Take Inventory of What You Own

• If you haven’t used it in over a year, get rid of it.
• Measure furniture to see if it’ll fit in your new space

Tackle in Small Steps

• Go room by room
• Look for duplicates
• Use the three pile approach - keep, giveaway, and trash

Choose a Method for Letting Go of Belongings

• Giveaway - family and friends
• Donate
• Sell
• Throw away

Reduce Paper

• Scan documents
• Digitize old photos, music and movies
• Keep needed paper files together, like taxes in a plastic bin

Maximize Your Storage Areas

• Use furniture built-in storage whenever possible
• Use shelves and hooks
• Capitalize on hidden storage (under stairs, crawl spaces, garage, attic) for infrequently used items, such as holiday decorations

Be Patient

• Wait to buy new things, if the furniture you measured doesn’t fit wait until you’re in the new space to shop for furniture
• Give yourself the gift of time
• You need a realistic timeline