Sarasota’s condominium market is hot! Year-over-year, the median price has risen by 7.3%. Many people are selling their larger single-family homes and settling into condominiums with smaller square footage and less storage. As we consider what it means to downsize, it can be difficult to part with so many of the items we’ve held onto over the years. But this is also an opportunity to start fresh – get rid of the clutter and fill your home with the things that bring joy and good memories.
Here are three steps for downsizing – all of which take into account those possessions of yours which matter most.
- Plan, plan, plan
Consider the size of your new home. Measure the rooms, closets, and any other storage areas. When you really get a feel for the space, that will help you determine just how much can make this trip with you.
Moving is a big undertaking. Take it one room at a time as you plan what to bring and what to get rid of. Remember that you don’t need to tackle everything in one day. Being methodical will help relieve any stress associated with these decisions.
Begin with large items – like furniture. Once you’ve determined which pieces to bring, you can then decide what accompanies them best.
- Sort, sort, sort
It’s time to decide what will make the trip with you. Sort your belongings into two categories – a “yes” pile and a “no” pile. If you are hesitating which pile to put it in, then most likely it belongs in the “no” pile.
Get rid of any multiples – only one tea pot or china set will do the trick. Moving to Sarasota also means you can get rid of winter coats, saving you plenty of closet space (though still plan for a few early mornings out of the year being in the 40’s).
When it’s time to decide what to do with unwanted items, there are multiple avenues that do not put waste into the environment. Special items can go to a friend or family member. Clothing, housewares, and furniture that are in good condition can be sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or on consignment. You can also choose to donate unwanted items to Goodwill – which can be claimed as a charitable deduction on your taxes. Donation drop-offs or their residential pick-up service can make your experience easier – reducing stress and hassles. Anything damaged or timeworn should make its way to the recycling bin or the trash.
- Preserve, preserve, preserve.
Photo albums take up a lot of space and there’s no better way to preserve family photos than to digitize them. Place them on a Dropbox or Google drive folder shared with your family so everyone has access. Use a digital picture frame to view all your favorite photos on a slideshow or as screensavers on your TV or computer. For larger items, take a picture to keep those good memories close and then give those treasured items to a family member or good friend.
It can certainly be an emotional experience to go through all your belongings and decide what is worthy of moving on to the next stage of your life. Be sure to take your time as you reminisce and then make a decision. At the end of the day, you can only fit so many things in your new home and if done right, those things can make for a much more meaningful environment. Before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by only good memories and a freeing sense of accomplishment.
If you are interested in purchasing a condo in Sarasota or Manatee county, contact me.