance, and property expenses, the downsized lifestyle encourages decluttering and a simpler, stress-free way of living.

When it’s time to simplify your life, trust Access Self Storage’s personal storage solutions to help you downsize efficiently. Take advantage of our convenient and complimentary moving assistance to make your transition smoother.

Discover the range of self storage units for retirees in Manalapan, NJ, or contact us for further information!