We often have questions about downsizing when our clients are moving into smaller spaces. They’ve lived in their home for several years and, in some cases, several decades. There's a lot of history, a lot of memories, and, often, a lot of stuff.

We decided to ask the experts in this industry, Darling Solutions in Stittsville. They have been supporting clients with downsizing and moving for over 13 years. Here’s what they had to say:

Every home has memories and items you will want to keep. It is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work required to sort through everything and decide what to do with it. This can be an emotional process, and it is different for everyone.

Here are some tips to help you take control of your journey and ease that stress:

1. Evaluate your needs

Whether you’re decluttering or preparing for a move, think about what you really need and the activities you’ll be doing. It’s time to evaluate the NEEDS vs. the WANTS. Be realistic – maybe your 6-pc bedroom suite is not going to fit in your new apartment.

2. Decide what to keep

Analyze your home’s contents to determine what is a necessity and what is a keepsake. Necessities are your day-to-day items you need, like linens, dishes, furniture, personal toiletries, etc. Keepsakes are the reminders/sentimental pieces of your lifetime. This is often the most emotional part of your journey. You can’t keep everything, so keep what has the most meaning. TIP: Take photos of precious keepsakes and put them into a photo album or hang them as artwork so that you will always have the memory close by.

3. Start simple

Start with a common room or laundry room that is less emotional. You’ll find, by the time you are ready to sort through those keepsakes, it will be much easier.

4. Start small

Begin by decluttering in small chunks of time. Set aside 15-30 minutes to sort your junk draw or linen closet. When your time is up, stop. It’s better to start off slow so that you don't get overwhelmed or stressed.

Do this a couple of times a week, increasing the number of times per week and the amount of time you spend. Before you know it, you’ll have gone through your entire home.

5. Sort as you go

While you're sorting, determine where things will go and sort them into the following boxes: donation, storage, family & friends, sell, disposal/recycle.  When you come across items you want to keep, put them back in place.

TIP: Drop off donations and items for family as soon as possible, or have someone pop by and pick them up.  Put disposal and recycle in the appropriate bins right after sorting. This will alleviate the temptation to keep things.

6. Decide how to sell

When considering selling things, there are many options available, such as an auctioneer, Sell My Stuff, yard sales, and online marketplaces like Facebook.

Before deciding, assess the amount of time it will take and the end benefit you’ll receive. For example, auction houses take a commission and storage fee if they store items before being sold, yard sales are a lot of work for little return, and online marketplaces can be frustrating when the buyer doesn’t show up.

The reality is that many items you have often do not have the same value today as what you paid. Large pieces of furniture like china cabinets and dining room tables are hard to sell. With this in mind, consider donating the items to a charity you trust that makes a difference in someone’s life. Those in need will love your items as much as you did. And some charities do offer tax receipts, so make sure you ask if they do.

7. Don't do it alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask for help. Moving is stressful enough, and you have a lot to do and a lot of decisions to make.  Ask family or friends to assist. Whoever you choose, ensure they are going to be supportive and helpful. You don’t need added stress when you’re going through a big change.

Sometimes hiring a professional downsizer can be more beneficial. They can support you with ideas and give options that you may not have thought of that will make this a more pleasant experience.

It’s never too early to start decluttering! You can start right now. The sooner you start, the more control you have over your space and what’s in it. Good luck with rightsizing your life.