Four-Box Method Tips to Consider Before Downsizing a Home
                     Four-Box Method  
Tips to Consider  
Before 
Downsizing  a 
Home
Downsizing means shifting from a big home to a small one. People 
downsize not  because bigger is not better, but due to many other 
reasons. The most common  reasons could possibly be saving 
money, getting rid of unused space.
People usually relate downsizing to a certain age like at 50 years of age 
or more. Even  though it is true to some extent but it is not a complete 
truth. One can downsize at any  stage of life depending on the 
requirement and situation.
People usually purchase a smaller home because it would make more 
sense once they  become empty-nester, or maybe when they would like 
to retire early. In any of the  cases, people prefer downsizing.
Well, whatever may be the reason behind downsizing. Here, I have 
created a guide to  help you learn how to downsize your home 
efficiently and live clutter-free.
In this blog, I have given top ten tips on downsizing your home.
Start Early and Manage the Pace
The process of downsizing should be started as soon as 
possible so that  you do not feel overwhelmed at the last 
moment. Give yourself enough  time to sort your house 
properly.
You can follow the general rule of thumb, that is start at 
least 3 months  before you plan to move. However, the 
sooner, the better.
Instead of jumping onto the downsizing process, it is 
suggested to keep  your home clutter-free and give away the 
things that you do not need.  Whichever way you feel 
comfortable in, just make sure you find a good  balance and 
the work continues. Keep only the possessions that you will  
need at your new home.
You might not be aware but there are some methods that 
you can choose  for downsizing. Those are as follows:
One-Day Method
You can let go of one item per day or even let go of the number of items that 
corresponds with the date  of shifting. For instance, giving away 12 items on the 12th 
of a given month can work wonders  eventually.
KonMari Method
This is another method which includes de-cluttering by category like clothes, 
books/papers,  miscellaneous items, and other sentimental items. If any item no longer 
gives you joy, it is time to bid it  goodbye.
F o u r - B o x  M e t h o d
In case you are confused and cannot decide what to do with 
particular  item, then take an item and give yourself four 
options i.e., how can you  use it. For instance, you can either 
keep, donate, trash/recycle, and even  sell it. Try putting the 
item away from the storage box if it has nothing to  do with 
you and your new house.
C o n s i d e r  O n e  R o o m  at  a  T i m e
Decluttering a home can be a daunting task so take one 
step at a time.  You are more likely to complete the whole 
process of decluttering a big  home if you break it into 
multiple and manageable projects.
Create a plan or schedule which is broken down by room or 
smaller  projects within a room. This should be done to make 
sure that you stay on  the track. You can take on some tasks 
one at a time such as:
First go through the DVDs, video 
games  Take care of the junk 
drawer
Give away shoes that you no longer want 
to wear  Trim down clothing
Handle your dresser drawers
Organize kitchen items that are small in 
size
Keep containers, pots, and pans matched 
with their lids
Measure the New Space
In order to downsize properly, you must know the size of 
the space you  are going to live in. Know the shape and 
area of the space/ room etc.
Ideally you would know the square footage and shape of 
each room of  the house. It will help you in figuring out 
large furniture pieces that you  need to get rid of before 
moving.
In case you do not have exact measurement, just focus on 
decluttering  and getting rid of items that you won’t need.
You must know if your current furniture will fit into the new 
space or not.  Rather than squeezing large furniture into a 
small space, see what  actually fits. This will not only help in 
decluttering but will also give new  home a new look.
Consider New Lifestyle
Beside taking inch-by-inch measurements, you should also 
consider the  bigger picture. For instance, what are you hoping 
to gain from downsizing.  You should not only be considering 
what will fit physically but also the  items that will fit in what 
you want out of your new space.
Downsizing a home gives you a chance to reset and revamp. 
So, why not  take full advantage of it?
Also, you can ask some questions to ask 
yourself such as:  Reasons you are 
downsizing?
Opportunities downsizing will create for 
you?  What thing you will miss about 
your old home?
Any new hobbies or activities you would like to 
explore?  What is the most exciting part about 
downsizing process?  What are you most 
nervous about in the process?
What is the first thing that you would want to do when you 
are settled  into your new home?
Set Rules for Decluttering
Once you begin decluttering, the process will seem easy but if 
at any point  you feel confused, you can stick to a strong set of 
ground rules and options  and sort the items. You can choose 
from any of the following like:
Keep the item
Donate or sell the item  
Trash or recycle the 
item  Pass it down or 
memorialize
The above categories can vary depending on your needs and 
goals.  Whether you are decluttering for the sake of 
organization or you want to  move from a bigger to a smaller 
space, try to document the process and  click before and 
after photographs.
Organizing and Digitizing as You  
Leave
Leave your space more organized than you had found it. Not 
only will it help  in improving your day but will also make 
packing easier.
Try organizing smaller items in your drawers. You can use 
trays and boxes  to keep them organized.
Papers and files that must have built up over the years 
should be thinned  out.
Also, get rid of statements or documents that you have stored 
online.  Important documents like tax-related paperwork etc. 
must be handled with  care, if you do not have them stored 
online.
Less important documents can be scanned and organized in 
other files.
Do not Shy to Get Help
Buying and selling in itself is time-consuming and even exhausting at one point. On the 
top of it,  downsizing can be even more taxing. If at any point you feel you need some 
assistance. Do not stop. Ask  family and friends to come together for help.
A Quick Recap
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
If you are a strong organizer, maybe you will need help in moving boxes from one 
place to another on  the shifting day.
If you have a hard time staying and getting organized or letting go of items, a 
professional organizer  would be worth your money.
You can even hire help for your most difficult space in the house.
Just a suggestion, do not pack jewelry, money, or any other valuable item. Keep such 
items close with  you or you can also keep it in a vault or bank lockbox.
If you are someone who is looking forward to buying, selling a house in Hampton 
Park, Narre Warren,  Pakenham, or nearby suburbs, contact the top real estate ag
ent, i.e., Manny Singh.
GET IN TOUCH
3 Withers Ct, Pakenham VIC 3810, 
Australia
+61 423 277 447
[email protected]
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