HOW TO GET STARTED DOWNSIZING FOR YOUR TINY HOUSE

[@victoriapalmer5146]

You can look at it another way go to a cupboard or closet that needs to be cleaned out and say to yourself what items in this space do I want to grab and keep instead of saying what am I going to donate the process will go quicker when you grab only the items that you love or absolutely need instead of saying what do I need to donate. Another example you would like to keep some knickknacks for your new space say to yourself I will only keep what I love and only what will fit in this one tote for knick knacks whatever doesn't fit in that tote has to be donated. Sometimes you might have second thoughts or regret getting rid of something but in the end you will enjoy the nice clean space and having only the things you really love and need instead of all the extra clutter

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi Victoria, I love your suggestions! ❤️🙏🏼

[@rondagipson2184]

I love this suggestion! Going to be starting this journey myself!

[@wendajones9040]

I’m not interested in tiny houses but I love your videos! You are inspiring!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Awwww, thank you! ☺️

[@LAppleDumpling]

Thank you for the time to explain nicely so calmly. Now I know if it tugs my heart put it in a rubber maid. And just start

[@nataliewilliams3519]

The most important thing is to not bring in stuff after you have purged old stuff. We live in a consumerist society, they want you to constantly buy new things, resist! This is for everyone, not just those who live in tiny houses. Think of all the hard work you have done decluttering, don't undo your hard work. You'll save money, by not buying random stuff, so spend your hard earned cash on good quality things that will last and you will use multiple times 😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Agreed! 😊

[@justmaria5806]

I think there is one very important lesson to learn in the decluttering change of attitude and purge of actual possessions. You are not your possessions. You are not the designer labels, furnishings, and items collected or acquired over a lifetime. The number and quality of the items around you are not the indicators of who you are or the life you might have lived in the past. They are just things. Possibly they were important to you in the past, but are probably not in any way a reflection of who you are now, nor are they a reflection of who you intend and want to be in the future. They served their purpose in the past; but remember, this is now. Why lug and drag forward something that will play absolutely no place in your future? Go live that new fresh live without the tentacles of things from a past that, in hindsight, might not have been the best for you.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Very well said!

[@bettyjopeters6569]

Happy Easter to all! We started in a camper for 6 years, then moved to the house. Now I'm considering downsizing again to a tiny. I've started off room by room. Like my bedroom i removed everything out of the room and then slowly added only the things I use in the bedroom. Definitely has helped.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you! 🙏🏼😊

[@portfolioFS]

What a timely video, guess what undertaking today?! Last year I did an initial purge and discovered a very helpful strategy. We placed everything on our front lawn, took several pictures and posted them to our local reduce-reuse-recycle Facebook group. I also posted the times stuff would be on the lawn e.g. 10am to sunset. It was surprisingly effective, almost everything was gone in one weekend. One additional benefit is that my husband, who is very attached to his possessions, got to see the things we hardly-ever/never used make other folks happy. Thanks for sharing your insights with us, so very helpful.

[@g.d.wyckoff-bunton876]

I liked the last comment, pick out or up only the things you want, and have a space for in your new tiny. Then easier to let the rest go away.

[@carolynmeadows4538]

I need to listen to this everyday. I have a lot of 18th and 19th century antiques and I have no way to sell them. Taking them to thrift shops is hard.

[@ajvintage9579]

I did a huge downsizing last summer, including antiques. I gave the antiques to a friend who has an antiques store. Donating more valuable pieces to an antiques dealer might work for you.

[@bonniekerr6890]

You might consider finding an antique store that will either buy the pieces or will sell them on consignment. Good Luck😁

[@marijanel9639]

Ahhhh...memories! I downsized from 4000 sq ft to 1100 when we sold our big home and moved into a condo. Oh boy...that was tough, but you feel so damn free when it's over. I tried to remind myself that the memories still existed in my heart and mind, but life is measured in experiences and in the people you love, not in the stuff you accumulate.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Exactly 🙏🏼😊

[@catherinebullock9748]

Good advice, it’s a process. Took me 5 years to go from a 5000 sq ft home of 35 years to 1700 sq ft beautiful condo. I’m so happy to have this part of my life complete and have the space to enjoy my new life experiences.

[@mariemiller8740]

I downsized two years ago and I'm still not there yet 🙄

[@SuperRiverQueen]

I watched this video as I was cleaning out my closet...really made it pleasant. Thanks again❣️💁🏻‍♀️

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

🙏🏼😊

[@too-da-loo]

We are finding getting rid of stuff to be the biggest pain in the butt part of downsizing. Even given stuff away for free is a pain dealing with people.. and listing on market place, I must get 20 "Is this still available" messages followed up by nothing. We have ended up throwing some stuff away, lots go to goodwill.. but I wish it was easier to give good items away.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Helpful video as I plan for move from townhome to van. I spent a small fortune on new furniture for the 1st time in 50 yrs. as I was going to live there till retirement and have things I love around me. I want the nice furniture there when showing the place for sale so it will likely be a short window to close like yours. Current plan is to declutter as much as possible prior to putting home on the market. Many projects will arise like scanning files or typing up recipes etc. but I don't have a fixed timeline yet. Without the drop dead date, decluttering is like peeling an onion so far; one layer at a time. All at once would require more radical letting go. Look forward to the freedom and future travel on the road.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you. Sounds like a big adventure awaits ☺️.

[@homebase967]

Great video!! I can't believe you made 2 videos today,!! God job!!!

[@tinacolecampbell]

I’m dreaming of one day joining the tiny living community. I love yours videos. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@tracyvetter7468]

Happy Easter. You always seems so genuine, sweet and always a wealth of knowledge, love your videos see you next time.

[@marshaharwood8883]

Always great suggestions and encouragement 😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@jbellbird9050]

Having downsized from 1700 sq ft to a small 970 sq ft townhouse 5 years ago, your advice made sense. We didn't get rid of enough possessions so am currently on my second purge/decluttering. I agree that it's better to be ruthless about letting go of items and I don't miss the stuff that has gone.

[@alissonvonderlane862]

Very sound advice! 💚 It's how I'm doing it, 1 space at a time! 😊

[@tomhudson3523]

Thank you. Your advice will help me through the tuff decisions hope you are having a great time in your smaller home 👍

[@Jean-xh2sj]

Thank you for giving me practical advice on decluttering. I am having a difficult time purging. Little by little.

[@susananderson1071]

Thanks, great information. Happy Easter everyone

[@kathycoorens9472]

Perfect motivation as I continue to purge 5700 sq ft to move onto our boat. Was exhausted and nearly paralyzed with the photos. Perfect advice to out in a bin and deal with later! Love your videos - thank you!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Kathy 😊

[@perpetualmotion8090]

Thank you for the very useful tips!

[@vickiniazi8280]

Happy Easter and thanks for the information

[@lauraleecreations3217]

I so need this video!

[@Sunshine-qk1cs]

Happy Easter 🐣 🐰 🙏

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Happy Easter to you too 😊🙏🏼

[@juliedavenport3611]

Great and timely topic! Thank you for walking us through the brutal basics of how to get this done. 👍😊 You confirmed some of my theories of how to work smarter.

[@kariwick-InnerPeaceCoaching]

Good advice/strategy! I was able to sell my furniture on facebook marketplace with minimal hassle🙃 And was happy to donate anything that I could fit in my smallish car to my local humane society’s thrift store - since I adopted 1 of my dogs from there. Kari

[@ip477]

Thank you

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

😊❤️

[@DazzleDust32]

"cat-egories"- Sophie's tail swooshes into view! 😂 Hi Adelina and Sophie, I hope you are well. I am not downsizing but this advice is still really useful for general thinning out of stuff. I have managed to pass on lots of stuff over the past couple of years, but still have lots to do. I miss NOTHING I got rid of, including a spiraliser I was convinced I would use again. It was such a hassle to clean the blades that I just wasn't prepared to give it time and space in my home. Have a great day. x ps. Thanks for acknowledging the childfree by choice and childless in your comment about sentimental items.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi! Thanks for sharing 😊🙏🏼

[@bonniehare2372]

You are a very good communicator. Very helpful.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thank you.

[@susantodd6963]

Great advice! Very inspiring! I find one of the hardest parts of purging is letting go of those "potentials", things you might need someday, projects you had planned, or a box of pictures that will never go in an album. But once you decide to let go, the sense of freedom and relief is huge! And it opens up great new energy.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Yes, exactly 😊❤️

[@marideathydeelz5334]

You are better than a Ted Talk. I like seeing your facial expressions as you help us decide what to do with our things, as evidenced by your own research and actually doing it. You are a great example.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@rabbitslippers]

Oh my gosh this was a fantastic video! Thank you so much for sharing it! This is great advice not only for people moving into a tiny or smaller home… But it’s also great advice for those who live in bigger homes and just want to dejunk! One thing that I had to do was remind myself that when I die… None of the stuff in my house is going to matter. Not the sentimental stuff, not the collectibles, none of it! The important thing in my life is memories and experiences. I let my kids have whatever they want it first, then I sold whatever larger items that would bring the most money either on eBay Or Market Place… And then the rest went into a yard sale. So refreshing!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Tina ☺️

[@karenfisher5274]

Happy Easter to you! Thank you for making this video and sharing your experience. 👍🏻

[@peggyl]

Hi...like your videos. I have been downsizing. I am using a consignment store for my nicer things.

[@berniemaclean9486]

Came to your channel for the tiny house tour and got hooked on your personality. I now do not rush to watch your most recent post but wait until I can sit down with a cup of coffee and watch, it’s both relaxing and informative. Keep up the great work and enjoy your spring and summer .

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks so much Bernie 🙏🏼😊

[@ruthtorphy2204]

Happy Easter. Trying to get rid of contents of my mother in laws condo. It sure is stressful, no dumpsters allowed makes it so much worse. Like you said ,the sh.. has to go .

[@Kiki-wi7px]

If the Thing's are Worth Donating . . . Call Them and They will Pick Up the Unwanted Item's.(Charities or Organization's) Good Luck.

[@joansmith2974]

Your videos continue to inspire me in my research into how to make living tiny work for me, and motivate me to start the process. Thank you!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

I’m glad Joan. I look forward to hearing about your journey too!

[@suejohnson3972]

Happy Easter Adelina🐰

[@user-he9cg6xb9o]

That was very helpful...in case you were not sure. In fact to me, it has been one of the best topics so far of your videos. Because I need that myself!

[@kimr4005]

Excellent advice! I am in 180 sq foot house. I still have stuff in shed and storage that I need to purge

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Wow! You’re in a much smaller space than I am. 😊

[@maryannecarvale1480]

Happy Easter ,in today’s video I heard every word you said .Really enjoy your videos.

[@iamjane9628]

Great tips. Happy Easter, Adelina !

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks. Happy Easter to you too 😊🙏🏼

[@HaywoodHomestead]

Great video! Will follow these tips as we are getting close to preparing our home to sell. 👍

[@novamccoy7992]

Great advice. I am getting ready to downsize and I know I am going to have a hard time letting go.🤍

[@sherylclements2846]

Happy Easter! I got a lot out of your ideas. Thank you!! Am alone in a 1600 sq ft mobile and want to downsize to about 600 sq ft or so. Am going to a home show with tiny homes in Scottsdale, AZ at the end of the month and really want to experience what a tiny feels like in person. Maybe I can go that small but do have 2 senior small dogs. I’ve purged things every year for 3 years now, but know there’s still stuff I’m hanging on to that won’t ever use or wear. It takes determination for sure.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi Sheryl. Have fun at the home show. I’d love to know if you see a tiny house and what you think ☺️.

[@leeannmurray4169]

Love this, one thing I did when I moved is...shopped in the house I was selling, so I looked and picked items that I knew I loved or that I would want if I was shopping for things now...so to me it’s easier to start with the things you know you want to keep instead of what you want to get rid of. I like your idea of boxing up sentimental items to go through later. When I was moving I spent too much time reminiscing, taking pictures of letters, texting family. All of that was nice but it wasn’t the right time as I didn’t have long to pack. Please excuse my run on, lazy grammar. Haha

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Absolutely agree 😊

[@debrakrause8893]

Great advice! I always look forward to your videos and enjoy them. ( love your cooking videos!)

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks so much 😊

[@davidfb]

Thanks! Taking photos of mementos, etc was a big one here when I downsized for grad school. I got a sheet-feed scanner to scan all my old photos and documents too. Going digital brought a dozen boxes + decor into a very small space + a backup and made them searchable. The memories were still there but not taking up physical space. My home became what was important now. Big joiob but a real lightening. Good advice. I found I'd saturate on decision making sometimes. Then it was time for a break. Moving to another area sometimes worked. Now, I do a spring clean-out periodically to keep things light and reduce clutter.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks David. It’s important to take breaks because it can really be overwhelming 😊

[@luciagonzalez4899]

My downsizing journey started 10 years ago when we sold the home where we raised our kids, 5000 sq ft!!!! we went to a 1400 sq ft condo and most of my stuff went to storage. Gradually I gave away stuff, sold stuff, and now we live in a 900 sq ft apt and I am still purging!!! I think that I still have too much stuff!!! Once you live more minimally, it becomes so freeing that material things just weigh you down!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

So true 😊

[@Kiki-wi7px]

AMEN ! ! ! 👍 GOOD FOR YOU.

[@daisiesandsunflowers5587]

This was very helpful! Thank you from Ontario 🙂

[@janfurr9312]

Happy Easter to you! I started decluttering in my kitchen this winter. I couldn't believe all the stuff that I had that I never use. I was able to give it to my hairstylist's daughter as she is going through a divorce. The cool thing is I'm getting some free cuts and colors for a couple of months. Now I'm stalled as what to conquer next hmmm... Thanks for all your wonderful tips.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you! 😊

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Vintage dining set was surely hard to get rid of but an obvious choice. Anything that is being saved to hand down to the children, should go to the children (now) even if they say they don't have the room. It is for them and they have to deal with finding room.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Yes, I totally agree.

[@janhaydon1505]

I love that Sophie is always by your side while you chat to us from the sofa. Great video just what I need to hear right now as I'm contemplating a decluttering session. I'm by no means a hoarder but it's amazing how much clutter it's possible to accumulate over time.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Jan 😊

[@chasingthemoonrv]

Happy Easter! 🌷🐰 When my sister downsized from a large house to a 1 bedroom apartment she had hundreds of books, which I went through, rather ruthlessly. I think there may be one or two she wishes she still had but generally she was thrilled to be unburdened. I hope she does the same for me when I begin full time van life...I’m going to need all the help I can get!

[@Kiki-wi7px]

Nowadays you Can Get the Book's On Kindle or Rent Them FREE at the Library, as well as Movie's.

[@cheriea.6195]

Great Video, thanks Adelina, some really good tips there. Hope you and Sophie had a lovely Easter.

[@MGSpecial2023]

Very helpful advice! Happy Easter from Jamaica!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Same to you!

[@mavahuth5044]

You always good advice. When downsizing, you got to start somewhere. So somebody can try some of your ideas. Readjust as needed. The one idea I liked was put things in a bin and deal with it later. That was you don't feel like you have to get rid everything. Do the easy stuff first. I hope you had a good Easter,. and the easter bunny 🐇. Didn't leave to much at your house. That you can't fit it in your tiny house.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi Mava😊. The ‘Easter Bunny’ leaves chocolate which only takes up room in my tummy 😁.

[@mavahuth5044]

@@myBIGtinyhouselife I am glad the Easter Bunny left you just enough chocolate.

[@AuntiCapu]

Yes, this video was beyond helpful! We're not moving; however, I plan on retiring soon, so I want to get I'd of shit, as you say! Therefore, I'm going to give myself that length of time to get rid of that shit, room-by-room! Thanks again for the inspiration!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Good for you!

[@heathermc5557]

Very very good straight forward advice and from the heart! I needed to hear that about the sentimental items and grown kiddo stuff! Just downsized but want to do a much further pare down. Sooo hard these last few 10 boxes of old pictures passed down to me that I have no idea of family I don’t recognize. My girls don’t have any interest either. Hard to keep things I know that will be a burden on them someday! Would be nice to keep everything fresh for myself. Thanks again for sharing!

[@karlinebohne789]

Hi! I love your channel ! How long did you keep old financial documents for ?

[@barbaraallen3054]

This is so timely for me. Want to sell and downsize but feeling daunted by the amount of "stuff" I have . Also living in a house too big and would love a tiny home ..Thanks for your suggestions and that of others who have commented here.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Best of luck!

[@joycesmith53]

Yes very helpful thank you

[@anngray398]

It was very helpful❤🇨🇦

[@rhondapowell2029]

I loved this video, because I want to get rid of things and you inspired me! I have enough room to keep all my things, but as you said it will feel good once it’s done. I’m starting in my bedroom tomorrow! Happy Easter and God Bless you Adelena,🐣👍

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Rhonda. Good luck 😊.

[@anneparisi5677]

Happy Easter 🐣

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks. Happy Easter to you too 😊

[@mariadavis2685]

Great video 😎 I have been trying to start down sizing and it’s so hard especially with the emotional items. Have a wonderful week, see you Wednesday 🥗✌🏻

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks Maria ❤️

[@12Gaile]

Happy Easter Adalina 🐰🐇🌹♥️

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Happy Easter to you too 😊

[@nikkiep23]

Hi Adelina! Great tips as always. I will probably give away and donate most things because l do it anyway. I'm not attached to "stuff". I don't like clutter and l dont like people haggling with me on things so l usually dont list them online.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

That's a great idea!

[@maryhiebert4918]

I found this session super helpful. About 2 years ago I downsized to a little less than half the space. If I ever retire completely a LOT of paper will disappear, but it keeps finding a space in my "what if" box. Happy Easter

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks, you too 😊

[@melizabeth908]

Happy Easter! I think about downsizing all the time which is how I found your channel. We have started the process by getting our house ready to sell in a few years. Room by room.... 2 of the kids rooms are gutted, painted, caulked where needed, and put back together. I keep a laundry basket in my hall to toss in random items, once it’s filled out it goes. I sure wouldn’t want to do this in 45 days!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

The laundry basket idea is genius 🙏🏼😊

[@carolmadge4012]

thank you, I have started!

[@timphillips4072]

great video keep up the good work

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Thanks 😊

[@asaldanapr]

Your video today was as if it was directed at me. I did manage to downsize five years ago from a a large house to a two bedroom small house but I know I kept way too many things. Now I’m seventy one and know I need to start getting rid of so many things that I still have if I ever move to an even smaller place be it a one bedroom or a tiny house or whatever. Just the thought of it paralyzes me as I’m so very sentimental about everything. A couple of years ago I lost a lot of weight and knew I had to give all the old clothes away, well they stayed in my car for a whole year before my husband had to take them to the Goodwill himself. What you say about a friend coming to help, in my case it was my daughter who is a minimalist and never gets attached to anything who had to come and help me get rid of things!

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Hi, yes it’s totally overwhelming at times. I’m glad you have someone to help. We need someone to remind us that we can still have the important memories even when we no longer have the things. Good luck 🙏🏼😊

[@janbrassard7857]

Doing some reflections of my life and would sure like to know more about living an intentional life.

[@homebase967]

Thankyou!🌺

[@desigeekchishi]

There is always something to learn in all of your videos. But the word Downsize reminds me of the movie somehow lol Agreed big items likr vehicles which good sentimental value you can't keep them but a pik or a small Tony part of it I might keep.

[@janetfry5412]

looking to downsize at the moment thanks so the advice

[@DG20556]

Great video!

[@madelinevegas8123]

For me it’s easy to get rid of materialistic items

[@brigittecrawley1872]

Loved this video. I have been downsizing for several years but still have so much stuff. I find I work best under pressure as well so if my house sells and I had 45 days to get rid of stuff that would be my true motivation. I have asked my kids over and over if there is anything they would like and they say no but I know when I am no longer here they may regret that decision so I find it most difficult to throw away those type of things that they may remember from their childhood. I decided to go through all the photos of my kids and grandkids and give them their photos for the future generations and keep the ones that are precious to me. It is very difficult to do this especially since I had to do this for my mom when she passed and I do not shan’t to put my children through that. Thanks for the tips! Love ❤️ your Chanel.

[@malcolmsheeley2224]

I do not have any friends to ask for advice OR go to my paster, Science and Health with Key to the Scripture written by Mary Baker Eddy and the Holy Bible, King James Version. My Dad is in the hospital, my brother and his family do their own thing. Have a Happy Easter and as Bill and Ted would say "Party On Dude".lol

[@kathleenbartle9391]

Helpful

[@lindakurtz2653]

Use black bags so you can’t see what’s inside.

[@annettepuskarich1]

Everyone should do what they do based on their comfort level but I don't agree that females or single females should be fearful. I am a single female in my 60's that has had garage sales, sold online (e.g., CL, newspaper classified ads, Marketplace, Offer Up, NextDoor), given stuff away online (e.g., CL, Buy Nothing, Trash Nothing, NextDoor, Offer Up) my entire life (and still do) and never had an issue or was in any danger. Women should not be made to be/feel afraid- that is a disservice to women! There are smart, common sense ways to conduct yourself. Projecting that line of thinking onto women is outdated. I couldn't get past that in your video and stopped watching.

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

Well Annette I am truly happy that you’ve never felt unsafe. Unfortunately I have. More than once. And I know many women who have also had scary experiences. I don’t think pretending that there is no risk is responsible. Nor is it my experience which is all I can speak to in my videos.

[@angelasagenda]

I’m ha I got trouble hearing you clearly, you sound distant even on full volume

[@mavahuth5044]

I forget to add you should think of safety to as you are getting rid of whatever.

[@Kiki-wi7px]

She Talked About THAT In Her Video.

[@mavahuth5044]

@@Kiki-wi7px I meant to say that it was a good idea that she said it. The safety part.

[@alissonvonderlane862]

Very sound advice! 💚 It's how I'm doing it, 1 space at a time! 😊

[@myBIGtinyhouselife]

So true!