The complete checklist for downsizing your home

Sorting through a lifetime’s worth of memories can feel overwhelming. Deep down you know the earlier you start planning, packing and decluttering, the better. But where do you start?

Try tackling the easiest room with the least emotional connection first, like the bathroom or the laundry. Over time as you find a rhythm, you’ll feel better equipped to tackle the more challenging rooms.

Here’s a checklist to get you started with successfully downsizing your home.

• Start a notebook with dates, lists and reminders.
• Plan around hard rubbish collection.
• Lock in your move date.
• Book a removalist.

• Start 6 to 12 months before the move.
• Limit packing to 2 hours a day.
• Commit to a plan (for example, complete one room a month).
• Ask friends and family to help.

• Gather all important papers.
• Throw out any obvious items.
• Start with the easiest room first, such as the laundry.
• Eliminate any double ups.

• Plan out your new floor space.
• Decide which major items to keep.
• Measure everything to ensure it fits.
• Make a plan for furniture you can’t take.

• Have children claim their keepsakes.
• Be ruthless in rooms that don’t exist in your new home.
• Distribute any family heirlooms.
• Consider a garage or online sale.

• Set up a sorting system: Keep, maybe keep, give/throw away, or sell.
• Label each box with the room.
• Attach a list of key items inside.
• Pack an ‘open first’ box with first night essentials.

• Update your postal address and redirect mail if necessary.
• Cancel or transfer utilities.
• Ask for help unpacking from friends and family.
• Book in any installation jobs or handy work for your new home.

Arriving in a new home to a sea of boxes can be daunting. One pro tip is to pack an ‘open first’ box with all of the essentials for the first few nights. Make sure the box is clearly marked and placed in a room where it can be easily found.

Things to pack include:

• linen (sheets, pillows, towels, a tea towel)
• toilet paper
• pyjamas
• toiletries
• plates
• basic utensils
• a folder with all relevant paperwork for the move.

Moving out of the family home can be an emotional time, and for many people it can take a while to get used to the idea.

While saying goodbye to a big chapter of your life is hard, moving on to the next stage of your life can also be an exciting time.

For many people, downsizing is an opportunity to upgrade their lifestyle and pursue interests that make them truly happy.