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    5 Tips for Downsizing and Decluttering

    We've all seen or heard about Marie Kondo's KonMarie method about tidying up and decluttering your home (unless you've...

    • Stewart Woodward
    • February 22nd, 2019
    • 3 min read

     

     

    We've all seen or heard about Marie Kondo's KonMarie method about tidying up and decluttering your home (unless you've been living under a rock). Spark a new joy in your life by clearing out the clutter to prepare for downsizing!

     1. Hone in on the benefits 

    When you begin the process of decluttering and downsizing, you should constantly remind yourself of the freedom this will actually bring you. You won’t have an excess in physical things weighing you down or taking up valuable space - both in your home and mentally in your mind. 

    Don't focus on what you're losing. Look at what you're gaining. Downsizing can equal a lower mortgage or rent per month, freeing up your budget for things like traveling and other experiences.

     2. Focus on your needs, not wants 

    This is a tough one but when deciding to downsize, you need to focus on the things that are absolutely essential.

    Follow the one year rule. If you haven’t used something in over a year, chances are you’re not going to use it this year either.

    Begin by sorting your items by category, not location. Go through clothing, appliances, shoes, books and then focus on sentimental items last.

     3. Does it spark joy? 

    Marie Kondo’s catchphrase is “does it spark joy?” The idea behind this concept is that if an item doesn’t bring you joy, you shouldn’t hold on to it. 

    Focus on the easy items to get rid of first and then work your way up to the items you’ve been hoarding. While our possessions can act as an extension of ourselves, sometimes we hold on to items we haven’t used in years leading to clutter. 

    4. Utilize Creative Yet Effective Storage Options

    Challenge your creativity with different storage configurations in order to maximize your living space. Think hide-away bins underneath your bed (if it’s too low, considering buying risers!), storage benches in entryways, closet shelves, and shoe racks, and storage ottomans.  

    5. Everything should have its place

    “Everyone has a place in their house for forks. If you found a random fork in the bathroom or under the couch, you’d immediately know it didn’t belong there and would return it to its drawer without another thought. Everything in your life should be this easy to put away. If an item occupies no specific location when not in use, it becomes clutter.” 

    - Steve McClatchy, author of Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress, and Lead By Example

    Are you considering downsizing 

    your Home?

     Our team can help you take that next step. 

    Schedule a Call

    Author Photo
    About the author

    Stewart Woodward

    781-647-1552
    I believe real estate is about more than just transactions—it's about helping people find their place in the world while building community. After 40+ years as an entrepreneur, including running a successful commercial photography business based in Waltham for two decades, I've brought my eye for detail and passion for service to the real estate industry. My background in visual arts gives me a unique perspective on showcasing properties, while my experience as a business owner taught me the value of meticulous precision and unwavering client advocacy. With my Metro West Home Team brand, I provide personalized, one-on-one service to every client. My approach combines savvy negotiation skills with local knowledge and a customer-first philosophy. My track record speaks for itself—in recent years, my seller clients' properties have sold for an average of 98.58% of original listing price, typically with offers accepted within 12 days. But what truly matters to me is guiding clients through what can often be an overwhelming process with flexibility, creativity, and personal warmth. Before joining REAL Broker, I managed my own boutique real estate brokerage, Central Square Realty Group, in downtown Waltham for four years. This entrepreneurial experience deepened my understanding of the local market and allowed me to develop a hands-on approach to real estate that continues to benefit my clients today. I'm proud to now be part of REAL Broker, a publicly-traded, technology-powered brokerage operating throughout the U.S. and Canada. Their innovative platform and agent-centric approach perfectly align with my commitment to excellent client service and their motto: "Work Hard, Be Kind." I'm a licensed Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts, a member of both the Massachusetts and National Associations of Realtors, and hold Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) and Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certifications. With over 90 clients served and more than $39 million in sales volume over my 12+ years in real estate, I've developed the expertise to handle any situation—but I've never lost sight of the human element that makes this profession so rewarding. Beyond my professional life, I remain deeply connected to my community. I'm active in the Rotary Club, where I served as president and currently serve as treasurer of the Waltham Club. I also participate in the Chambers of Commerce across Waltham, Watertown, and Newton. My civic engagement includes serving as a trustee of historic Gore Place, where I lead the Buildings and Grounds committee and contribute as an active member of the development committee. I'm also proud to serve on the City of Waltham's Affordable Housing committee, working to ensure our community remains accessible for all residents. I believe in giving back to the community that has supported me. Both personally and through my Metro West HOME Team business, I actively support important local non-profits. We've been a Community Partner of Gore Place for many years, helping to preserve this historic landmark through ongoing sponsorship. With my background in the arts, I'm also passionate about supporting local creativity. Each November, my business and I sponsor the Waltham Mills Artist Association's annual open studios event, creating opportunities for visitors to experience art being created firsthand and to connect directly with talented local artists.

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