Over the past few years we’ve been very fortunate to meet many wonderful people who are desperately wanting to downsize and move into a new low maintenance home where they spend more time enjoying life and not worrying about the next job on the list.

The majority are serious about the move but have told us they are anxious about the amount of decluttering that is involved with moving into a smaller space. To help with the stress levels Pulse thought we’d share some tips on rightsizing and decluttering your life.

• Develop a plan & inventory - start planning early and set some goals.
• Work out what items you can’t live without, e.g. family treasures, old photos that preserve memories and items you use regularly.
• Work out what items you haven’t used in ages and can live without or have been stored for years and are just collecting dust. Ask yourself, do I really need the old deep fat fryer, the bread maker, 20 sets of linen and the old inkjet printer?
• Revaluate your furniture and assess if it will fit or look good in the new space. If you are looking to move into a smaller home, then does your oversize furniture fit? Possibly use this time to start fresh and purchase new. You never know you might get lucky with some developer furniture incentive packages!
• Inventory complete – now the action begins! Prioritise the items and work out what items can be sold, recycled or just need to be binned.
• More importantly, ask for and accept help – muster friends, family or hire a professional organiser to help you through the process.

We acknowledge that making the move is not an easy journey, it takes lots of time and effort and can be an emotional rollercoaster. We do know from talking to recent buyers that have made the move that have no regrets and are thrilled that they made the decision and went through with it.

If you really want something take the leap of faith and make it happen!