Downsize without Losing Your Mind: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
- Dianne Collins
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 5
Whether you’re moving to a smaller home, preparing for a big life change, or just craving a simpler space, downsizing can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. We often think of “downsizing” as something people do later in life, but honestly, it’s for anyone who’s ready to stop feeling weighed down by too much stuff and start living lighter.
Real Life - My husband and I downsized for a simpler life while in our early 50's, and I learned some things along the way. Here’s what to do—and what not to do—if you’re ready to make it happen without losing your mind.
✅ DO: Start with your why
Before you open a single drawer, take a minute to ask yourself why you’re downsizing. Is it to spend less time cleaning? To create a home that’s easier to manage? To free up time and energy for things you actually love? Having a clear reason keeps you grounded when emotions (and clutter) start to pile up. When you know your “why,” decisions become simpler: Does this fit the life I want now?
❌ DON’T: Start by buying new bins
It’s so tempting to run out and grab matching containers or fancy labels first. But here’s the truth—buying storage before decluttering just creates more clutter. Downsizing isn’t about finding better ways to store too much stuff; it’s about keeping what truly matters and letting the rest go.
✅ DO: Take it one category—or one space—at a time
Trying to downsize/declutter your entire home in a weekend is a fast track to burnout. Instead, choose one area to focus on. Maybe it’s clothes, books, or kitchen gadgets. The goal isn’t speed—it’s clarity. Give yourself permission to make steady progress rather than chasing perfection.
❌ DON’T: Keep things “just in case”
This is the trap that keeps so many people stuck. “Just in case” often means “I don’t trust myself to live without this.” Ask yourself: When was the last time I used this? If it’s been a year (or five), it’s probably time to let it go. Someone else might actually be able to use it now.
Fun Fact - When we first moved into our smaller home, two crockpots, a large rice-maker, plus an insta-pot came with us but we didn't have the space for them. Now we are down to one tiny rice-maker and the instapot for everything else and we've never regretted it...except for the missed opportunity to declutter more BEFORE we moved!
✅ DO: Keep your favorites, not your maybes
Downsizing isn’t about living with nothing—it’s about living with what you love. Keep the items that make your daily life better or genuinely bring joy. The “maybes” are usually the ones taking up space and energy without giving much back.
❌ DON’T: Feel guilty for letting things go
Memories aren’t stored in your stuff. They’re in you. Donating or selling something you once loved doesn’t erase its meaning. It’s okay to be grateful for what an item gave you and then release it so it can serve someone else.
✅ DO: Celebrate your progress
Downsizing is an emotional journey. Every bag donated, every drawer simplified, is a step toward more breathing room in your life. Celebrate that. You’re not just decluttering your home—you’re creating space for ease, freedom, and calm.
Downsizing isn’t only for people moving into assisted living or tiny homes. It’s for anyone ready to make their space make sense. Less stuff, more living—that’s what this is really about.
Ready to simplify your own space? I offer one-on-one organizing services to help you declutter with confidence and create a home that actually works for your life.
Learn more about my organizing services ➜
Not sure if downsizing is right for you? Take my quick Downsizing Quiz! It’ll help you figure out whether now’s the right time—and what your next step should be. [Take the quiz ➜
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Until Next Time,
Dianne
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