Checklist: 7 Steps to Downsize Life in Retirement

As you near retirement, it’s likely that the prospect of downsizing your current living space will become part of your strategy. Choosing a smaller home or condo? Considering a move to a senior living community? Heading out on the open road for an extended RV trip? Whatever your retirement looks like, you’re sure to benefit from a simpler life with fewer “things.”

Whether you’re preparing to start retirement with a clean slate (and clean storage closets!) or you’ve recently pulled the trigger on retirement and need a project, here are some tips to become a decluttering master:

Get (and stay!) motivated—Downsizing and decluttering are things that often require a little push—a reason. Maybe you need the space for something else (your son is moving into the basement), you’re putting your home on the market or you’re looking to travel. Whatever it is, set a deadline. Then, get something that reminds you of why you’re doing this—a picture of your granddaughter, a new key fob that will hold the keys to your new RV or a small statuette of the Eiffel Tower—and place it in a spot you’ll see daily. This is a great way to stay focused on your goals.

Stop the cycle of one-upping your friends and neighbors—Keeping up with the Joneses affects not only your wallet, but also your storage space. Check your ego at the door and remind yourself that your self-worth is not wrapped up in a larger lawn mower or yet another pair of designer shoes. Instead of impressing them with the sheer volume of what you own, showcase one or two items that are meaningful like a revered piece of art, a family heirloom or a vintage motorcycle.

Make a plan—Just as you would make a retirement plan, downsizing also needs a plan. Grab some paper and a pen and make your lists. Start with your deadline—make it big and noticeable. Schedule the tasks by assigning each one to an actual person. Decide which charities you’ll be donating to or if you’ll be having a garage sale.

When it comes to everything you’re storing for family members (including all the childhood books, artwork and sports equipment), don’t wait for them to claim items. Work out a time when they can look at things (virtually or in person), let them choose what they want and schedule a pick up or delivery time. Don’t let this part drag on. It can breed contention and throw your whole plan off.

Save only what brings you joy—World-renowned organizing expert, Marie Kondo, says you should hold each item and decide if it brings you joy. If it doesn’t, thank that item for the role it has played in your life and respectfully remove it from your home. What a wonderful way to pay respect to your things and positively pass them along to someone else who can use them!

Be a decision-making machine—Decluttering usually requires several phases. As you move through these phases, you’ll likely become more decisive. Keep your mind on how much lighter you feel (literally and figuratively) and how much more you’re going to enjoy the things you have decided to keep.

Consider a storage unit—Don’t underestimate the emotional drain of downsizing and decluttering. Letting go of things that hold memories can be difficult. If you’re coming up on your deadline and you’re unable to make decisions, consider putting your belongings in a storage unit. Make the payments for a little while and then take another look at what you’ve got. You may find that your fresh eyes (not to mention the cost) will allow you to move forward and clean everything out!

Enjoy your reinvention—This is an opportunity to start again! If your unorganized basement or the constant piles of magazines around the house have always been a drain on your emotional state, now’s the time to let them go. Enjoy your new life and start living for yourself!

Mountain America Credit Union is a great place to get retirement advice. If you have questions about how to have the retirement you want, schedule an appointment with us today!



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