Ready to hop aboard the downsizing bandwagon? With a little careful planning, you too can embrace a minimalist lifestyle. Storage Etc. has some tips to help you get started.

1) Take Stock of Your Situation

Measure your new space, measure your old furniture, and figure out what will fit and what won’t. Put an emphasis on keeping items that’ll help you make the most of your new space – like that towering bookshelf that extends the length of the wall or that fold-up secretary desk. With clothing and items like kitchen utensils, zero in on the things you have duplicates of or haven’t used in months – or years, maybe? – and set them aside in a “discard” pile. Need help deciding what stays and what goes? Channel your inner Marie Kondo and get to work!

2) Craft a Budget & a Plan

Now that you know what you’re keeping, it’s time to figure out what items you’ll need to buy to help fulfill your downsizing dream. Maybe it’s a Murphy bed to save precious bedroom space? Perhaps it’s that super-compact yet somehow super-spacious dresser or armoire you’ve had your eye on? Plot a plan of attack and then start researching the best deals. Most important, set a budget and stick to it.

3) Sell or Donate Your Old Stuff

Remember all those items you decided to get rid of? Now’s the time to sell or donate them. So hop on Craigslist or eBay and see what you can get for it all. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, consider holding a yard sale. Sound like too much work? Then maybe a quick trip to Goodwill or another thrift store is in order.

4) Harness the Power of Shelves

Shelving is a downsizer’s best friend. Shelves will help make the most of your new home’s wall space while freeing up room elsewhere. If you’re handy, you can even build your own shelves and tailor them to your new space. Figuring out how to use shelving strategically and creatively can be fun. Need some inspiration? Check out this HGTV article.

5) When in Doubt, Store It

Have too many sentimental items you just can’t stand to part with but don’t have the space in your new home to keep them all? You might want to consider a storage unit. Find a Storage Etc. facility near you and start storing today. We offer units in a variety of sizes and types, so you’re sure to find the right fit.

6) Reap the Benefits

Congratulations! You’ve officially downsized. Now it’s time to kick back and reap the benefits of a minimalist lifestyle.

Check out the Storage Etc. blog for even more moving, organization, and storage tips.