Space at a premium

The reasons for moving to a smaller home as you get older are many -- to save money, for health or to live in a better climate. As many as one in five people over 55 are planning to downsize in the next five years, according to a study from New York-based Key Retirement Solutions. One problem, though, comes in deciding what to do with all of your stuff. “It can be a very emotional journey,” said Jane Roberts, of Carolina Move Managers. Her business is a part of the growing industry of senior move management that helps people with floor planning, packing and unpacking, and setting up their new home. Here are four tips.

1. Have a plan

“One of the first things people need to know is where they are going,” Roberts said. When you decide to downsize, knowing what kind of space you’ll be living in is important when it comes to knowing what you’re able to take, and what you’ll have to eliminate. In addition to logistics, this is true in terms of style, said Andrew Keller, owner of The Ivy Cottage consignment shop in Wilmington. He sees people move to this area with all of their furniture, and then decide they want to change to a coastal look.

2. Adjust your expectations

Often people have ideas about their belongings that aren’t always realistic, Roberts said. When it comes to spatial planning, for example, they might not realize that their king-sized bed won’t work in a smaller bedroom. They also expect their children to take what they don’t want. “Their children may be already grown and have a home that’s full,” she said. “It can be a surprise for them. I ask people to think ‘What’s the highest purpose for this item?’” Roberts advises people to keep those pieces that have the most sentimental value.

3. Space is valuable

For other belongings, you must weigh what it means to you against the space it will use. “Space has value,” said Myra Freshwater, of Tranquiliving Professional Organizing in Wilmington. “I encourage people to think about it in that way, as a kind of square footage.” Also consider if an item can add more storage in a smaller home.

4. Take your time

Because winnowing your belongings is emotional, Roberts usually likes to make sure that people have plenty of time to complete the process comfortably. For her, she typically works with clients two to three months before a move. While she can help people make decisions, she said it’s important that they have the final say in what they keep. “We try to work in for just a few hours at a time, so it isn’t too much,” she said.

What to do with your stuff

When it comes to selling, Southeastern North Carolina has a lot of options. “We have a really strong consignment industry here,” Jane Roberts said. “There are so many options, and each has their own specialty.” Andrew Keller said that there is a strong market locally for people who will buy (and love) someone else’s treasures. Check with each shop about its policies regarding what items they accept.

If you’re unable to sell your belongings, both Roberts and Myra Freshwater suggest donating them. “I believe there’s always someone who can use them,” Roberts said.

Here are a few places that accept donations:

Habitat ReStore: Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity has three ReStores (1208 S. Third St., Wilmington, 7330 Market St., Wilmington and 115 W. Fremont St., Burgaw) that will accept items such as furniture, appliances and tools. Details: www.capefearhabitat.org/restore/restore-donate.

Vintage Values: Wilmington’s Domestic Violence Shelter and Services Inc. has three Wilmington resale shops where you can donate household items, clothing and furniture. They are at 609 Castle St., 413 S. College Road and 5226 S. College Road. Details: www.domesticviolence-wilm.org/vintage-values.

The Salvation Army: The organization accepts donations of lightly-worn clothing and other goods to fund programming. It has three area stores: 820 N. Second St., Wilmington, 1411 Floral Parkway, Wilmington and 4566 Long Beach Road, Southport. Details: 910-762-6611.

How to downsize

1. Start small. Take 15 minutes – set a timer – and organize one drawer, cabinet or closet shelf.

2. Start easy. Begin by letting go of those items with no emotional attachment.

3. Ask for help. From a professional or a friend.

4. Pack for the destination. When moving, pack according to the space you are moving to, not the space you are moving from.

5. Live in the now. Celebrate your new style, in decor and clothing, and get rid of what doesn't work today.

6. Overcome fear of letting go. It's hard to say what you may or may not need in the future. Seek out help from a therapist if this is especially difficult.

7. Ditch perfection. Because there is no perfect and thinking there is can only add pressure to the task. Decisions are simply about moving forward.