When faced with a 5-bedroom house and a downsize, it can be challenging and daunting to know where to start with decluttering. Most of my clients going from that size house (or bigger) are going to a large 2- or 3-bedroom flat, so there is a big shift.
There are often conversations that include ‘well I can’t get rid of that because XYZ gave it to me’ or ‘the children might want that’.
Your downsize is your move and therefore your choice what to take. But how do you decide? So there are two questions to ask. The first: if you had to go into a care home, and live only in one room, what would you take? I am much more objective than most because I do this all the time, but I know in my head what those things would be. Of course, in a 2-bedroom flat you are still cooking and possibly entertaining, and going out more into the bigger world, so you will want the possessions that enable you to do that too.
The second question: if there was a fire, what would you try and save (obviously we recommend getting out of the building first – but if you had time). There will be a crossover, but it will help you decide.
If you have things that you want to leave for your legacy, maybe downsizing is the time to ask family members to take possession of those things so you are freeing up space.
Once you know the answers to these questions, if you are not planning to downsize yet (or ever) it could be wise to give a list to your family / attorneys (for LPA*) so that if something happens and you lose capacity, they can ensure you have the right things with you.
*Lasting Power of Attorney