"Smart-Sizing Tips"

Tips and tricks to help ease the process of moving into a smaller home

Prioritize - Write a list of your most valuable and high-quality items that you can't live without to identify what to keep and what to let go of.

Get a Second Opinion - Have someone else provide an objective opinion to help make the final decision on items you may or may not need.

Sell or Donate - Work with auction houses, dealers and consignment shops to identify what can be sold, and donate other items to charities.

Speak with Family - You may have items that are of value to your family that can be passed down to future generations.

Plan your Space Ahead of Time - Use rooms of similar size in your existing home or a floorplan to visualize how your pieces will fit into your new space.

Find New uses for Favoured Items - For pieces you just can't part with, see if you can find a new or addiitional way to use it in your new home.

Give Yourself Lots of Time - The more time you have to organize and edit before you move, the less overwhelming the process will be.

The Mississauga News - Friday, February 6, 2009