A bigger house means you have more space to store every item you’ve ever owned. As you age, you often don’t find the need to hold onto all these belongings.
Retirement calls for downsizing to a smaller home. Use this rundown of the items you no longer need for a retirement house to help you downsize before your move.
Unused Kitchen Appliances
Sandwich presses, pasta makers, toaster ovens, and other kitchen appliances often accumulate dust. They’re neat to own, but you might not find yourself using them often enough to justify keeping them.
Stick to the basics when moving into your retirement house. Hold onto your coffee maker, toaster, and microwave. And if you have very large appliances, consider finding smaller alternatives to save counter space.
Several Linen Sets
You’ve likely accumulated multiple sets of sheets, towels, and blankets over the years. Now, you may find that keeping every single item is unnecessary during your retirement years. When downsizing, select a few high-quality and comfortable sets that suit your style.
Multiple Sets of Dishes and Glassware
Owning several sets of dishes and glassware takes up substantial cabinet space. Even when hosting a family get-together or a small party with friends, you will rarely use most of the dishware sets you own.
Select a versatile dishware and glassware set that’s elegant and appropriate for all occasions. This bit of downsizing will make organizing your kitchen with limited cabinet space a breeze.
Excessive Collectables
Rummaging through antique stores may be one of your favorite pastimes. Over the years, thrift shoppers can collect many items that hold financial and personal value. Whether you have an assortment of vintage toys, vinyl records, baby dolls, or license plates, these collections are likely to take up a considerable amount of space.
Instead of stuffing your new home full of possessions you don’t need, consider letting go of the collection and using these activities to fill your time after retirement for fulfillment. You can always take photographs of the items you collected and hold onto a few with the most value. If they’re interested, you can also pass down some of the items to the ones you love so that they always have a piece of you.
Unused Exercise Equipment
It’s nice to have a workout mat and a few sets of dumbbells around the house for convenient at-home exercises. However, it’s likely that you’re not as much of a fitness enthusiast as you once were. You want to dedicate your time and space to other things.
Consider selling or donating your unused exercise equipment. This change will make room for more important items you want to bring to your retirement house.
Professional Attire
Retirement shifts your daily routine and attire. The collection of suits, ties, formal dresses, heels, and other professional clothing that served you well during your career may no longer have a place in your retirement wardrobe. You might find that comfortable, casual wear suits your new lifestyle better.
Give a few of your favorite pieces to your children or grandchildren. Keep a few sentimental items for yourself or ones that you still would like to wear for date nights and outings.
Then, consider donating the rest of your professional attire to a charity or organization that helps individuals dress for success in job interviews. You’ll free up closet space while contributing to a meaningful cause.
Change is never easy. Before going through the items you no longer need for a retirement house, ask for help from your family and friends. Turn the project into a trip down memory lane. Suddenly, you’ll feel ready to downsize and move into your new home.
