Downsizing to smaller bungalow

Another way to sort out things is to say to yourself….what would my family/heirs do with this? Surprising how little anyone else values your favourite things!

I haven’t done this myself, but I saw online that somebody had drawn a plan of their new house on graph paper, and measured their furniture, made it into little pieces so they could move the furniture round the plan to decide what would fit best where, and what was too big to fit in. It sounded like a faff, but meant they only took what would fit in, and could tell the removal men exactly where to put each item.

Draw a large plan of the new bungalow and plan what furniture will fit in and where. Let the plan settle for a week while you chop and change and decide on the final arrangement.

Get a house clearancee company in show them what you will be taking and what leaving, posssibly put stickers on the furniture, then get removal men in to remove the stuff you want, then walk out of the door, not looking behind you and leave the rest to the house clearance company.

I've also recently downsized. I had to be quite ruthless before and after the move. I brought things with me that I thought would fit, but they didn't.

The trouble is, is what is of seemingly financial or sentimental value to you just isn't to anyone else.

I got rid of some on Fb marketplace or just putting them on the local Fb groups. Emmaus took some of the furniture. I've used what is left of a very lovely set of bedroom furniture as storage in the garage.

Lots of bits and pieces to charity shops. I realised I didn't actually need my Mum's 24 place dinner set! I don't do swanky dinner parties or charity afternoon buffets any more.

I realise my memories are in my heart and my mind. Yes, there's a couple of things I wish I could have kept but I'm not losing any sleep over them.

One chapter finishes and another one starts. Embrace it - I bet you won't regret it. Good luck.

If you have been there a long time I'd take some photos of the rooms as you live in them now. It's lovely to look back over old homes but we don't take photos of them just as they are.

When uou are forced to part with things take photos of those things too.

I must do some clearing here and have found that by taking a photo of the stuff I don't want (but struggle to part with - but MUST) it does make it easier.

I have parted with lovely items and also with broken things like this - my dear father's favourite but cracked mug for example.

If I think my family might be interested I write a note and include it in the photo. I wrote something like "My dad's mug - always chose this one in the morning for his tea. Given to him by Pat and Herbert."

I confess I tend to save sentimental stuff of no real use to most people.

I think necessity will drive you forward.

Just keep thinking of you settled in your cosy new home!

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 can imagine how hard this is, but I happened to talk a few days ago with two couples, mid 70’s who had downsized from large Victorian terraced houses, full of “stuff” as you can imagine. They both had moved into modern flats- and absolutely loved it, no regrets. I’m not sure I could be as ruthless getting rid of all my treasures and memories but I guess it can be really liberating!

Well done - you won’t regret this. We did this a year or so ago. It’s hard work getting rid of stuff - try to do a bit each day, that way you will feel you’re achieving something.
Make lots of lists! It clears your head a bit.
Get rid of big items of furniture you don’t want to keep first - British Heart Foundation and others take stuff.
I am afraid this is part of the stress of moving but you’re doing the right thing. Good luck! X
PS Collect boxes from the supermarket - for the charity shop stuff etc.
PPS. You’ll take the memories with you, as others have said

I, too moved from a large 4 bed house to a 1 and half bedroom bungalow after my husband died. My sons and I filled six skips and at least a hundred trips to the recycling centre and at least the same again to charity shops.

I’m now currently following the Swedish death clearance system to further reduce my clutter as I don’t want my sons to have to sort through it all when I’m gone. It’s actually been quite enlightening to realise how little I need to live on a daily basis.

I have actually found that I didn’t need to keep all my things to remember my love and to keep memories. They are in your heart and they will stay with you.

If you have items that will be a wrench to lose then take photos of them and you will have a memory aid. I have found it best to look to the present and future times instead of looking into the past and doing the ‘remember when’.

I have tried not to be maudlin because I know I would drown in the what could have beens. I know you are not dealing with a death but the dwelling on the past could easily drag you down.

I’m sure you will enjoy the excitement of a new house when the time arrives.

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

Sounds like a good move to me. We had to clear my mother’s large house recently and it was full of stuff accumulated over 60 years of raising a family and a long marriage.
My brothers and I shared a few of the most precious items but sadly had to let most of the lovely mid-century furniture go.
Keep some of your most treasured things and find good homes for the rest. See it as a fresh start, it sounds like a perfect property.

Are you able to advertise items on Freecycle? People are always in need of good quality furniture.
And this is a perfect opportunity to declutter too.
Wishing you well in your new home.

Be ruthless - just ring the charity shops and they will probably collect the furniture . ‘Emmaus’ and Dr Barnardo’s come to mind. I downsized from a 5 bed detached house with 1/3 acre garden to a smaller detached house with a very small garden. I am so glad I did it . My only regret is not moving to a bungalow. Well, I can always put a stairlift I suppose.
Go for it! I don’t know how old you both are, but the sooner you do it, the better. Good luck !

You have been lucky in life to have had a lovely big house and now a bungalow just what you need at your age. You have had your use out of everything and you cant take with you, so give it away, to the Salvation Army or The homeless, pass you luck on. I have done that all my life, I enjoyed the things when I had them.