What is “Rightsizing?” How to Declutter and Destress Before Moving

Photo Credit: Shelah Riley Photography

If you’re getting ready to move, you may be finding it hard to picture how much you’ll be able to bring into your new home.

The layout may be different, the size might be significantly smaller (especially if you’re downsizing after your kids have moved out), or you may simply want to change your priorities in the new season of your life.

All of my clients, regardless of if they are moving or not, are going through a transition by decluttering. Decluttering is a way to turn toward your goals, values, and needs. I like to use the term “rightsizing” with my clients as a way to express the positive changes that come along with this process.

Rightsizing can help ensure that you can declutter and destress before moving by focusing on what’s important.

You can follow along with this blog post by downloading one of my free PDF decluttering workbooks. They are customized to help guide you in decluttering, downsizing, and even moving. Click here to get the full collection sent to your preferred email address and take an easy first step towards your new chapter.

What is “Rightsizing?”

Rightsizing is different from “downsizing” because instead of being focused on what you’re getting rid of, it focuses on what you gain by decluttering. I work with people who are ready to let go of the things that are no longer serving them so they can create more space for what they DO want to keep and bring into their future.

Rightsizing is a way to prioritize your current wants and needs, stepping into a new chapter with the things and people you love the most. It’s about creating a balance between functionality and aesthetics.

My Role as a Professional Organizer

As a professional organizer in central PA, my goal is to understand your unique wants and needs so we can figure out what is “right” for you. “Rightsizing” doesn’t have one definition. If fashion’s important to you, you may have a walk-in closet stuffed to the brim, while someone else may only fill a small dresser with basic clothing pieces.

When I help my clients rightsize, I ask specific questions like:

• Do you still have a need for a formal sitting room?

• Do you need space for young grandchildren to play when they visit?

• Can your guest room get a makeover to also function as a home office or craft room?

Moving adds a unique dimension to this process.

Photo Credit: Shannon King

When helping my clients move, I consider the constraints and opportunities in their new space, while also making sure to prioritize their wants. If you’re moving into a smaller home, you have the opportunity to decide what is truly important to you, whether that’s decluttering decorations that don’t represent you anymore, or selling large furniture that better fit your previous stage of life.

Small spaces help us refocus and reevaluate.

There’s no one “right” way to go about this– there’s only the way that feels aligned with your wants and needs, and it’s my job to make that process easier.

Fill in the contact form on this page to ask about rightsizing before a move.

How to Declutter and Destress Before Moving

It often feels good to simply make a decision, rather than putting things off because you're worried about making the “right” choice. It’s okay to make one choice at a time and slowly build your decluttering confidence.

Ask yourself what you’re willing to start with, and begin there. Moving becomes less stressful when we accept our current state and get excited about how the process can lead to a more comfortable life long-term.

Because of that, I recommend trying to make the rightsizing process feel as comfortable as possible. Put on clothing that you’re prepared to be moving around in (I like yoga pants), grab a water bottle, and turn on a playlist that will help you keep going. It may be helpful to remind yourself of what’s important to you in this journey.

Ask yourself:

• Why am I moving in the first place? Maybe you are finally ready to prioritize yourself or your family, or maybe you’re taking care of your financial needs.

• How do I want to feel in my new home? How does clutter make me feel?

• What do I actually want to bring with me into my future? What do I want to let go?

TIP: As you work, set up stations to donate, sell, trash, and pack. Having the proper stations will help those items actually make it to their destinations instead of staying in piles in your home.

Photo Credit: Shelah Riley Photography

Obstacles to Rightsizing

Remember: decluttering and rightsizing are about what you choose to take with you into your future.

If you encounter an item that you don’t want to bring to your new home, but are afraid to throw it away (or donate or sell it), here are my recommended steps for how you can respond:

1. Take a deep breath to recenter yourself and ask yourself,"How does this item make me feel?"

2. Remind yourself of your ideal vision for your new space.

3. Make the choice that aligns with that vision.

4. Take another deep breath. How do you feel?

Your “Right” Home

At the end of the day, your home is uniquely yours.

As professional organizer Marie Kondo says in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, if you focus on keeping what “sparks joy” in your life, you won’t have to worry about having too much or not enough.

Appreciating each item you choose to bring with you in your new chapter, will give you th peace you need in this transition!

Still confused about where to start? Here are some next steps for you:

1. Contact me about an upcoming move or a room in your home that you’re struggling with, and we can strategize together.

2. Download my downsizing workbook or moving checklist by letting me know your preferred email address, and I will send you the link! (You can also get monthly organizing tips sent to your inbox, but feel free to unsubscribe at any time). You'll be able to view my collection of 10+ free downloadable PDF decluttering and organizing workbooks that you can use to get started on any organizing project you have in your house.

3. Ask me a question you still have about rightsizing and if it could be “right” for you!

I look forward to helping you feel more comfortable and confident in your space!