Downsizing to smaller bungalow

Five years ago I moved from large 3 bed semi to a 2 bed semi bungalow and I was ruthless getting rid of things . Things I had held on far to long . They where just things you take your memories with you. I found decluttering decluttered my mind as well as my house . As I decluttered I packed boxes of things I was taking with me . I loved seeing the full boxes and the emptying house. Felt a sense of achievement.

Once I moved found I had brought things that I didn't need so they went . Have brought a few new pieces of furniture for my bungalow but only a double bed and mattress and bedside table for the second bedroom. But I sent stuff to cash cow so didn't cost me anything. Brought new nest of 3 tables because my old ones didn't go in with my colour scheme plus they where over 40 years old from MRI. And a large footstool with storage always wanted one .

Still decluttering even now as some of my cook and bakeware is to heavy for me to handle my daughter has had the things.

The thing I was most ruthless about was my book collection had 600 books . Got it down to 300 for my move but it's been creeping up again so got rid of some I won't read again . But my cross stitch collection is growing but that's my addiction. 😂..

V3ra

Mt61 the people who bought Dad's house were quite happy to keep his nice leather sofa and chairs, the modern oak extending dining table and chairs (my daughter had the big sideboard/wall unit!) plus the bedroom furniture.
We didn't charge them for any of it.
I think they were planning to let the house, either way it saved us a lot of trouble.

Super 😃always worth asking.
I managed to get mums buyers phone number (estate agent wouldn’t pass it on) we ended up with some nice bits off her, she was also panicking getting rid of stuff, a lot went to landfill😩

What a fantastic step be step plan! Thank you

Having moved several times in my life I’ve found that furniture bought for one home is very rarely exactly right for another. You see so many awkward “trying to make it fit” in Oder people’s houses.

When I downsized I felt hat I was starting a new chapter in my life and it was a move to a brand new house, so I got rid of almost everything and had a fresh start with furniture that fitted my new space.

However, if that’s a bit drastic I’d work out the minimum that I needed to take and then invest in a storage unit. After a year anything that hasn’t come out can probably just st be got rid of.

Grandmabatty

Your memories are still in your mind. Firstly clear out your garage of stuff you don't use. Then choose the bedroom that won't be in your new bungalow and get rid of everything in it. I mean everything! That should help you get started. Decide what furniture you are taking with you and get rid of everything else. If you can, use a floor plan to work out the space you will have. Look at dishes you don't use and get rid of them. Same with books. Go through your clothes and be ruthless with anything which doesn't fit or you haven't worn in two years. I split photos between my two children. Recently I gave my daughter jewellery I don't wear. Put stuff in boxes and store them in your garage or the redundant bedroom . As others have said, be ruthless. Get rid of ornaments! Do not sit and nope over the memories that a china bull brings you. Think of the memories others will have. Anything belonging to a family member who no longer lives with you, give it to them. Aim to do something every day, tip, keep, give away or charity. Good luck

Great advice!

Before moving to a smaller home we gave away excess furniture (and other items) to charity shops, who collected them from us. Lots of other "odd" items e.g: old garden tools/buckets, were put onto Freecyle and taken away swiftly. IMO it's simply a matter of being very determined and focused in disposing of what you dont/won't need.

All this is precisely why I am staying put in my home.
4 bedrooms but two have lodgers, S and GD, but even if/when they leave I shall stay put.
The house is pretty fully furnished except for one room which is being refurbished now.
My C have not helped in taking stuff or helping to clear stuff so they can do it all when I die before they can put the house on the market and claim their inheritance.

Well said all sorts. I agree we did the same.

V3ra

We moved my Dad from a 4-bed detached house to a 1-bed flat.

Trying to think "how can we fit everything in" didn't work, obviously.

We started at the other end, ie "what will he actually need," and that made it a lot easier to decide.

Some possessions simply run their course.
They've served their purpose, you've had the enjoyment of them, now someone else can benefit.

I think that this is very good advice. Just take what you need.

We have given furniture to the British Heart Foundation but they will only accept fabric covered items with a fire safety tag on them. I don't think they accept mattresses - which is understandable.

scale drawing cut outs, leave enough space in between items. Then get rid of what will not fit in

I imagine the OP has now moved.

Jaxjacky not necessarily. When I finally sold my house it was March but didn't move until August due my buyers pain in the backside solicitor. The OP posted in November.

Surely, a large part of the fun of moving into this lovely bungalow (and to the next chapter in your life), is to totally re-furnish.
Furniture and decor suitable for a large family house is not likely to be suitable for a small modern bungalow.

As has been said, pass on any of the furniture that you can to those who need it and can use it - and enjoy total re=furnishing.

Surely, a large part of the fun of moving into this lovely bungalow (and to the next chapter in your life), is to totally re-furnish.

I feel differently. Bringing some of the furniture from his house made my Dad's flat still seem like his home.
We brought two recliner armchairs, some lamps, bookcases and the two coffee tables from his lounge.
We also brought a small amount of crockery, glasses and cutlery, and kitchen ware.
I bought new bedding and towels, but they were needed anyway!
In addition he's had a riser chair and a hospital bed that a friend was selling.

What is the Swedish death system of declutterring please?