7 Easy Steps to Downsize This Month

Sometimes you know you're moving to a smaller space in several months, or even next year, and you can plan for that date and take more time on each of these steps. But life isn't always ideal, and we don't always have a choice. So if you've only got a few weeks to decide what you want and need so you can move on (or even if you simply want a fresh start in your current home), here's your cheat sheet. The 7 steps 1. Assess. Professional organizer Katherine Lawrence suggests you begin this process by analyzing your space and gathering your resources. After a complete walk-through, including basements, attics, sheds, and the garage, ask yourself the following questions: Are there large collections or antiques that need special handling? Are there cabinets, drawers, or boxes filled with papers and photos that will be tedious to sort? What are the categories (such as kitchen items, linens, and clothing) that will be easy to donate? You will need trash bags, moving bo...