Rightsizing: One Size Does Not Fit All

If you feel like your space no longer suits you, you may need a change. In fact, updating your home to fit your needs should be a continual process. Using the tactic of rightsizing can help you be sure you aren’t in the wrong living situation for your current lifestyle.

What is Rightsizing?

An outdated term for this is downsizing or upsizing. By definition, rightsizing is the conscious choice to create a positive and sustainable lifestyle that brings peace, contentment and happiness to your life. For every individual, this looks and feels different; a retiree may be moving to a smaller, more manageable space while a young couple may be relocating to accommodate their growing family. 

Rightsizing is a dynamic process that should be a constant part of life at all ages. It is a proactive approach that allows for better use of space to better serve your lifestyle.

How Do I Begin?

Start with an analysis of your current situation and home. Think about the space that you use, and the function of each room. Then ask yourself what you desire, thinking about your needs at this moment in time, and looking to the future. Your space and the items within it should serve your current lifestyle, age, family composition, and activity preference. 

Once you have analyzed this, it is time to create a plan, complete with specific goals and timeframes. Work to dedicate a specific amount of time per day or week to rightsizing. As you work through each room in your home, ask yourself these questions: 

• Do I need this item?
• When was the last time I used this item?
• Do I love this item? 

The same questions can apply to furniture or entire spaces in your home. Asking these questions can make for some tough and taxing decisions. In particular, it can be hard to answer these questions about a gift or a family heirloom. However, if it is not something that you use or love, it should be passed onto someone that will use it and love it.

Where Can I Turn for Help?

Going through a household full of memories can be quite exhausting and overwhelming. Do not hesitate to reach out to family or friends for help. The process can be expedited with an extra set of hands. 

Be cautious: if a family member is helping, this can lead to a lot of extra time in reminiscing and recalling old memories. There are professionals that can help through this process, as an objective third party. Senior move managers are a great resource to use. The National Association of Senior Move Managers has a senior move manager locator you can use to find one in your area. 

Need assistance in rightsizing your Northeast Ohio home? Smooth Transitions Cleveland can help you find your best living scenario in any stage of life. Contact us today to get started.