While our villas offer ample storage and living space, many retirees choose retirement villages as part of their decision to downsize to something more manageable than the family home. But moving into a smaller home might mean saying goodbye to some items around the home. The less you bring with you, the easier the move will be to make.Before embarking on this new phase in life, it is essential to declutter and organise belongings to ensure a smooth transition. That’s why we scoured the internet to find you the top ten tips for decluttering before you move.

Decluttering the family home

Decluttering before a move into a retirement village is important to help create a peaceful and organised living space. It involves sorting through possessions, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard, and finding suitable storage solutions.By following these top ten tips, you can streamline your belongings and make the most of your new retirement lifestyle.

1. Start Early:

Begin the decluttering process well in advance of the move. This allows ample time to sort through belongings without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. For instance, start by tackling one room at a time, dedicating a few hours each day to decluttering. By breaking the task into manageable chunks, the process becomes less daunting.

2. Categorise Belongings:

Sort items into categories such as keep, donate, sell, or discard. This helps in making informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go. For example, sentimental items like family heirlooms can be kept, while duplicate kitchen utensils or outdated electronics can be donated or sold.

3. Assess Storage Needs:

Retirement village living often requires downsizing, so it is essential to evaluate storage requirements. Consider the available space in the new residence and invest in suitable storage solutions. For instance, utilising vertical space with wall-mounted shelves or opting for furniture with built-in storage can maximise storage capacity.

4. Digitise Documents:

Reduce paper clutter by digitising important documents. Scan and store them securely on a computer or cloud-based service. This not only saves physical space but also ensures easy access to important information when needed.

5. Seek Help:

Decluttering can be an overwhelming task, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance from family, friends, or professional organisers. Their fresh perspective and support can make the process more efficient and enjoyable.

6. Learn to let go:

Learn to let go by getting rid of unused items. Be honest with yourself about items that haven’t been used in years. If something hasn’t served a purpose or brought joy, it may be time to let go. For instance, clothes that no longer fit or outdated electronics can be donated or discarded.

However, while it is important to declutter, it is equally crucial to consider sentimental value. Keep items that hold cherished memories or have sentimental significance. For example, photographs, letters, or mementos can be preserved and displayed in a meaningful way.

7. Plan for Downsizing:

If downsizing significantly, plan for the new space by measuring furniture and determining what will fit. This prevents the hassle of moving oversized or unnecessary items. For example, if a large dining table won’t fit, consider downsizing to a smaller one or opting for a multifunctional table.

8. Simplify Your Wardrobe:

When it comes to getting rid of clothes and shoes, it’s important to remember the 80/20 rule. We tend to wear only 20% of our clothes 80% of the time, which means there’s a lot of unnecessary items taking up space in our closets. If you haven’t worn it in the last year, it doesn’t fit, or it’s in need of repair, perhaps it’s time to let it go. The same goes for shoes and jewellery. We recommend buying your favorite at super low prices with free shipping, and you can also pick up your order at the store on the same day.

For seasonal clothing and sentimental pieces that you rarely wear, consider storing them in a separate storage bin to free up space in your closet.

9. Purge the home of unwanted items:

As you declutter, consider the best way to dispose of items. Group and them and adopt one of the following strategies to get rid of unwanted items as soon as you can.

• • • Donate to Charities: Charities are a great place to start if you have items that are still in reasonable condition and could easily be resold. This not only helps those in need but also provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose. There’s normally a charity bin somewhere close by at shopping centres or other public centres for clothes and other small or soft items. You can also find your local charity collection points easily online. They will likely list donation items they appreciate and what not to give them. Common items include clothes, furniture, or kitchenware. Just be mindful to only pass on things that are still in good condition without too much wear. Think “would someone likely buy and use this”. Otherwise, the charity will just end up being stuck with the bill for disposing of your items themselves.

• • • Recycle: If your neighbourhood offers curbside pickup for recyclables, simply place glass, plastics, and paper in your recycling bin. Otherwise, gather your recyclables in bags and take them to the nearest recycling drop-off location.

• • • Host a Garage Sale: Garage sales can be fun and they bring a new lease on life to your previously loved processions. More importantly, a garage sale can be a great way to make some extra cash from your clutter.
    • Check with your neighbours or homeowners’ association to see if there’s a designated garage sale date for your neighbourhood as well as to ensure you’re not breaking any council rules. Every area is different and so it pays to make sure you’re doing the right thing.
    • If there isn’t anything planned you can join soon, you could always hold your own. If you don’t think you have enough items to make a worthwhile sale, talk to your friends, family, and neighbours. Let them know you’re planning on hosting a garage sale and see if they have anything they have been wanting to get rid of. A group garage sale can provide greater appeal to the local foot traffic and will likely get more interested buyers in. Plus, it’s more fun than doing it alone.

• • • Rent a mobile bin to dispose of large items. As you sort through your possessions and declutter the home, get rid of anything that is beyond repair or not suitable for donation or sale. There are a whole host of portable dumpster providers available across NSW and Australia. They will deliver it to your door for you to fill with your unwanted items, then pick it up after an agreed amount of time.
    • Get rid of anything that you don’t want to bring with you into your retirement home as soon as you can. Getting it out of the way will give you a sense of satisfaction as you start to see results from your efforts.

10. Stay Positive and Celebrate Progress:

Decluttering can be emotionally challenging, but it is essential to stay positive throughout the process. Celebrate each milestone and acknowledge the progress made. This positive mindset will make the transition into a retirement village more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Decluttering before a move into a retirement village is a vital step in creating a peaceful and organised living space. By following these tips, you can efficiently declutter your belongings and make the most of your new retirement lifestyle.Starting early, categorizing belongings, assessing storage needs, and seeking help are just a few strategies that can simplify the process. Remember, downsizing is an opportunity to let go of unnecessary items and embrace a more simplified and fulfilling retirement.If you’re thinking about downsizing into a retirement village, give our sales team at Mount Gilead Estate a call at 1300 686 122. You might also like to read more on preparing the family home for sale.