Downsizing Tips: How To Organize and Declutter for a Stress-Free Space

Fifty-four percent of Americans report being overwhelmed by clutter, but 78% say they have no idea what to do with their stuff, according to one survey. Are you among them? 

Sometimes the problem is that you have too much space and too much stuff. The right downsizing tips can help you rein in the chaos and enjoy your home once again. But downsizing doesn’t tell the full story and can make you feel like you’re giving something up. That’s why we like to focus on the concept of rightsizing. Rightsizing is the process of transforming your space into the perfect home for your needs, your dreams and your future.

One of the challenges of a cluttered house is the vicious cycle it can initiate: With too much clutter, it’s difficult to clean up, and there often isn’t a place for everything. So you delay organizing, only to see things become more cluttered and overwhelming. 

It’s time to start fresh. You deserve a space that is uniquely you and a life that feels inspiring, not exhausting or stressful. Getting control of the clutter may even help you more effectively show and sell your home, yielding a higher sale price and more money to fund your next act.

Clutter: More Than Just an Annoyance

Committing time and effort to get rid of clutter can feel a bit daunting, but it’s well worth the effort. That’s because clutter is more than just an annoyance. It can actually undermine your health. 

Some of the risks of clutter include: 

• Sleep difficulties. Clutter can make it difficult to sleep. Sleep researchers suggest that a cluttered room can make it harder to fall asleep while undermining sleep quality. 

• Unhealthy habits. If you can’t find your stuff or clear a comfortable space in your home, it can be hard to adopt healthy habits such as exercising or meditating. Some people may also respond to the stress of clutter with unhealthy choices, including thoughtless snacking or staying up too late. 

• Anxiety. Clutter can serve as a reminder of everything you need to do but don’t want to. It can also make it harder to find the things you want or enjoy your space. This can lead to anxiety and stress. 

• Changes in cognition. If you’re hoping to keep your brain in tip-top shape as you age, clutter is your enemy. Clutter can undermine attention and focus, making it harder to concentrate and think clearly. A 2011 study found that clearing clutter could improve cognition. 

• A heightened fall risk. When there’s clutter everywhere, it’s easier to trip and fall, and when you reach for something stable, you might instead grab yet another piece of clutter. A 2023 Cochrane review found that decluttering could reduce fall risk by 26%. 

The Benefits of Rightsizing

If you’re planning to move, you’ve probably already given a lot of thought to downsizing. Even if you’re not, you may have considered scaling back your possessions for a more efficient home. It’s time to reframe your thinking. Downsizing emphasizes what you’re giving up. Rightsizing centers on the real goal, which is ensuring your home, your possessions and your lifestyle meet your needs and help you attain your goals for the future. 

Some of the many benefits of rightsizing include: 

• A physically safer home that can reduce your risk of falling. 

• Less time spent cleaning and organizing. When everything has a place, it’s easy to tidy up. 

• Creating a home that reflects your needs and lifestyle. Wouldn’t you rather be surrounded by art, books or family photos that mean the most to you than piles of stuff you don’t use? 

• Easier moving. If you hope to move to a Life Plan Community, rightsizing before you move can make packing easier and ensure the transition is a low-effort breeze. 

• Less stress and anxiety. No one enjoys being surrounded by reminders of their to-do list. Scale back the clutter so you can breathe.  

Believe it or not, the process of rightsizing can actually be fun and meaningful, especially if you take your time. Walk down memory lane while looking at old photos. Laugh at your adolescent diary entries. Model the fashions of a bygone era to grandkids who might think they’re cool yet again. Approaching rightsizing with an inquisitive, adventurous spirit can help transform it from a looming chore to an opportunity to reflect on your life’s joys and triumphs. 

Getting Started: Planning and Preparation

If you’ve been accumulating clutter for several years, you’re probably not going to eliminate it all in a couple of hours. Getting the process right — and reducing the stress it causes — begins with a comprehensive plan. 

Begin by listing your big goals. For example, you might want to completely clear out an old closet or reduce your possessions so that they’ll fit into a two-bedroom apartment. Be as specific as possible. “Reduce clutter” is too amorphous and doesn’t help guide your next steps. 

Next, consider how much time you have. If the pressure’s on to move, decluttering might need to become your full-time job for a bit. Reflect on your timeline, then break your goals down into actionable monthly, weekly and daily steps. For example, you might clear out two cabinets in your bathroom on Monday, clear out a closet on Tuesday, and then make a Goodwill run on Wednesday. 

Be sure to include family and friends in your plans. Decluttering really can be a fun family event, especially if you’re going to give away family heirlooms or sort through photos. Try inviting everyone over for a family decluttering party, complete with movies and music. Or ask loved ones if they can commit an hour here or there to support you through the process. 

Downsizing Tips for Seniors 

As you begin the process of downsizing, find ways to make the process fun. Binge-watch a show or listen to a podcast. Put on your favorite high-energy music to motivate you. And set reasonable goals. Most people can’t spend all day, every day decluttering. Try these strategies to maximize the efficiency of the process: 

• Remember that decluttering can create a mess. Try setting aside a little time each day to clean up any mess the process creates, or set aside a “safe space” in your home that will remain mess-free so that you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. 

• Adopt a systematic, organized approach. It’s most efficient to focus on a single space at a time. This way, you know when you’re done, and clutter from one area doesn’t end up just scattered in other areas. For example, you might start with a single bedroom, with an initial goal of clearing out a single corner, then a closet, and so forth.

• Begin the process by sorting things into specific piles: keep (and put away), donate, give to family members, throw away and not sure yet. Move the items that are leaving your home somewhere out of the way. Then, as you declutter storage spaces, you can put items you’re keeping away and decide whether you have space for the items about which you are uncertain. 

• Take frequent breaks to do something you love. 

• Make your space inspiring and joyful by hanging family photos and mementos of some of the best moments of your life. This can be particularly helpful if you’re moving to a new home and feel anxious about living in an unfamiliar setting. 

Decluttering can prove emotionally challenging. Remember that objects are not memories or a legacy. If you don’t have space for beloved heirlooms, consider giving them to someone you love or renting a storage space. Some people also find it helpful to put their most beloved sentimental goods in a trunk or keepsake box, so they can easily revisit the past when they desire. 

Selling or Donating Unwanted Items

Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, it’s time to revisit the items in your donate and give away piles. High-quality items can help pad your budget if you have the time or inclination to sell them. Vintage items often sell well on Etsy, while collector’s items and unopened new products can fetch a high price on eBay. 

If you just want the stuff gone, your local Goodwill is a great option. Some domestic violence shelters also accept donations. Many churches also support the community with donations or have a shop where people in need can get the goods they can’t afford for free or for a small fee. 

HumanGood: Your Partner for the Next Chapter

You’ve worked hard. You deserve a life of joy and purpose. Rightsizing is one ingredient in the recipe for this life because it frees time and space to focus on what’s most important to you in this season of your life. 

HumanGood is committed to supporting older adults to live the lives they desire, rich with deep social connections, plenty of fun, a chance to give back to the community and quality homes. We’re also here to support you as you navigate the rightsizing process. 

HumanGood’s Life Plan Communities offer beautiful, stylish homes complete with housekeeping and maintenance, so you can turn your attention to writing the next chapter of your life.

Our quiz can help you decide if now is the right time to begin the rightsizing process.