By Margaret Semezko
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

So you’re thinking about moving to that new home where you intend to enjoy your retirement years. For  most people, their new living quarters will be significantly smaller than their house, which means they will need to downsize and simplify before they move.

To help make this transition less stressful, consider these tips:

Start small. Sorting through a lifetime of possessions can be overwhelming; however, if you keep the project on a small scale—one closet, one drawer, one cabinet at a time—you turn the task into a manageable project.

Bring functional items; leave the rest. Begin by planning for your new lifestyle and not thinking about the old one. Bring only what you need. When moving to a smaller space, every item kept should have a function and a specific purpose. So let go of all those pots and pans, three extra sets of china, and that collection of beer mugs you never used.

Label it. As you make a decision about each item, color code it with colored labels: green for save, blue for donation, yellow for family members. This will help you stay organized and focused as you move through your belongings.

Find homes for the items left behind. It takes time to find homes for all the  items you won’t bring with you. By starting early, you will have time to find just the right home for your belongings. Make a list of all the items you will not be taking, and begin talking with family and friends to see what they may be interested in purchasing or taking off your hands. Begin collecting lists of resources like auction houses, antique stores that buy items, and local charities, most of which will provide you with a receipt for your donation. If you’re working with a moving consultant, like me, we often provide those resources for you, so that’s one less thing you have to worry about.