Whether you want to stay in the home you've owned for years or not, sometimes it's no longer functional. Downsizing to a smaller home may be the practical choice for you and your family. Here are five suggestions on how to properly plan downsizing.

1. PRIORITIZE

When planning a downsize move, organizations is a key component. The best way to organize is prioritize.

2. IDENTIFY

Start with identifying the SIX items you must have with you in your new home. These SIX items should have major points in common:

• You LOVE the item

• It is functional

• It is safe and durable

3. ORGANIZE

Next, plan your space - without clutter! You have made the decision to downsize, and in the back of your mind you are saying, 'this is the time to eliminate clutter'. Consider having assistance when you are organizing the clutter. It often helps to have a neutral person as a "sounding board" or facilitator. Develop a plan for discarding the items that you no longer need.

• Give to a family member, a relative or a close friend

• Have an Estate Sale

• Donate - One person's "trash" is another person's treasure

• Discard - Can it be recycled somewhere or is it really trash?

4. DIAGRAM

Obtain accurate measurements of your new home. Measure your furniture and prepare a diagram. It is much easier to move furniture on paper than from point to point at the time you are paying a mover!

Remember to allow 36" of walking space between furniture items for your friends who might us a walker or wheelchair. When you think you have the plan in place, use painter's masking tape and put it on the floor. Be aware that tape and paper are not 3-dimensional!

5. FLEXIBILITY

• Is your plan for your new home what you want it to be?

• Do you need assistance with space planning?

• Do you need to change some existing furniture for a newer item?

• Do you need to have repairs made to your furniture selections?

• Do you need to give away or throw away clutter?