Rightsizing is a term that’s quickly becoming a hot topic for those who wish to live a simpler, less cluttered life. In a nutshell, it means making changes in your home to make it feel less crowded, more spacious, and much more enjoyable. Rightsizing often results in getting rid of things you don’t need. In some cases, it means relocating to a smaller home.
Rightsizing Vs. Downsizing: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering: rightsizing vs. downsizing? What’s the difference, anyway?
Well, downsizing your home is exactly what it sounds like: you “go down in size” by moving to a new, smaller place. It’s a common practice among retirees, empty nesters, and other individuals who just don’t need as large of a home anymore.
By contrast, rightsizing doesn’t always require a major life event to take place. It can happen at any time. What’s more, you don’t always have to move to a new home. You can stay right where you are and optimize your current living spaces to make them feel less crowded.
However, when rightsizing, it might be beneficial to move to a new home that features a smaller layout, ideally one that boasts plenty of usable square footage. That way, you can organize what remains of your furniture and other decor items once you’ve decluttered your old home.
The Benefits of Rightsizing Your Home
The benefits of rightsizing your home include:
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Making your home more enjoyable
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Feeling less stressed and overwhelmed
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Able to find what you need more easily
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Living in a healthier environment with less clutter
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When friends and family visit, they may feel more at ease
If rightsizing results in moving to a new home, it may also offer you some financial benefits. For instance, if you rightsize and reduce the amount of property taxes you pay, it could save you a lot of money in the long run.
Rightsizing Your Mind in the Process
Have you turned your home into an obstacle course of unnecessary objects, leaving no room to maneuver?
If so, rightsizing your home can transform your space into one that’s more organized, tidy, and clutter-free. This, in turn, can boost your peace of mind.
After all, it’s easier to stay on top of your daily tasks when you have a smooth, clutter-free environment, so you can avoid feeling stressed about where things are and how to manage your home’s upkeep.
Furthermore, rightsizing your home can also help you identify what’s important to you and your family. This means rightsizing your possessions, rightsizing decoration elements… heck, even rightsizing the types of food you eat!
But for now, let’s stick to how you can rightsize your home successfully one step at a time.
How to Go About Rightsizing
For starters, you’ll need to consider your goals. What do you hope to achieve by rightsizing? Is it a mental health detox or a means to a financial end?
If your goal is to read more during bedtime, for example, then do you really need a TV in the bedroom? Also, if you tend to work at the kitchen table more often than at your home office or bedroom desk, perhaps it’s time to get rid of the desk altogether.
Other important questions to consider are:
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How do I utilize my living spaces?
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What can I do to optimize them?
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What possessions am I willing to get rid of?
Rightsizing your home will be much easier once you’ve established clear objectives.
4 Tips to Rightsize Your Home The Right Way
Have you figured out your goals? Great! Now, here are four tips to rightsize your home the right way without freaking out (or regretting it later!).
1) Make Sure Everyone’s On Board (or “Start Small”)
Let’s face it: regardless of how passionate you are about reducing your belongings, family members might not share your enthusiasm for making this life change.
If you find that not everyone is on board with rightsizing just yet, then start small. For instance, instead of tackling the entire house in one go, why not right-size your bedroom? Then move on to your wardrobe next, followed by your living room.
Once everyone realizes that this process isn’t hurting anyone and that you’re not throwing away everything that matters, they might be more receptive to rightsizing.
2) Use Your Living Spaces the Right Way
When rightsizing your home, use your living spaces the right way. Meaning, if you love to read books and spend time in your bedroom, install a bookshelf and make it the largest piece of furniture in your room.
Keep in mind that the goal is to optimize every space, not make them bare and plain.
This goes for the living room, too, which is a popular space in the home. While tackling this room, try to add furniture pieces that align with your personal needs and preferences. Just be careful not to go overboard. For example, if you don’t entertain guests regularly, it might be time to swap the giant sectional with a comfy three-seater.
3) Make More Useful Spaces
Sometimes rightsizing your home can mean making more useful spaces or rooms. For instance, rightsize your kitchen by removing or consolidating bulky, seldom-used appliances. Then, rightsize your living room by removing old furniture that you don’t use anymore.
In addition, if you don’t use the guest bedroom, convert it into a home office, a dedicated meditation space, or a
study room for your kids. Lastly, if your dining room is gathering dust and there’s no room to entertain guests at your dinner table, consider adding more furniture for everyday life activities.
4) Less Is More
Of all the steps on this listicle, getting rid of personal items can be the scariest one, especially if your possessions are as large as the new home you’re moving into!
However,
some studies have found that decluttering leads to better moods and happiness levels. So, to rightsize successfully, be open to getting rid of things — even cherished items — and embracing less.
To ease this process, consider the
minimalist approach so you can focus on owning only the things you actually need, plus the ones that make you feel happy and comfortable. (Don’t forget to declutter your
outdoor storage, too!)
Buying and Selling in Santa Barbara & Aspen with Lisa McCann Group
If rightsizing means that you’re better off with a new home, then consider the
Lisa McCann Group to make your rightsizing goals manifest. While searching for a top SB or Aspen realtor, Lisa McCann Group has the expertise and track record to help you find a new home that accommodates your lifestyle.
Reach out today and let’s get started on your road to real estate success!
